12.1.2017

Jizerská 50 reports more half a metre of snow. Only one-fifth of starting numbers still available

The fiftieth edition of the famous cross-country skiing race, a new February date and the Jizera Mountains generously blanketed with snow are the greatest attractions of this year’s legendary ČEZ Jizerské 50, in which seven thousand racers from more than 30 countries participate annually. Registration in the races to be held over the jubilee weekend is available until 31 January 2017 at www.jiz50.cz. At this time, only one-fifth of the starting numbers remain available.

The legendary ČEZ Jizerská 50 cross-country skiing race will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary on a new date, 17-19 February 2017. To mark the occasion, the organisers are preparing numerous new features and an expanded accompanying programme, which will recall not only the fifty-year history of the race, but will also commemorate the 1970 Peru Expedition and the tragic loss of the fifteen mountain climbers in whose honour the race is held every year.

“There will be only one fiftieth fifty, so we are preparing several surprises for the racers and an expanded programme not only for the weekend of the race. “In order to make the racers happy, we have prepared for every participant a starting pack containing a functional cap and a Jizerská 50 calendar, as well as a crystal medal at the finish,” says David Douša of the ČEZ Jizerská 50 organising team. “The weather is favourable. The Jizera Mountains have been fully covered with snow since mid- December. More than 300 kilometres of trails have been prepared and meteorologists’ forecasts are very positive. This will really be the best winter that we’ve had in the Czech Republic in recent years.”

The ČEZ Jizerská 50 is not only about the main 50-kilometre race, as it will also feature other, shorter races throughout the weekend, including classic and freestyle events, while families with children and company teams will enjoy the relay races. The Pojišťovna VZP Mini Jizerská will take place on Friday morning; the Volkswagen Bedřichovská 30 will start one hour after noon, followed by the 1.5-kilometre double-pole sprint in the early evening. Saturday morning is reserved for the Hervis Jizerská 25 and the ČT Jizerská 10, with the afternoon set aside for company relays. The main ČEZ Jizerská 50 race will take place on Sunday, 19 February 2017.

It is possible to register at www.jiz50.cz and at Hervis shops with a 10% discount until 31 January 2017 or until the starting numbers are sold out. At this time, only one-fifth of the numbers remain available.