Ski Team Göhlins has taken a big step forward in its development over the past year. The Pro Team finished ninth in the Ski Classics Pro Team competition, with several athletes achieving top results.
Ski Team Göhlins, based in Gnosjö, Småland, Sweden, has been part of the Ski Classics circuit for the past few years. This season, the team made a significant leap in performance and ultimately finished ninth in the team competition — a significant improvement from 28th place in the 2023/2024 season.
“It was by far our best season. It’s been really nice to have Johannes and Julia on the team as reinforcements. It really felt like we got a boost. Last year was an in-between season with lots of illnesses, where things didn’t quite work out. That’s why it felt so good to get a proper comeback,” says Pro Team Director Simon Jonsson.
Major Progress
Several athletes who have been with the team since the beginning made significant strides in their development during the season. Elias Andersson, for example, finished eighth in the Grönklitt ITT.
“It feels like all the skiers have taken steps forward — maybe especially Elias Andersson.”
What do you think was behind last season’s success?
Roughly the Same Lineup
According to Simon, the Ski Team Göhlins is not among the highest-budget teams in Ski Classics.
“We probably don’t have a very large budget, unlike many other teams. But we try to develop, find solutions, and ways to constantly improve.”
What does the team look like ahead of next season?
“The team is basically set. It will mostly be the same lineup. That also feels very reassuring and nice — that we have a stable foundation to build on.”
Moa Hansson raced a few events for you last year, and this year she’s not part of any national team. Is she someone you’re in contact with?
“Yes, we’re definitely having that dialogue. She also enjoys traditional racing, so it’s going to be a bit of a mix.”
Aiming to Create a Safe Environment
Ski Team Göhlins hasn’t set any concrete goals for the upcoming season.
“My philosophy is not to focus too much on results. All the skiers on the team are incredibly driven. I believe that as long as you build a safe and enjoyable environment with good conditions, the results will come naturally,” he says, and continues:
Two Tough Incidents
The team faced two serious incidents this past year that affected its athletes. Simon Jonsson suffered a cardiac arrest after finishing the 2024 Birkebeinerrennet.
This season, one of the athletes suffered a stroke during a training session the day after the Moraloppet.
“We’ve been a bit of an unfortunate team. First, my cardiac arrest at Birkebeinerrennet. Then one of our athletes had a stroke this winter,” he says, and continues:
“These things have colored the season as well. But they’ve also made us stronger in a way. You realize that skiing isn’t the most important thing in life — even if it sometimes feels that way.”
Watch Here: Meet Simon Jonsson
Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus