Marte Mæhlum Johansen, double junior world champion and last year second at 10 km classic at the U23 World Championships, moves to long distance skiing representing Team Ragde Eiendom.
“I needed a change of environment and am really looking forward to participating in the races in Visma Ski Classics. I will fight for the pink youth bib and develop myself as a skier,” says the 23-year-old to langrenn.com.
“I have to redirect the training towards double poling and longer distances, but I will still work with my strengths which are capacity, endurance, and good diagonal stride,” Mæhlum Johansen continues.
Pro Team manager Jørgen Aukland tells langrenn.com that Team Ragde Eiendom has worked hard to strengthen the team on the women’s side and is very pleased to have Marte in the team.
“Marte is young but still has a lot of experience and a lot of training behind her. The level in the women’s field is high, and we will not put too much pressure on her. Our goal is for Marte to deliver stable performances and develop as a skier. She is guaranteed to break mental and physical barriers and, not at least, get many challenging experiences in Visma Ski Classics is,” says Aukland.
“It’s clear that it’s inspiring to be part of a team with Marit Björgen, and when the eye of the needle for the Olympics is so narrow, I really look forward to giving long distance skiing a chance,” says Mæhlum Johansen.
Team Ragde Eiendom 2021/2022:
Anikken Gjerde Alnæs
Marit Bjørgen
Marte Mæhlum Johansen
Anders Aukland
Andreas Nygaard
Joar Thele
Johan Hoel
Karstein Johaug
Kasper Stadaas
Oskar Kardin
In addition, Therese Johaug will probably start in at least two races.
Top photo: Børre E. Helgerud.
