Galtür Nordic Volumes

Amateur athletes compete with the cross-country stars

Teresa Stadlober at the Cross Country Climb in Galtür.

(Bild: TVB Paznaun-Ischgl/Flo Mitteregger)

In the third edition of the Galtür Nordic Volumes, the entire Austrian cross-country skiing elite will be competing in the beautiful mountain landscape of Paznaun over the next few days. Teresa Stadlober and Mika Vermeulen want to have a say in victory. Local hero Benjamin Moser is the defending sprint champion.

Fantastic trails even in March, a beautiful mountain backdrop and high prize money (7500 euros each for both competitions). The Galtür Nordic Volumes has enjoyed great popularity since 2018. Also among the stars of the local cross-country skiing scene. With Teresa Stadlober and Mika Vermeulen, Austria's figureheads will also be taking on the challenge. The special feature: Amateur athletes can compare themselves directly with the elite!

Start with the sprint
It all starts with the Nordic Sprint on Thursday. After a qualifying round, the fastest 16 men and women will compete in the finals. World Cup sprinter Benjamin Moser will also be aiming to attack again. Last year, the 26-year-old from Maurach took victory. "I hope that I can have a say again. But the competition is strong, there are also some Germans taking part," said the Tyrolean. He is particularly looking forward to his family and friends cheering him on. "The World Cups are often a long way away," he said.

Galtür Nordic Volumes

• THURSDAY, MARCH 21: 5th Galtür Nordic Sprint Race: Qualification from 1.15 pm, finals from 3.00 pm to 6.30 pm
• FRIDAY, MARCH 22: Cross-Country Camp & Kids Race Kids Race qualification from 1.30 pm, finals from 2.30 pm
• SATURDAY, MARCH 23: Galtür Cross Country Climb course hard (26.5 km, 614 m elevation gain) from 8 am, course light (13.3 km, 201 m elevation gain) from 8.15 am

Anticipation among top duo
Vermeulen and Stadlober are top favorites for the Cross Country Climb on Saturday. "After a very successful season, I'm looking forward to competing one last time in this fantastic mountain landscape," said the 24-year-old Styrian, who finished on the World Cup podium for the first time in February. Teresa is already familiar with the climb, where the 30 km national championship titles are also awarded. "The challenging trail and a high-speed descent make cross-country skiers' hearts beat faster," says the Salzburg native.