Tour de Ski Celebrates 20 Years Next Winter – Sweden Wants Change

Next winter marks the 20th anniversary of the Tour de Ski. The future of the event, however, remains uncertain, as many stakeholders seek significant changes, advocating for more exclusive stages in the competition.

Since its inception in the 2006-2007 season, the Tour de Ski has been a staple event for winter sports fans. This year saw all stages hosted in Italy, in contrast to previous editions that featured stages across multiple countries.

Prominent athlete Petter Northug expressed the need for innovation in the tour. He emphasized that while the initial concept offered a variety of competitive formats, the current lineup feels increasingly standard and akin to regular World Cup weekends, lacking the diversity it once had.

Linn Svahn, another athlete sharing similar concerns, pointed out that the original format showcased varied race types, including prologues and sprint events, which made it more exciting.

In response, FIS cross-country chief Michal Lamplot defended the tour's current direction, assuring that plans for exciting new stages—which deviate from traditional formats—are in the pipeline for the 20th anniversary celebration, maintaining that the tour should be distinct from other competitions and rooted in nature.

This discussion comes amidst a backdrop of historical performances in the Tour de Ski and suggests that while the event has stood robustly over the years, the desire for change is echoing loud and clear among its key participants.