She secured multiple podium finishes in Ski Classics last season. With the best teammates by her side, her first victory is expected this winter.

Last season culminated in a second place at Vasaloppet, and now Hanna Lodin is one of the biggest stars in Ski Classics. However, her first victory still eludes her.

“My main goal is to continue developing and make clear progress, but of course, I want to achieve my first win,” says Hanna Lodin, who has new teammates in Team Engcon this season.

And these are not just any teammates: Jenny Larsson and Emelie Fleten. On paper, Team Engcon looks set to be one of the strongest Pro Teams this winter.

“It certainly means a lot to have two experienced skiers on the team. We’ve trained together and had some mini-camps over the summer,” says Hanna Lodin to Langd.se.

Also Read: Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII

Strong summer training

“Running is obviously not my main sport, but it confirmed that my summer training has yielded results and that I’m in good shape. To succeed in Lidingöloppet, you need to have a good engine and be able to push your body for an extended period,” says Hanna Lodin, adding.

A ninth-place finish in Lidingöloppet a few weeks ago shows that her summer training has paid off.

“Now I hope to stay healthy in the final stretch leading up to winter.”

How she plans to excel

The training camps with Jenny Larsson and Emelie Fleten have shown that there are areas where Hanna Lodin still has room for improvement.

“We challenge each other when we meet at camps, and it serves as a benchmark for how we’re doing. For example, I thought I was quite strong in my core, but I’ve realized that I’m actually quite weak, so I’ve spent a lot of time building that strength.”

Hanna Lodin continues.

“It’s also about continuing to improve my downhill technique and being brave enough to push hard. The last races in Norway last season clearly showed that it’s crucial to be bold to stay in the race and challenge for a victory.”

Another aspect is finding a comfortable yet fast pace in double poling.

“It shouldn’t cost too much on the flat sections. That’s where you can save energy, and it’s largely about improving technique in those areas.”

Training on her own trms

Do you have a coach?

“I do get some help from Jörgen Ulvang, the Pro Team Director. He’s always there, and I can always bounce ideas off him, but I plan most of my training myself.”

For the past year, she has been living north of Oslo, with excellent training opportunities nearby.

“The nature is fantastic with all the possibilities available. There are many great uphill sections and rolling terrain that is accessible year-round.”

Start in Bad Gastein

What are your hopes for the season’s start in Bad Gastein?
“The first event we have is a short city sprint of one kilometer on Saturday, and I don’t put much weight on that, other than hoping to shake off the worst pre-race nerves.”

“The 30-kilometer race on Sunday is the first longer event. I don’t want to place too much emphasis on the result in that race, but of course, I want to feel like I’m in the mix. I want a good response, but it doesn’t have to be my best race of the season. I know I often improve as the season progresses.”

Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII (2026/2027) 

• Event 1: December 11, 2026 – Bad Gastein Prologue – Austria – 1km 
• Event 2: December 13, 2026 – Sportgastein Criterium – Austria – 30km 
• Event 3: December 19, 2026 – Bad Gastein ITT – Austria – 7km 
• Event 4: December 20, 2026 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Austria – 36km 
Bad Gastein Tour (Events 1–4 of Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII) 
• Event 5: January 16, 2027 – Engadin La Diagonela – Switzerland – 55km 
• Event 6: January 17, 2027 – Zuoz–St. Moritz Sprint – Switzerland – 30km 
• Event 7: January 31, 2027 – Marcialonga – Italy – 70km 
• Event 8: February 12, 2027 – Bedřichov Heat Sprint – Czech Republic – 1.5km 
• Event 9: February 14, 2027 – Jizerská 50 – Czech Republic – 50km 
• Event 10: February 27, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Women – Sweden – 30km 
• Event 11: February 28, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Men – Sweden – 30km 
• Event 12: March 7, 2027 – Vasaloppet – Sweden – 90km 
• Event 13: March 20, 2027 – Birkebeinerrennet – Norway – 53km 
• Event 14: April 3, 2027 – Reistadløpet – Norway – 35km 
• Event 15: April 4, 2027 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Norway – 60km 

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics World Championship, visit skiclassics.com. 

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