The Swedish Pro Team GS8 is ready for its second year on the Ski Classics Pro Tour, building on a promising debut and strengthening its structure for Season XVII.
Based in Varmland, Sweden, the Pro Team now fields eight athletes -- three women and five men -- all from Sweden, reflecting a strong national base and a clear focus on developing domestic long-distance talent.
The team expands this winter with new, exciting names, while returning skiers continue to progress. Combining experience, youthful energy, and collective drive, Team GS8 aims to take the next step toward the upper tiers of the Ski Classics Pro Tour.
"Team GS8 has its roots in Varmland and is growing step by step. We've expanded the squad with new and exciting athletes, while the returning ones have taken their performance to the next level. With a powerful combination of experience, talent, and team spirit, Team GS8 is well-prepared for an intense and inspiring season ahead," says Pro Team Director and athlete Gabriel Strid.
Rising form and new signings
Pro Team Director and athlete Gabriel Strid enjoyed an outstanding roller ski summer, highlighted by a 6th place at Alliansloppet - a Ski Classics Challengers event, just two seconds behind the winner -- proof of his strong form heading into the winter season.
Among the newcomers, Markus Hallen Johansson joins the team after finishing third overall in the Swedish Long-Distance Cup and taking second place at Vasaloppet China, showcasing his growing international potential.
Rickard Ericsson also joins Team GS8 after racing with the Italian Pro Team, Team Futura Trentino GTE Elettrica, where he ended last season with a podium finish at Fossavatnsgangan in Iceland.
Returning athlete Emil Nykvist continues to balance his Ski Classics ambitions with his biathlon career, aiming for Olympic qualification while contributing to the team's key races.
Investing in young Swedish talents
A cornerstone of Team GS8's philosophy is nurturing promising athletes for the future. Young skiers such as Maja Heikki, Matilda Bandefur, Emelie Olsson, and 17-year-old Edvin Hakansson represent the next generation of Swedish long-distance skiers, continuing their development after solid performances last season. Their growth plays a central role in the team's long-term ambitions.
With this balanced mix of proven performers and rising prospects, Team GS8 enters Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026) with optimism, determination, and a goal to climb higher among the world's best Pro Teams.
Team GS8 roster (2025/2026)
Team GS8 is entering its second Ski Classics Pro Tour season and, for the upcoming winter, the squad brings eight Pro Team athletes -- three women and five men: Emelie Olsson (2005), Maja Heikki (2003), Matilda Bandefur (2004), Gabriel Strid (1997), Markus Hallen Johansson (1997), Rickard Ericsson (1998), Emil Nykvist (1997), and Edvin Hakansson (2009).
