The Italian-based Ski Classics Pro Team Robinson Trentino has taken a significant step forward ahead of the new season by announcing a partnership with Slavia Pojišťovna, forming the newly named Slavia Pojišťovna Robinson Trentino.
The Pro Team was officially presented in Prague this week in front of national media and state television, underlining its growing ambitions in the Ski Classics Pro Tour.
The multinational squad features athletes from six countries: the Czech Republic, Italy, Norway, France, Germany, and Sweden. Among the most notable names are Czech long-distance veteran Stanislav Řezáč and Norway’s three-time Ski Classics overall champion Tord Asle Gjerdalen. They are joined by Oda Nerdrum (NOR), Fabian Štoček (CZE), Tereza Hujerová (CZE), Michaela Patscheider (ITA), Simon Vuillet (FRA), Hanna Fine (FRA), Walther Jacob (GER), and Gustav Eriksson (SWE).
The new identity comes after Team Robinson Trentino finished 8th overall at the Pro Team Competition last season, once again confirming its position as Italy’s leading Pro Team. Despite modest resources, the squad has built a reputation for strong organization and technical support.
Team management remains unchanged, with Bruno Debertolis as Pro Team Director, Gianni Casadei as President, and Pavel Sehnal joining as co-President. The technical staff includes experienced figures such as Sergio Piller, Loris Frasnelli, Mauro Debertolis, and new service man Nicola Romagna. Caterina Piller leads communications and feeding.
During the presentation, the team also unveiled its new racing suit, which was produced by its technical partner, GSG. The maroon, light blue, and white colors reflect the combined history of the Czech and Italian squads, with an original detail: each athlete’s national flag will appear on the forearm and calf.
Speaking at the launch, Bruno Debertolis set clear goals: “We have the ambition of aiming to be the best non-Scandinavian team in the final standings of the prestigious Ski Classics circuit.”
President Gianni Casadei emphasized the strength of the partnership: “For me, it is a great satisfaction to have the partnership with Slavia Pojišťovna, it consolidates our efforts made so far and allows us to expand our roster with athletes of great value. In other words, union makes strength!”
Host Pavel Sehnal highlighted the significance for Czech skiing: “From the point of view of Czech long-distance cross-country skiing, this is an absolutely exceptional event; never before had so many top-level athletes, including the greatest Czech stars, worn the same suit. We logically aim for a placement among the best teams in the Ski Classics circuit. Thanks to this union, we now have the premises to obtain points both in the men’s and women’s categories.”
The Pro Team has already been preparing at altitude. In September, a joint training camp was held at Passo Rolle, which concluded with the Rosetta Verticale race.
Beyond the snow season, Team Robinson continues to excel on roller skis, with Matteo Tanel securing his third Roller Ski World Cup overall title this summer. The legendary Polish Olympic champion, Justyna Kowalczyk, will also make select appearances at Granfondo races during the winter.
The complete press release from the event can be found HERE.
The Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII begins in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 13–14, 2025, where the newly formed Slavia Pojišťovna Robinson Trentino will make its debut under the new colors.
Also Read: Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII 2025/2026
Author: Leandro Lutz
Photos: Newspower.it
