Changed course for the upcoming Engadin Skimarathon 2023
Furger, a Frenchman or Cologna? That’s the question this weekend, when it’s time for the Engadin Skimarathon 2023.
The entire Swiss National team has signed up for the Swiss Worldloppet member race, so have many important youth skiers. Also a number of strong French marathon skiers is standing on the starting list. The winners of last year’s edition, Nadja Kälin and Roman Furger will try to defend their title on Sunday. Which won’t be easy, specially for Furger, who is currently affected by a cold. One of his strongest challengers is going to be Dario Cologna. Both have four victories on their records, both could catch up with the unforgettable Bertli Giger, who is the only skier who has won 5 times at the Engadiner. Advantage will be on Furger’s side, as Cologna will ski with head camera and a 2-kg back-pack for the Swiss TV live broadcast. Beda Klee and Jonas Baumann are also two names whom we could see on the podium on Sunday for sure.
After the World Championships, which were not the best performance of Kälin, defending her title at the Engadiner would definitely bring her back self confidence. Her sister Marina Kälin and the winner of the Engadin Frauenlauf (women’s race), Carla Wohler and Anja Weber will be her strongest challengers.
Course and starting time adjusted due to weather
The current snow situation and the high spring temperatures have force the OC to some changes on the course between St. Moritz and Pontresina. For the first time, the race will lead over the St. Moritz Lake, which adds 1.5 km to the overall distance of 43.5 km (usually 42 km). Through the legendary Stazerwald the tracks can’t be groomed as wide as usually. To avoid jams the start waves will have bigger gaps in between.
- 08:15 Elite Women Start
- 08:18 Elite Men Start
- 10:00 28th and final wave Start
Usually, classic track are prepared on the entire race course. This is not easy this year, specially not on the lakes and on the narrow parts in Statzerwald. The organizers can’t guarantee to offer classic tracks on the Silser and Silvaplaner lakes and in the Statzerwald. On the rest of the, classic tracks will be groomed.
