This Norwegian Pro Team needs no introductions. It is the Aukland brothers’ squad, which has been the number one Pro Team almost every year. It goes without saying that it is the goal for these superstars of the sport come the winter 2022.

Anders Aukland is pushing 50, but he shows no signs of slowing down. This Visma Ski Classics Legend with 16 event wins managed to be in the top-20 five times last season, and Årefjällsloppet’s 7^th place was a masterful achievement.

Andreas Nygaard won the last race of the season, Årefjällsloppet, but after the frostbite injuries at La Diagonela, he had to withdraw from racing until Vasaloppet, which prevented him from fighting for the yellow bib. This two-time Champion is prepared to re-claim the title again in Season XII.

Oskar Kardin had a great season last winter with three podium places, one victory, and the third place in the Champion competition. The new male recruits Kasper Stadaas, Karstein Johaug and Johan Hoel have already shown their capacity and talent. Stadaas was 7^th at Tåssåsen Criterium 64, Johaug finished 6^th at Årefjällsloppet and 9^th at Vasaloppet, and Hoel was on the podium, 3^rd, at Tåssåsen Criterium, and 6^th at Vasaloppet. He was also second at Reistadløpet in 2019.

Marit Bjørgen, the most successful winter Olympic athlete, made her comeback last season by finished second at Vasaloppet, and she aims to do more races in Season XII. Therese Johaug, the best female cross-country skier in the world, may also take part in some Pro Tour events after the Olympics.

The two other women in the team are also capable athletes. Anikken Gjerde Alnes finished among the 13 best skiers in every race, except Vasaloppet where she was 17^th. Marte Mæhlum Johansen was a top-20 skier at the National Championships in various distances.

Jørgen Aukland, the manager of the team and former Pro Team athlete, is very excited about the upcoming season.

“We are thrilled to see what the new season will bring with Marit Bjørgen fighting for victories at the big classicevents, Andreas Nygaard going for his third yellow jersey and the team to set fight for greatness in every single race.”

Pro Team directors: Magnar Dalen & Jørgen Aukland

Country: Norway

Ranking: 3.

Athletes: http://www.vismaskiclassics.com/pro-skiing/pro-teams/team-ragde-charge/