The Ski Classics Season XVI has wrapped up, and Team Robinson Trentino has proven once again that they are among the best in the world of long-distance skiing.
Under the guidance of Pro Team Director Bruno Debertolis, the team secured an impressive 8th place overall in the standings, marking another step forward in their journey in the Ski Classics Pro Tour series.
A Season of Progress
Despite the fierce competition from the world’s top Pro Teams, including those with multi-million-dollar budgets, Team Robinson Trentino held their ground in the top 10, continuing their reputation as the best Italian Pro Team in the circuit. This achievement comes after a season filled with ups and downs, including a series of injuries and illnesses that affected key athletes.
Bruno Debertolis reflected on the team’s performance with optimism: “The season was very intense, especially in the final stretch, with 25 days spent in northern Europe, traveling and racing across multiple countries. Despite facing challenges, like injuries to Stefano Dal Magro and illnesses to Patrick Kristoffersen and Oda Nerdrum, we managed to secure 8th place. It wasn’t quite the 7th place we had hoped for, but it’s still a strong result given the competition.”
The team’s success was fueled by the performances of athletes like Justyna Kowalczyk on Gran Fondos, Matteo Tanel, and Tereza Hujerová, the latter of whom triumphed at Kobberløpet, a key Ski Classics Challengers event on the calendar. Hujerová’s victory, in particular, highlights the depth and potential within the team.
Also Read: Kasper Stadaas and Tereza Hujerová winners at Kobberløpet 2025
Overcoming Challenges with Limited Resources
One of the biggest challenges for Team Robinson Trentino is competing at the highest level with limited financial resources. In contrast to Scandinavian Pro Teams that enjoy major corporate backing, Robinson Trentino relies on the support of regional sponsors like Trentino and Robinson Pet Shop, along with smaller, passionate partners.
Traveling to Scandinavia for the Ski Classics events is an expensive undertaking, but Debertolis and his team have proven adept at maximizing the resources available to them.
“We’ve traveled over 35.000 km with three vehicles, and while we didn’t always have hotel accommodations, the determination to compete at the highest level kept us going,” said Debertolis in a press release.
The team’s commitment to preparation extends to the technical side as well. Their attention to detail in equipment preparation has been a standout feature, often attracting admiration from even the biggest teams in the circuit. The team’s technical staff, including Loris Frasnelli, Sergio Piller, Mauro and Ivan Debertolis, has played a key role in maintaining this high standard.
The Future Looks Bright
As the 2024/2025 season concludes, Team Robinson Trentino is already looking ahead to Season XVII. With an eye on the future, Debertolis is optimistic about the upcoming 2025/2026 season, stating that big changes are in the works.
The Italian Pro Team is focused on strengthening its roster and improving its performance, with the goal of breaking into the top 7 and continuing to make an impact on the international stage.
“We’ve received a lot of praise from Ski Classics and other teams for what we’ve achieved with limited resources, and that’s motivating us for next season,” said Debertolis. “There are major changes coming, and we’re working hard to make sure we are even stronger. We’re ready to face the next season head-on.”
Recognizing the Effort
While the Pro Team’s season was marked by both triumphs and setbacks, the collective effort of the athletes and support staff has been nothing short of remarkable. Team Robinson Trentino’s cosmopolitan roster, which includes athletes from Italy, Sweden, Norway, the Czech Republic, Poland, and the U.S., reflects the international spirit that the team embodies.
Debertolis was nominated for Team Manager of the Year for the third time, a testament to his leadership and vision for the team. Although the award went to Espen Träldal of Team Eksjöhus, Debertolis remains focused on what lies ahead for Team Robinson Trentino.
Read More: Best Pro Team Director Season XVI – The Nominees
Strong Performances and Rising Stars
The team’s success was also reflected in individual performances. In the overall rankings, Gustav Eriksson led the men’s team with a 31st-place finish, despite some setbacks due to injury. Among the women, Tereza Hujerová finished 12th, with Oda Nerdrum (18th) and Michaela Patscheider (21st) following close behind.
Notably, Michaela Patscheider and Giacomo Ponti made their mark in the Youth category, finishing 8th and 10th, respectively. Additionally, Team Robinson Trentino welcomed two new athletes, Cristian Bertagnolli and Nicola Romagna, who made their Ski Classics debut through the Cubs initiative.
A Team Built on Passion and Commitment
As the team reflects on their journey so far, there is no question that the passion and dedication of everyone involved have been key to their success. From the athletes who put their hearts into each race to the technical staff who ensure everything runs smoothly, Team Robinson Trentino is united by a shared vision of growth and excellence.
With the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII already on the horizon, the team is eager to build on their achievements and keep their “never give up” attitude alive. “The show must go on,” said Debertolis, and Team Robinson Trentino is ready for whatever comes next.
Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.
Photo: NordicFocus
