I thought they were too good not to share although as my brother pointed out, stunning scenery and access to a helicopter gave the photographer a lot of help.

It was the Engadine ski marathon (42km), as far as I know it is the biggest race in central Europe with around 11 000 skiers on the start. It's part of the Worldloppet and the FIS marathon cup so people come from everywhere in the world to take part.

Terrain, overall it's downhill and the start is completely flat as it's on a frozen lake. There is a climb at around halfway and three hills at the end which shouldn't be that nasty, but are because everyone is tired by then.

Feel free to PM me if you're thinking of taking part and have any questions.

It was fairly cold at the start (around -8°C as far as I can remember) but sunny and it was very cold when I went out at 6 am to put my skis out. I was fine in my normal racing suit once we got going.

Quote Originally Posted by Skierchickie View Post
I did a 50k race (a tad smaller than yours - under 500 people total for 3 event, and 172 in the 50) last Sunday. The conditions were really fast, so I was able to do it under 3 hours (although, as always, I went too hard on the first lap, and slowed sown significantly on the 2nd). My first 50k race since, I believe, 1995! I usually get a couple of 50s in training every season, but 20-25k has always been a better race distance for me.
Well done! I've not quite managed to break 3 hours for a 50k although maybe I will next season.

We had our last races this weekend too. 30k skating on Saturday which went quite well apart from falling over in front of all of the spectators as I was racing for the finish. Yesterday was 42k classic where the weather was horrible and I was late for the start (how could I be so stupid?). Now we have to wait for the final standings in the ski series to be published and think about getting our bikes out.