By Johan Trygg
Team Ramudden had eyes on Herman Paus for several years. The young Norwegian from Asker outside of Oslo, who was the best junior at Vasaloppet last winter with a 65th place, now becomes part of the Swedish Pro team.
“It feels very fun. I've dreamed of being part of a long-distance skiing team for a long time, but I still didn't think it would happen this early,” says Herman who turns 20 in August.
It is not common to start to focus on long-distance skiing from a young age. But for Herman Paus, there was never any discussion of what he was going to do.
“My dad works at LeasePlan which sponsored (Thomas) Alsgaard's old team. I was on a few trips with them and could see the races from inside the team. As a 14-year-old, I knew I wanted to be a long-distance skier,” says Herman.
“We've been watching Herman for a few years. When Lina (Korsgren) was part of Team LeasePlan we got to see Herman. He already double pulled Kaiser Maximilan Lauf as a 16-year-old with his father,” says Gustaf Korsgren, Pro Team Manager, Team Ramudden.
Now Ramudden putting him on the team for next winter as he makes his first senior season.
“I would say that he is Norway's greatest talent in long-distance skiing. I am impressed with his attitude and he has every opportunity to become Norway's best athlete in long-distance skiing in a few years,” Gustaf Korsgren states.
Last winter Herman did Kaiser Maximilan Lauf (64th), Marcialonga (62nd) and Vasaloppet (65th).
“Vasaloppet was perhaps the most fun when I got some comments on Norwegian TV. I was offensive at the beginning of the race and up in front a few times,” says Herman.
When Herman Paus now gets the opportunity to focus on Visma Ski Classics, he also has a clear first big goal.
“A goal and a dream are to aim for the pink Youth bib. I hope to win it one season,” says Paus.
He has six years to reach the goal. 26 years is the maximum age for the pink Youth bib.
