The Norwegian Pål Trøan Aune about his dual role: “Dream position,” he says with a smile.

Pål Trøan Aune announced his retirement from top-level international cross-country skiing in March. After nine seasons at World Cup level, the 31-year-old retired with solid results, including his best result ever, a fourth place at the 2020 World Cup sprint in Dresden. 

The same month that Trøan Aune retired, Emil Iversen was informed that he would lose his place in the Norwegian national team after several seasons characterized by illness, lack of form, and lack of results. Iversen also clarified that he would not be retiring but would continue to focus on the 2025 World Championships outside the national team. 

In June, Iversen launched his new private team, Team Ivers, with Pål Trøan Aune playing a key support role via their joint sponsor, Team Northcom. 

“The collaboration with Team Northcom allows me to use Pål Trøan Aune as a training partner, ski tester, and supporter in my team,” said Iversen in connection with the launch before the summer vacation. 

Also Read: Emil Iversen unveils comeback plan.

Pro Team Director for Petter Northug

It is now clear that Trøan Aune will also be the Pro Team Director of Petter Northug’s Pro Team, Team Janteloppet. There, too, Pål Trøan Aune will play a central role. 

According to Adresseavisa, Trøan Aune will be responsible for everything from management and logistics to sporting arrangements for Northug and his teammate Joar Thele. This means he will travel with the Pro Team throughout the Ski Classics season. 

Trøan Aune believes that this can be combined with his job in Iversen’s team. 

“Petter and Emil are good buddies who wish each other well, so it’s arranged so that I can work with both of them,” he says to Langrenn.com.

Read More: Team Janteloppet confirmed a new Pro Team athlete.

Staying in shape

Nothing suggests that Pål Trøan Aune has let his form slip. During Toppidrettsveka, he impressed with a second place in the sprint in Aure, where Petter Northug also made it all the way to the final. The following week, he finished second in the Trysil sprint, while Petter Northug finished third.

Trøan Aune now reveals that he plans to do four or five long-distance races for Team Janteloppet next winter.