Rustad IL is one of Norway's most prestigious ski clubs, steeped in Olympic and World Championship history. The Pro Team, Team Rustad IL Oslo, carries the club's legacy onto the grand stage of Ski Classics, continuing a strong Norwegian tradition in long-distance skiing.
With a roster of seven skilled athletes, Team Rustad IL Oslo combines youth and experience, embodying the best of both development and performance at the long-distance skiing elite level.
“The long-distance ski team has its background from the ski club Rustad IL in Oslo. Rustad IL is one of the biggest ski clubs in Norway. The club has in the last years been the most represented in Birkebeinerrennet and we have long traditions with long-distance skiing,” explains Pro Team Director Atle Smenes, and adds:
"The club does a serious job of having a good offer for junior and senior athletes and has a large training group. Team Rustad IL in Ski Classics is our club’s offer for athletes who want to focus on long-distance skiing. We have a good mix between young athletes and experienced athletes."
Clear ambitions for the season
For the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII, the goals are both ambitious and developmental.
"Our hope is to achieve individual top 20 results and win at least one Challengers event. We want to re-establish ourselves in the top 20 in the Pro Team Competition, while developing young athletes to become top athletes in Ski Classics," concludes Smenes.
Team Rustad IL Oslo is entering Season XVII with seven Pro Team athletes -- three women and four men: Hanne Skulbru (1996), Ingeborg Marvik Dahl Rystad (2007), Eva Helene Andberg (2005), Hans Petter Rolke (1998), Henrik Vik Tolo (1999), Stefano Zanotto (1992), Olav Adelsten Kildal (2008).
With a rich heritage, a commitment to local collaboration, and a mix of youth and experience, Team Rustad IL Oslo is undoubtedly a force to reckon with in the upcoming season.
