October 07, 2015 – The long distance cross country ski championship Ski Classics has signed up Visma as the new title partner in anticipation of the 2015/2016 season, and becomes Visma Ski Classics! Visma Ski Classics include Birkebeinerrennet, Vasaloppet, Marcialonga, and seven more prestigious and traditional races spread across Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Sweden and Norway.

Celebrating the announcement of Visma Ski Classics © Visma Ski Classics

What sets Visma Ski Classics apart from other championships is the inclusion of amateur skiers lining up next to the pro teams. A total of 25 Pro Teams and 50,000 amateur skiers will be competing in the same races.

The interest in long distance skiing is growing continuously, and many of the races in Europe are fully sold out just a few days after registration opens.

Visma CEO, Øystein Moan, explains the company’s investment in the competition:
– Visma’s growth over the past few years has seen the company expand beyond the Nordics into Latvia, the Netherlands, Romania, Lithuania and Poland.

– We are at a stage where this kind of investment makes sense. We want to extend the reach of our brand beyond our core markets, and with more than 20 million viewers in 70 countries, we believe Visma Ski Classics will play an important role in helping us achieve that, Moan says.

– We already have plans and ideas of how to make the most of the sponsorship. Without going into details, I can say that we will use this opportunity to create positive experiences between our brand and the skiers, the audience and our partners and customers.

A strong partnership

David Nilsson, CEO of Ski Classics, is delighted with the new partnership.
– Ski Classics is very pleased to start this new cooperation with Visma, a fast growing company present in many of the Ski Classics key markets in Europe. Visma Ski Classics has been on a constant rise the last seasons and this new partnership with Visma is an evidence of that we are developing the tour in the right direction.

– The cooperation brings Ski Classics into a new and exciting era, and we look forward a long and positive relationship with Visma! Nilsson says.

A good fit

Øystein Moan explains what attracted Visma to Ski Classics:

– Cross-country as a sport is already highly popular, and growing.
– Many Business people , are also keen amateur skiers. For many, the Ski Classics is the highlight of their season. The results are covered by the biggest financial newspapers and is a hot topic amongst business people.

– For a B2B brand such as Visma, it is a very attractive proposition to become part of this conversation, says Moan.

Common values

– We feel that we have a lot in common with Ski Classics. Cross-country skiing speaks to Visma’s Nordic identity. And, like Visma, Ski Classics is experiencing strong growth. As it becomes an even bigger attraction in the coming years, the name Visma Ski Classics will already be well established.

– We identify with the athletes’ pursuit for continuous improvement – of finding new ways to stay ahead in a competitive environment. And like in business, to be successful requires character, resilience and endurance – but also teamwork and fellowship, notes Moan.

Visma Ski Classics 2015/2016:

– December: The Prologue in Livigno, Italy: 15 km
– December: La Sgambeda in Livigno, Italy : 35 km
– January: Jizerska Bedrichov in Czech Republic: 50 km
– January: La Diagonela  in St Moritz, Switzerland: 65 km
– January: Marcialonga in Trention, Italy: 70 km
– February: König Ludwig Lauf in Bayern, Germany: 50 km
– February: Dobbiaco/Toblach-Cortina in Italy: 50 km
– March: Vasaloppet in Dalarna, Sweden: 90 km
– March: Birken in Lillehammer, Norway: 54 km
– April: Årefjällsloppet in Sweden: 65 km

Facts and figures

– 5.000 – 18.000 starters per race
– A total of 50.000 amateur skiers expected to take part
– Visma Ski Classics is operated by Ski Classics AB owned by Vasaloppet, Birken and W Sportsmedia
– 20 million TV viewers in 70+ countries

www.skiclassics.com