Received the message on Instagram: after five years with the squad, the Ski Classics veteran suddenly found himself without a team, and considered retirement.

No one has participated in more Ski Classics Pro events than Morten Eide Pedersen: 144 starts. He has won three and finished in the top ten in over half of them. No one has been involved longer. The 38-year-old from Lillehammer has competed in every season since the series began in 2010.

Yet, the super veteran found himself in a difficult situation when Team Eksjöhus, a team he helped establish, was disbanded in May, after five years as one of the best in Ski Classics.

He explains that the decision to dissolve Team Eksjöhus came as a shock to the athletes, communicated via social media.

“We didn’t know anything until it was posted on Instagram that the team was disbanded, so it caught us off guard.”

How did it feel when the team was disbanded? 

“It’s quite remarkable that there was no communication to us beforehand, especially after having a close working relationship for five years.”

Also Read: Team Eksjöhus to shut down after five years in Ski Classics

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Considered retirement

The dissolution was not just a shock. With most teams already having finalized their rosters, Eide Pedersen suddenly found himself without a clear path to continue his career.

“I’ve had many good years as a skier, but the last two seasons haven’t been among them. It’s not easy to be prioritized over younger and more promising athletes,” says Eide Pedersen to Langrenn.com.

After a season without podium finishes, the 38-year-old from Lillehammer was left without a team and considered hanging up his skis.

“When I found myself without a team, I started to realize how much I enjoy what I do and this lifestyle. But I know what it takes, and I’m not doing it just for fun, nor at any cost,” he says, continuing.

“It’s not enjoyable to finish outside the top 10 or top 20 week after week. I don’t train a thousand hours a year for that.”

However, he changed his mind and concluded that he wasn’t done yet.

“I don’t want to quit after a mediocre season. I want to get the best out of myself and be a factor in the races, competing for the podium. But you are completely dependent on having a team and support staff behind you to compete at the top level now.”

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Continuing locally

Eide Pedersen has now signed with Team Sjusjøen Langløp, a different type of team compared to Team Eksjöhus. The team has a much smaller budget and support staff, but just as big ambitions as the top teams, and is well-rooted locally in Lillehammer.

“I’m glad I found a solution. There are people I know well, and now it’s full throttle for another year,” says the veteran, adding.

“And it’s a bit fun that I’m on the same team as my niece.’

Read More: Team Sjusjøen Langløp for the Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII

What are your ambitions for the upcoming season?

“It’s the same as before: to win ski races and secure podium finishes. It’s time to get back there.”

You are starting your 16th (!) season in Ski Classics. How long do you actually plan to continue? 

“This might be my last season. That’s the main plan.”

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
• 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 – Jizerská50 – 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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