Ski Classics Season XVI is now in the books, and the Czech-based eD system Vltava Fund Team has every reason to celebrate. With a 7th place finish in the Pro Team ranking, the squad led by Pro Team Director Marek Pazderský has cemented its place among the elite in long-distance skiing.
A Season to Remember
The team’s journey through the winter was marked by progress, consistency, and standout performances. From the early season opener in Bad Gastein to the epic Grand Finale at Summit 2 Senja, the Czech Pro Team showed that it could mix it with the best, week in and week out.
With a roster featuring experienced names and emerging talents, the eD system Vltava Fund Team showed strong collective cohesion. Top 10 finishes and a rising presence in both men’s and women’s fields made this a memorable campaign.
“This was my first real season on the Ski Classics Pro Tour, and it was incredible!” said Hanna Fine in a press release.
The French Pro Team athlete emerged as one of the top new names in the women’s field this season and added:
“I learned a lot—from ski choice to race management—and I’m super happy! I had my first top 15 and top 10 finishes and even won the Transju’ in France. Everyone on the team contributed to this. Our 7th place overall also shows how well we work together.”
Also Read – Hanna Fine: French support in the Czech Pro Team
Bing Leads the Way, Bångman Shines, and Fine Rises
German veteran Thomas Bing played a pivotal role throughout the season. Despite early fatigue and illness mid-season, Bing delivered, claiming 7th place at the Grönklitt Criterium, 8th at the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, and wins at two Ski Classics Challengers events, Lipnolopet and Fossavatnsgangan.
“My season started great with a win at Lipnolopet and good training camps in Mallorca and Davos,” Bing reflected and added.
“In Bad Gastein, I felt the amount of training, I felt a bit tired, but the season had just begun. The new year started with good results in the Continental Cup and 8th place in the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon. Unfortunately, I became sick before Marcialonga, so I could not compete at a high level. Jizerská was a tough race, but I skied in one of the first groups. The end of the winter came soon with the Birkebeiner, Bodø, and Summit 2 Senja, mostly races with many high meters in beautiful places. I got good results too. Overall, it was a wonderful time with ups and downs but always fun with friends.”
In the women’s field, Hedda Bångman delivered a season of exceptional consistency and impact. The Swedish Pro Team athlete finished 8th overall in the Ski Classics Champion competition, with highlights including 4th and 5th place finishes in Bad Gastein and top 10 performances throughout the season. Beyond the Pro Tour, Bångman also won two Ski Classics Challengers events, Lipnolopet and Båstad-Mölle, underlining her all-year form.
Also Read: Bing and Bångman winners of Energamo Lipnolopet 2024
Her teammate Hanna Fine also impressed in her debut season, earning top 10 finishes and winning the Transju’ in France, further boosting the team’s international profile.
Czech Athletes Show Strength
Czech athletes Václav Sedláček, Anna Marie Hejná, and Fabián Štoček also played essential roles, underlining the team’s strong national core. Sedláček and Štoček offered endurance and tactical support in the men’s field, while Hejná brought crucial points and team spirit to the women’s squad.
Read More – Fabián Štoček: Victory at Vasaloppet China and a look back at January’s Ski Classics
Mastering the Non-Fluor Era
One of the defining behind-the-scenes stories of the season was the team’s ability to adapt to the non-fluor waxing regulations. The shift demanded a fresh approach to ski preparation, requiring innovation, trust, and teamwork.
“The post-fluor era is very dynamic—what worked last year no longer works now,” explained Pro Team Director Marek Pazderský.
“New waxes, structures, and methods are constantly appearing. There’s little time to test between races, so we focused on this during preseason camps in Davos and later in Jizerská. The hardest part was convincing people to change their mindset. That created some tension mid-season, but we resolved it quickly.”
Pazderský praised the collaborative effort of the waxing and service crew, including the partnership with ‘Gang of Waxers’ and support from Skiservis Mára, who provided everything from skis to wax.
“I thank all the athletes and everyone on the service crew for their effort.”
Looking Ahead
With the foundations now solid and valuable lessons learned, the eD system Vltava Fund Team is already focused on the future. Season XVII offers new opportunities and challenges, but the Pro Team enters with confidence, unity, and ambition.
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Photo: NordicFocus
