German Thomas Bing Triumphs in the Jubilee 50th PIASTÓW RACE

The main race of the jubilee 50th edition of the PIASTÓW RACE over a distance of 50 kilometers was decided on Saturday, February 21, at the Jakuszycka Glade. The winner, who was the first to complete the challenging mountain course, was German athlete Thomas Bing. He reached the finish line about two and a half hours after the start, which took place precisely at 8:00 AM. Second place on the podium was taken by Czech skier Václav Sedláček. Polish representatives also featured in the top ranks, with Mateusz Harat being the fastest among them. The PIASTÓW RACE was born in 1976 on the initiative of Polish skiers and quickly gained international fame. Over the decades, the event evolved from a local competition to one of the most important events in the world's long-distance skiing calendar, comparable to marathons like Vasaloppet or Birkebeinerrennet. This year's jubilee edition confirmed the event's high status and popularity. According to various sources, between 1,800 and over 8,000 competitors stood at the start of the main race. This discrepancy in numbers indicates the scale of the event, though it requires clarification from the organizers. The athletes were blessed with typical winter weather. As reported by the media, temperatures dropped below freezing, and fresh snowfall created ideal conditions for competition in the snowy scenery of the Karkonosze Mountains. Spectator attendance was also high. However, the event does not end on Saturday. The program of the jubilee PIASTÓW RACE also includes Sunday's competitions. On February 22, races over a distance of 25 kilometers will take place, which are also expected to attract a large number of participants and spectators. Meanwhile, skiing events are also taking place in other regions of Poland. In Siedlce in the Masovian Voivodeship, on the trails in the Sekulski Forest, the fifth edition of the Podlasie Race starts on the same day. As emphasized by organizer Grzegorz Staręga, the event is aimed at everyone – both amateur cross-country skiers and professionals.Results of the main 50 km race (PIASTÓW RACE): Thomas Bing 1:2 Václav Sedláček; Václav Sedláček 2:3 Mateusz HaratOverall classification of the 2026 PIASTÓW RACE (50 km): 1. Thomas Bing — 1st place; 2. Václav Sedláček — 2nd place; 3. Mateusz Harat — best PoleFurther program of the PIASTÓW RACE and other events: February 22, 2026 — PIASTÓW RACE - 25 km distance; February 22, 2026 — Podlasie Race in Siedlce