This Norwegian ski squad consists of seven young and upcoming skiers who want to show their true colors this winter. On paper, they may not be that strong, but there is a spark among the team members that can take them closer to the top.

Jørgen Harby is still a rookie when it comes to long-distance skiing, but he has talent. Last season, he finished 35th in the 50km skating race at the Norwegian National Championships. He will have his 22nd birthday in January, which means that there is still time for him to develop into a double-poling master if he so chooses.

Kristian Kongssund is only 18 years of age and thus has a bright future ahead of him. He dipped his toe in the water, tried Birkebeinerrennet last winter, and pushed himself close to the top 100, 102nd. Dennis Steensen, 21, also tried his wings at Birken and finished 146th.

Ole Eirik Fuglehaug Ekrem was a busy man with his eight Pro Tour entries, and he became familiar with the top-50 club as he got to be there three times: 39th at Jizerská50, 45th at Tartu Maraton and 44th at Årefjällsloppet.

Halvor Korbøl Thoner performed as successfully as his teammate. He completed seven events and managed to be in the top 50 twice: 39th at Årefjällsloppet and 44th at Tartu Maraton. At the season finale Ylläs-Levi, he was close with his 55th place. This summer, he showed good form at Alliansloppet, where he rollerskied almost to the top 20, being 23rd.

Kristine Fjeld finished four Pro Tour events, but she got disqualified at Marcialonga. She finished 39th at Engadin La Diagonela, 41st at Vasaloppet, and 70th at Birken. Her teammate Karen Marie Håkonsen did some Scandinavian Cup races and finished 40th at Vasaloppet. She was 28th in the 30 km skating race at the Norwegian National Championships.

Some of the guys on this Norwegian team can be reliable top-50 skiers in the Pro Tour, but they are certainly aiming much higher. The others are still so young that not much can be expected from them, but they can raise the bar in the future. The two women on the team have a long way to the top, but they can certainly take some concrete steps toward that goal next season.

YC Rør Sjusjøen Ski Team

• Country: Norway
• Pro Team Director: Halvor Korbøl Thoner
• Pro Team Ranking: 23

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