The first episode of the Ski Classics Ski or Die documentary series was released yesterday. In it, we get to know the Team Ragde Charge athletes at a Mallorca training camp earlier this fall.
Brothers Jørgen and Anders Aukland run Team Ragde Charge. Both have skied for the Pro Team, but Anders went the furthest and hung up his skis after last year’s season. Many have been curious about what the 51-year-old will do now and his role in the team.
“I’ll be present at all the races and do everything from ski tests to organizing the team and tactics to dealing with the media,” says Anders Aukland, who reveals that he is now a mentor and coach for the Pro Team athletes.
“It will be nice to be a bit on the sidelines. It will be exciting with a slightly different role. I’m happy with all the years I’ve been doing this, and it’s been inspiring. Now I’m just looking forward to continuing with the team and looking forward to this role.”
Long-distance skiing has become as visible in the media as traditional cross-country skiing, and Aukland believes the documentary Ski or Die is an essential contribution to bringing long-distance skiing into the spotlight.
“It’s great that Ski Classics is making a documentary like this that shows what happens on the inside- what we do, how we live, and how we feel together- and it can be nice for many people to watch,” says Anders Aukland.
The article continues below.
Ski Classics Ski or Die – Episode 1 – Team Ragde Charge
Ski Classics Ski or Die – A part of the SC – The Ski Community
You can watch Ski Classics Ski or Die exclusively as a SC – The Ski Community member. By becoming a member, you get access to exclusive benefits and unlimited access to all content and features on ProXcskiing.com, Langd.se, Langrenn.com, Maastohiihto.com, SC Play, and SC MyPages.
The episode takes you behind the scenes of the Norwegian Pro Team, Team Ragde Charge. Here, you see the athletes during their most challenging training camp this season. Although Aukland is not featured in the Team Ragde Charge episode, he hopes that viewers are left with something special after watching it.
“In our episode, I hope people will be more curious and want to follow long-distance skiing on TV. I also hope we manage to inspire many others, especially with all the training, because the training is very good,” says Aukland.
What does it mean for Team Ragde Charge that this episode is now online?
“It’s important for long-distance skiing in general that you show how the team works and get to know more skiers than the top two or three in the world. That’s what’s important. It’s probably important for all teams.”
Long-distance skiing is different because you’re on a team with skiers from different nations and have international teams. You also compete for points and bib competitions in addition to podium finishes. So, it’s important to have a team that works well together, something Aukland values highly in Team Ragde Charge.
“You’re prepared to help each other. It’s not your individual result that matters most; it’s the team’s result. When we set up the team, we want the skiers to help each other so that you can have different tasks in the team. This makes long-distance skiing very exciting,” concludes Aukland.
Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey
Ski Classics Ski or Die showcases the Ski Classics community and its Pro Team athletes, exclusively broadcasted on SC Play. The premiere season features three Pro Teams – Team Ragde Charge from Norway, Vltava Fund Ski Team from the Czech Republic, and Lager 157 Ski Team from Sweden. The series will take you through the behind-the-scenes of their intense preparations for the upcoming Ski Classics Season XV.
Ski or Die release dates
November 17, 12:00 CET – Episode 1: Team Ragde Charge (WATCH HERE)
November 24, 12:00 CET – Episode 2: Vltava Fund Ski Team
December 1, 12:00 CET – Episode 3: Lager 157 Ski Team
Incredible athletes
Ski or Die is a tribute to the relentless dedication and unwavering spirit of the incredible athletes of the Pro Tour who redefine the limits of body and mind. As they conquer challenging terrains, traverse stunning landscapes, and engage in the most intense training and racing, Ski Classics Ski or Die offers a glimpse into their personal world, where skiing is not just a sport but a way of life. It’s an adventure that will inspire, captivate, and immerse you in the world of long-distance skiing.
The SC Play app is available to download for iOS, Android, and Apple TV. SC Play is a part of SC The Ski Community and accessible to all members on news sites Langrenn.com, Langd.se, Maastohiihto.com, and Proxcskiing.com. Your subscription to SC Play will always give you access to all the free and paid features of SC The Ski Community.
More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com.
