Jan Stölben: The Rising Sprint Specialist of German Cross-Country Skiing
BERLIN, 10 February 2026 — As the international cross-country skiing circuit pivots toward the final stages of the 2025/26 season, Jan Stölben has solidified his reputation as Germany’s premier sprint talent. At 24 years old, the athlete from SLV Ernstberg has transitioned from a promising junior to a consistent threat in the FIS World Cup and a key figure for the German national team.
Career Profile and Background
Born on 15 June 2001 in Trier, Jan Stölben represents a new generation of German skiers who excel in the explosive, tactical environment of sprint racing. Competing under the FIS code 3200933, Stölben has spent the last several seasons climbing the ranks of the “Le Gruyère AOP” FIS World Cup standings.
Athlete Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 15 June 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Place of Birth | Trier, Germany |
| Club | SLV Ernstberg |
| FIS Code | 3200933 |
| Status | Active |
Recent Performance and World Cup Progress
The 2025/26 season has been a period of consolidation for Stölben. Following a strong showing in the previous year, where he secured numerous top-25 finishes on the World Cup circuit, he entered the current winter with high expectations. Notably, his performance at the Trondheim World Championships last year—where he placed 7th in the sprint qualifier—served as a benchmark for his potential against the world’s elite, such as Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.
Tour de Ski and Classic Sprinting
In the most recent Tour de Ski (January 2026), Stölben continued to demonstrate his versatility. While the classic sprint in Val di Fiemme on 3 January 2026 was dominated by Klæbo, Stölben’s ability to navigate the technical demands of the course has kept him within the upper echelon of the German squad. His development in the classic technique has complemented his natural affinity for skating sprints, making him a dual-threat in the discipline.
Domestic Dominance
On the national stage, Stölben remains the man to beat. He recently defended his title as the German Champion in the Cross-Country Sprint in Oberhof. This victory marked his third consecutive national title, a feat that underscores his dominance within the German Ski Association (DSV) internal rankings.
The Road to Milano Cortina 2026
With the current date of 10 February 2026, the skiing world is focused on the Olympic cycle. Stölben’s trajectory has been aimed squarely at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. His consistent presence in World Cup semi-finals over the last 14 months has made him a primary candidate for the German Olympic selection, particularly for the individual sprint and the team sprint events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Jan Stölben’s best World Championship result?
Stölben made a significant impact at the 2025 World Championships in Trondheim, where he finished 7th in the sprint qualification, proving he has the raw speed to compete with the top seeds.
Which club does Jan Stölben represent?
He competes for SLV Ernstberg, a club located in the Eifel region of Germany, which is relatively rare for top-tier German skiers who often hail from the Bavarian or Saxon Alps.
How many German National Titles does he hold?
As of early 2026, Jan Stölben has won three consecutive German National Championship titles in the sprint discipline.
What is his preferred skiing technique?
While he is highly competitive in both, Stölben has historically shown exceptional strength in the skating (freestyle) sprint, though his recent results in classic sprint events like Val di Fiemme show significant improvement in his traditional technique.