Italy’s Team Futura GTE Trentino looks back on a standout Season XVII on the Ski Classics World Championship, finishing 8th in the Pro Team Competition. Ski Classics takes a closer look at what made the season so successful, and what the team has planned for Season XVIII.

A season to remember

For Team Futura GTE Trentino, Season XVII delivered results that exceeded expectations. The campaign got off to a strong start in Bad Gastein, and the squad maintained that level throughout the entire season, ultimately finishing 8th in the Pro Team Competition with 910 points.

“The 8th place in the team ranking is a great result for us,” says Pro Team Director and athlete Riccardo Mich.

A key factor behind the team’s consistency was the partnership with Team Slavia Pojišťovna Robinson Trentino, which helped forge a tight and motivated group across the full season.

“Thanks also to the collaboration with Team Slavia Pojišťovna Robinson Trentino and these wonderful guys, we managed to create a super compact group and a friendship group which led everyone, in addition to excellent equipment, to achieve great results,” adds Mich.

Beyond the Pro Tour, the team also collected victories at Challengers and Italian national events, results that carry weight for the team’s sponsors.

Also Read – Mattia Armellini: skis, triathlon and training plans

The roster for Season XVIII

The core of the team remains intact, heading into Season XVIII. The Italian contingent features Riccardo Mich, Stefano Mich, Mattia Armellini, Stefano Dal Magro, and Marco Gaudenzio, the latter being a new addition to the squad. On the women’s side, Emma Ivarsson, Oona Kettunen, and Margaux Gaillard all return from last season.

The team is also in contact with another female athlete and, according to Mich, would be very proud to add her to the group. More news on that front is expected in the coming weeks.

Gaudenzio’s arrival is one the team is particularly excited about. Mich is confident the new signing can deliver strong performances on the World Championship calendar. Meanwhile, Oona Kettunen will shift her focus more toward Ski Classics and less toward traditional skiing, with the aim of reaching her best results in the Ski Classics World Championship.

On the sponsorship front, the news is equally positive.

“We have retained all of last season’s sponsors and confirmed the budget, so we are very happy. Furthermore, we have strengthened our collaboration with Bruno Debertolis’s team and can’t wait to start racing,” says Mich.

Preparations underway

Summer training is already in full swing. A 10-day training camp in Val di Fiemme has just wrapped up, with further camps planned for September and October.

The goals for Season XVIII are clear: “Next season the goal is certainly to stay in the top 10 of the team competition while continuing to have fun as we have always done,” says Mich.

For a team that has shown what is possible when talent, teamwork, and the right partnerships come together, Season XVIII looks set to be another exciting chapter.

Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII (2026/2027)

• Event 1: December 11, 2026 – Bad Gastein Prologue – Austria – 1km
• Event 2: December 13, 2026 – Sportgastein Criterium – Austria – 30k
• Event 3: December 19, 2026 – Bad Gastein ITT – Austria – 7km
• Event 4: December 20, 2026 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Austria – 36km
• Event 5: January 16, 2027 – Engadin La Diagonela – Switzerland – 55km
• Event 6: January 17, 2027 – Zuoz–St. Moritz Sprint – Switzerland – 30km
• Event 7: January 31, 2027 – Marcialonga – Italy – 70km
• Event 8: February 12, 2027 – Bedřichov Heat Sprint – Czech Republic – 1.5km
• Event 9: February 14, 2027 – Jizerská50 – Czech Republic – 50km
• Event 10: February 27, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Women – Sweden – 30km
• Event 11: February 28, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Men – Sweden – 30km
• Event 12: March 7, 2027 – Vasaloppet – Sweden – 90km
• Event 13: March 20, 2027 – Birkebeinerrennet – Norway – 53km
• Event 14: April 3, 2027 – Reistadløpet – Norway – 35km
• Event 15: April 4, 2027 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Norway – 60km

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics World Championship, visit skiclassics.com.

Author: Michaela Patscheider/Leandro Lutz
Photo: Reichert/NordicFocus