Team Eksjöhus Pro Team Director Espen Trældal shares his thoughts on the upcoming calendar for the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII, event additions, and a key moment that defined last winter.

About the New Calendar

The release of the Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII calendar brought changes due to the Olympic year and a new distribution of races across the winter. For Trældal, the long breaks present some logistical challenges and could test the athletes’ focus.

“I feel a bit split about the calendar because of the Olympics and the long breaks,” Espen Trældal explains to Ski Classics and ProXCskiing.com and adds:

“It would have been better to start Bad Gastein the weekend before La Diagonela. Two de-acclimatization periods for just two and a half races get expensive. And I think the 50km the weekend after Vasaloppet will be tough mentally for the athletes.”

Also Read: Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII 2025/2026

New Formats Receive Mixed Reactions

This season introduces the Bedřichov Sprint in the Czech Republic and the 50km Individual Time Trials (ITTs) in Grönklitt, Sweden. While both formats bring fresh dynamics to the Pro Tour circuit, Trældal notes that not all athletes are equally excited about the changes.

“The Bedřichov Sprint is ok, but the athletes weren’t entirely satisfied. Hopefully, the quality of the event will be better than last year,” he says.

As for the 50km ITTs, he refers back to the challenges of the season calendar, suggesting that the timing, especially after Vasaloppet, could make it a particularly demanding race for many athletes.

A Golden Moment in Bodø

Reflecting on highlights from last season, there’s no hesitation from the Pro Team Director.

“For me and Team Eksjöhus, it was, of course, our triple victory in Bodø,” says Trældal after Team Eksjöhus secured a clean sweep in the men’s race with Augdal, Jutterström, and Ødegaarden finishing first, second, and third.

Read More: Eirik Sverdrup Augdal and Stina Nilsson winners at Marcialonga Bodø Season XVI

That historic performance helped secure Team Eksjöhus the overall Pro Team Competition title, with a final score of 2610 points, just ahead of Team Engcon (2544 points) and Team Ramudden (2199).

Also Read: Final Ski Classics standings Season XVI – All bib winners

Stability Going Into Season XVII

While many Pro Teams face changes in personnel, Team Eksjöhus stands firm with its winning lineup.

“We are the same 10 athletes as last year, and really happy with that,” confirms Trældal.

With continuity, championship pedigree, and a hunger to stay on top, Team Eksjöhus heads into the new season ready to defend its title.

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