The award recognizes Pro Team Directors with extraordinary directorial skills, unwavering dedication, and unconditional passion for long-distance skiing, playing a key role in developing the sport and elevating the Ski Classics Pro Tour series. 

“The 31 Pro Team Directors all do a fantastic job, often behind the scenes, ensuring their Pro Team athletes perform at their best while contributing to the sport’s growth. The Pro Team Director of the Season Award is not necessarily given to the Director of the winning Pro Team, but rather to those who have made a significant impact throughout the season. The five nominees for Season XVI are all potential award winners!” says David Nilsson, Director of Ski Classics.

The Pro Team Director who receives the award is automatically inducted into the Ski Classics Hall of Fame, together with the Ski Classics Legends, the athletes who have won five or more Ski Classics Pro Tour events. The winner will be announced after the season’s final event, Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja, on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Nominees Season XVI

• Espen Träldal – Team Eksjöhus
• Jørgen Ulvang – Team Engcon
• Kim Mäenpää – Team Mäenpää
• Simon Jonsson – Ski Team Göhlins
• Bruno Debertolis – Team Robinson Trentino

Espen Träldal – Team Eksjöhus

Espen Träldal has played a crucial role in Team Eksjöhus’ continued rise in the Ski Classics Pro Tour. His strategic decisions and the expansion of the team’s competitive capabilities have made Team Eksjöhus one of the most formidable Pro Teams on the circuit. Träldal’s dedication to fostering a strong team environment and his focus on athlete development have been instrumental in the team’s consistent performance this season.

Jørgen Ulvang – Team Engcon

Jørgen Ulvang has demonstrated remarkable leadership in guiding Team Engcon to new heights in Season XVI. His ability to fine-tune race strategies and a deep understanding of athlete management and training have played a key role in the team’s outstanding performances. Ulvang’s emphasis on innovation and collaboration has been pivotal in strengthening Team Engcon’s presence in the Pro Tour.

According to the Pro Team Director earlier in the season: “Team Engcon started in 2019 as a small team with only three athletes. Today, Team Engcon is a great Pro Team with both merited and experienced athletes and upcoming and future champions.”

Kim Mäenpää – Team Mäenpää

Kim Mäenpää has been a driving force behind Team Mäenpää’s success, ensuring that the team remains competitive in the Pro Tour. His deep connection with the athletes and commitment to high-performance training have contributed to solid results throughout the season. Mäenpää’s leadership has also been key in developing and integrating new talent, strengthening the team’s future prospects.

“The goal is to develop our skiers to the next level and grow the interest in long-distance skiing in Finland,” said Mäenpää in an earlier statement.

Simon Jonsson – Ski Team Göhlins

Simon Jonsson has led Ski Team Göhlins with dedication and a clear vision for success. Under his guidance, the team has made significant strides, showcasing resilience and strong performances across various events. Jonsson’s attention to detail and ability to inspire and support his athletes have played a vital role in the team’s progression this season.

At the Pro Team presentation Season XVI, the Pro Team Director stated about his squad: “A team that consists of Småland’s top talents and with a lot of energy and will, which characterizes us as well as the widely known Gnosjö spirit. Striving and toil give the team the conditions to achieve our goals.”

Bruno Debertolis – Team Robinson Trentino

Bruno Debertolis brings a wealth of experience to Team Robinson Trentino, and his passion for the sport is evident in his approach to team management. His efforts in assembling a diverse and competitive roster and his commitment to supporting athletes at all levels have solidified Team Robinson Trentino as a force to be reckoned with in the Pro Tour. Debertolis’ strategic insight and dedication have been essential in shaping the team’s strong performances throughout the season.

“Born in 2017, our Team has contributed to making the world of Ski Classics popular among many young people and many enthusiasts of all ages in Italy,” said the Pro Team Director in an earlier statement and added:

“Our main goal is to continue this path, and for this reason, our efforts are multiplying year after year, and the group is becoming bigger and bigger, which gives the possibility to new generations to try to make their dreams come true.”

Stay tuned for more updates on skiclassics.com.

Read More: Marcialonga Bodø changes location to Valnesfjord

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI (2024/2025)

Season XVI of the Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 14 events across 10 event weekends in 6 countries. It started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 13, 2024, with the Pro Team Presentation and ends in Finnsnes, Norway, with the Ski Classics Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja on March 30, 2025.

Next up is Marcialonga Bodø on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The event marks the 12^th Ski Classics Pro Tour event of Season XVI.

• Event 0: Friday, December 13, 2024 –Ski Classics Pro Team Presentation XVI – Bad Gastein, Austria
• Event 1: Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Bad Gastein ITT – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: Sunday, December 15, 2024 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: Saturday, January 11, 2025 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon – Sexten, Italy, 60km
• Event 4: Sunday, January 12, 2025 – La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago – Val Venosta, Italy, 11km
• Event 5: Saturday, January 18, 2025 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 43km
• Event 6: Sunday, January 26, 2025 – Marcialonga – Trentino, Italy, 70km
• Event 7: Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 8: Saturday, February 15, 2025 – Grönklitt Criterium 61 – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 61km
• Event 9: Sunday, February 16, 2025 – Grönklitt ITT – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 13km
• Event 10: Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 11: Saturday, March 15, 2025 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 12: Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Marcialonga Bodø – Valnesfjord, Norway, 50km
• Event 13: Saturday, March 29, 2025 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 46km
• Event 14: Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com

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