“It was a surprise that we won the Ski Classics Pro Team competition already last winter. My plan was for it to take three years. But I loved it, and we want to win again.” Coach Marthe Kristoffersen believes her Team Eksjöhus is stronger this year than last season. Now, they also aim for victories among the men.
Several Pro Team athletes stepped up last season, especially Magni Smedås, who celebrated winning Birkebeinerrennet and followed it up with a victory in the Summit2Senja Grand Finale. Additionally, Finnish skier Kati Roivas became a frequent podium visitor.
The men also delivered solid results but lacked a breakthrough performance. Team Ragde Charge swept the overall Ski Classics podium, and Team Eksjöhus aims to challenge that dominance this winter.
“This is my second year with Team Eksjöhus. I previously coached at NTG Lillehammer and then at Team Elon Innlandet before getting the opportunity to work with Eksjöhus. I don’t think of myself as a female coach, but as a woman, I might see people differently,” says Marthe Kristoffersen, who has been praised for her coaching despite her young age.
Also Read: Team Eksjöhus – Pro Team presentation Season XVI
The former national team skier focuses on viewing athletes holistically, emphasizing that a sportsperson is more than just their results. Small details can be crucial in the big picture.
“We’re still riding high after winning the team competition last year. But several of our athletes didn’t reach their full potential last season. I believe they’re better this year,” Kristoffersen adds.
Meet the Pro Team Athletes defending the Pro Team competition in Ski Classics Season XVI
- Magni Smedås: A breakout star last season, she also won a bronze medal in the Norwegian Championships (30km) and is seriously aiming for the World Championships in Trondheim. As a result, she might not compete in Ski Classics from the start of the season.
- Kati Roivas: The Finnish star based in France made significant strides last year. All eyes are now on her first win, which wouldn’t surprise anyone this winter.
- Sofie Elebro Lind: Newlywed this summer, she has reached a new level with podium finishes. The veteran continues to make steady progress.
- Frida Erkers: Transitioning more into long-distance skiing after years on the national level in traditional cross-country skiing. Her goal is her first podium this winter.
- Louise Lindström: The youngest female skier in the team, she has been recovering from an injury in the fall but impressed during the Swedish season premiere in Bruksvallarna.
- Morten Eide Pedersen: A team veteran, he remains at a high level. Known for dominating the Czech Jizerská, he hopes to return to winning ways in the 2024/2025 season.
- Eirik Sverdrup Augdal: Surprised many by winning Norwegian Championship gold in the 50km, ahead of Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. While aiming for the World Championships, competition is fierce. If he misses out, he’ll focus on Ski Classics for the rest of the season.
- Thomas Ødegaarden: Fourth place in Vasaloppet. Mentored by legend Tord Asle Gjerdalen, he continues to improve and edges closer to a win, especially in uphill segments.
- Axel Jutterström: The Mora skier has repeatedly shown he can compete with the best. His impressive training performances suggest he might contend at the top in Vasaloppet again.
- Vebjørn Moen: A speedy skier from Bodø who witnessed his partner Johanna Hagström secure her first World Cup victory last weekend. Previously focused on the Ski Classics sprint bib, he now aims to contend for race wins.
- Jeremy Royer: A new French addition to the team. Though he lacks top results in Ski Classics, reports suggest excellent training, making him a potential surprise this winter.
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About Ski Classics Ski or Die
Ski Classics Ski or Die is a tribute to the incredible dedication of Ski Classics Pro Team athletes, as they tackle challenging terrain, traverse stunning landscapes, and take on the most challenging obstacles in training and competition. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at skiing, not just as a sport but as a way of life. This documentary adventure will inspire, captivate, and give viewers a deeper understanding of long-distance skiing.
Ski Classics Ski or Die Release Dates:
- November 22, 12:00 CET – Episode 1: Ski Team Göhlins – Watch the episode here!
- November 29, 12:00 CET – Episode 2: Team Robinson Trentino – Watch the episode here!
- December 6, 12:00 CET – Episode 3: Team Eksjöhus
Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.
Top Photo: Magnus Östh/Ski Classics
