“It’s my body that’s not working; I don’t really know what’s wrong,” says Magni Smedås. While the World’s elite gather for the World Cup in Lillehammer, the Norwegian challenger trains at high altitude in Italy, wondering why her body isn’t performing as it should.

Her dream is to race in the World Championships on home soil in Trondheim. But if that doesn’t happen, her Plan B is another stellar season in Ski Classics.

“My main goal is to race the 50km at the World Championships,” says the 29-year-old Smedås, who grew up near Therese Johaug in Dalsbygda, Os, in Norway’s Østerdalen region.

After an outstanding Ski Classics Season XV (2023/2024)—featuring three wins and a third-place overall finish—she’s entering this season with a dual focus. Her ambitions are high: securing a World Championships spot while aiming for top results in Ski Classics.

“But the start of the season hasn’t been as I hoped. I’m currently training with Team Eksjöhus in Lavazé, Italy, and the plan is to race in the Ski Classics premiere in Bad Gastein next weekend.”

Also Read: Team Eksjöhus – Pro Team presentation Season XVI

The story continues below.

Already on Plan B

Smedås admits she’s already on Plan B.

“I fell ill after our autumn camp in Mallorca, and my body hasn’t responded as usual since. It feels like I have no strength,” says Smedås. She failed to qualify for the World Cup in Lillehammer after competing in Beitostølen and Gålå, where she was listed as a reserve.

“Since I live in Lillehammer, it felt fine to get away instead of staying while the World’s elite are there. Now, I’ll train lightly with Team Eksjöhus here in Lavazé, and we’ll head straight to the Ski Classics premiere in Bad Gastein next Wednesday.”

Success at Nationals Is Crucial

To qualify for the World Championships in Trondheim, Smedås will need an exceptional performance at the Norwegian Championships in January. She has previously secured bronze in the longest National Championships distance events in both 2022 and 2024.

“I know I can ski fast in the 50km and that I’m strong in freestyle. That’s why I haven’t given up on the World Championships yet. I’m someone who never gives up,” she says, recalling her comeback at the Ski Classics Summit 2 Senja.

“It seemed almost impossible. I was dropped but found new energy and caught both Astrid Øyre Slind and Emilie Fleten in the end.”

A Remarkable Past Season

Last season was a huge success for Smedås, with victories in La Diagonela, Birken, and Summit 2 Senja. She also achieved her best-ever overall ranking in Ski Classics, finishing on the podium.

“My main goal this winter is to qualify for the World Championships, but I’ll still fight for top finishes in Ski Classics, even if staying at the top overall might be more challenging.”

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Team Eksjöhus in Ski Classics Ski or Die

We visited Team Eksjöhus during their autumn camp in Mallorca, featured in the third episode of Ski Classics Ski or Die. The team’s success in winning last season’s Ski Classics Pro Team competition was no accident. Intense training, camaraderie, and team spirit are key as they prepare for another great season.

Watch the episode on SC Play when available!

About Ski Classics Ski or Die

Ski Classics Ski or Die is a tribute to the incredible dedication of Ski Classics Pro Team athletes, as they tackle challenging terrain, traverse stunning landscapes, and take on the most challenging obstacles in training and competition. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at skiing, not just as a sport but as a way of life. This documentary adventure will inspire, captivate, and give viewers a deeper understanding of long-distance skiing. 

Ski Classics Ski or Die Release Dates

• November 22, 12:00 CET – Episode 1: Ski Team Göhlins – Watch the episode here!
• November 29, 12:00 CET – Episode 2: Team Robinson Trentino – Watch the episode here!
• December 6, 12:00 CET – Episode 3: Team Eksjöhus

Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.