This Swiss team comes with a novel idea. They want to give a platform to young Swiss skiers to show what they are made of. Many good skiers do not make it to the Swiss National Team; thus, their options are limited in the world of skiing. Luckily, Team BSV IBEX is there to help these eager athletes offering them a chance to race in the Pro Tour.

There are six skiers on the team, and they are all born in the latter part of the 90s. Marino Capelli participated in some Alpen Cup races and finished 7th at Engadin Ski Marathon. His only Pro Tour event last season was Ylläs-Levi, where he reached the finish in downtown Levi as the 88th-best skier. Lauro Brändli, on the other hand, finished four events last season, of which Pustertaler Ski Marathon’s 64th place was his best result.

Nico Walther was the busiest Ski Classics participant with eight Pro Tour events. He was in the top 100 in every race except Vasaloppet, and he is capable of being in the top 70 when things go his way. Gian Flurin Pfäffli managed to finish three Pro Tour events, and he finished 86th at Engadin La Diagonela and Ylläs-Levi. Much like his teammate Marino, the skating technique seems to suit him well, as he finished 9th at Engadin Ski Marathon.

Katerina Paul is an Australian skier who was able to race a lot in Europe last winter. She took part in five Pro Tour races, and her best result was 26th at Reistadløpet in Norway. Her teammate Seraina Kaufmann was even busier as she completed eight Pro Tour events. On a good day, she was able to be in the top 30.

These Swiss athletes are not going to shuffle the deck in Ski Classics, but they are doing their best to promote long-distance skiing in their home countries, Australia included. It seems that for some of them skating might be the preferable technique, but they can certainly move a bit closer to the top and start getting points next winter.

Team BSV IBEX

• Country: Switzerland
• Pro Team Director: Markus Walser
• Pro Team Ranking: 21

Athletes: