The Pro Team athlete impressed with several top-ten finishes last winter. Now, the 30-year-old Norwegian gets his chance among the stars.

The Pro Team of Alvar Myhlback, the young skier who dominated Vasaloppet last winter, is aiming for a double victory in the prestigious long-distance race next season. Now, they are bringing a Norwegian powerhouse into the squad.

Einar Kalland-Olsen has completed his third season as a Pro Team athlete, making a significant leap in the Ski Classics results and overall standings.

This winter, the 30-year-old from Gjesdal consistently finished within the top ten and ended the season 16th overall. In the previous two seasons, he ranked 30th and 27th, respectively.

Now, Kalland-Olsen is being promoted from the development team, Exsitec Ski Team, to the main squad of Lager 157 Ski Team.

A key piece in the double victory project

At Lager 157 Ski Team, Kalland-Olsen joins five other men: Vasaloppet winner Alvar Myhlback, long-distance star Emil Persson, last year’s Marcialonga winner Runar Skaug Mathisen, veteran Oskar Kardin, and Nils Dahlsten.

“Einar has taken big steps this past year, and we see great potential in him. He showed this winter that he maintains a high and consistent level. I’m convinced he will improve even more and develop further with us full-time,” says Pro Team Director Anton Järnberg to Langrenn.com.

“We have a very strong and complete team for the upcoming season. On both the men’s and women’s sides, we have athletes who can fight for victories in the biggest races. Einar will be important for us in that context. The goal is crystal clear – we are aiming to win Vasaloppet in both classes,” he says.

Last winter, the Lager 157 Ski Team secured both first and second place in the men’s Vasaloppet when Alvar Myhlback crushed the field in the final stretch and out-sprinted teammate Emil Persson at the finish. On the women’s side, Karolina Hedenström was the team’s top finisher in sixth place.

Also Read: Lager 157 Ski Team presented: Aims for Vasaloppet double in Season XVII

“Gives me even better conditions”

The Norwegian intends to seize the opportunity with both hands.

“I look forward to becoming part of the team and contributing to its success this winter,” Kalland-Olsen tells Langrenn.com.

“Being promoted to the main team gives me even better conditions to perform well on skis. I’ll have the chance to train at a high level during camps through the summer and autumn, hopefully allowing me to take another step forward this winter, along with strong equipment support.”

The Pro Team Director is curious to see what the Norwegian powerhouse can achieve in his fourth season as a long-distance skier.

“Exactly what role he will play in the team and in the various races remains to be seen,” says Järnberg.

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