Recently, Petter Eliassen announced that he is putting the skis on the shelf. However, Team Ragde Eiendom is quick to strengthen the team with Kasper Stadaas and Johan Hoel.
“We are happy to announce that Kasper and Johan are all in for long distance races with us,” says Team Ragde Eiendom Pro Team Director Jørgen Aukland to Langrenn.com.
Stadaas is one of Norway’s best sprinters and has been close to the Norwegian World Championship team several times, but now long distance skiing will be the focus for him.
“I have always thought that it has been exciting with long distance races and I was really triggered after Vasaloppet this year. When I had the opportunity to be with Ragde at the end of the season, I was stuck,” says Stadaas to Langrenn.com.
Stadaas finished 29th at Vasaloppet, 7th at Tåssåsen Criterum 64 and 17th at Årefjällsloppet.
Stadaas hopes that his speed will be a weapon against Emil Persson, Lager 157 Ski Team, next season.
“The goal is to develop endurance and at the same time maintain the sprint characteristics. With a little more specific training, I hope to be able to take the last step and fight at the top,” he continues.
Johan Hoel is the second new addition in Ragde. Hoel is also a very strong skier both in shorter and longer distances. This winter, he won a 15 km race against the entire Norwegian elite. He was third at Tåssåsen Criterum 64 in Vålådalen just behind Emil Persson and Morten Eide Pedersen, Team Nordic Athlete. Hoel then represented the same team as Eide Pedersen, but now it will be Team Ragde Eidendom next season. Hoel also finished in second place at Reistadlöpet 2019.
“We think that Johan has an enormous potential for long distance races and think it is fun that he chooses to invest fully with us,” says Jørgen Aukland.
“My talent is probably best when it comes to long races, so I look forward to taking on the challenges that await. It is also an important motivating factor to be able to learn from Anders and Jørgen, says Hoel.
Team Ragde Eiendom also tells Langrenn.com that they will present more exciting news in the coming days.
“We have a lot going on. We are looking forward to a new season,” says Jørgen Aukland.
Top photo: Team Ragde Eiendom.
