Joar Thele, a seasoned Pro Team athlete, shares his journey, transition from Team Ragde Charge to Team Janteloppet, and insights on Ski Classics’ evolving landscape.

In Ski Classics and long-distance skiing, an athlete’s journey is often marked by his passion and devotion to the sport. One such athlete, synonymous with long-distance skiing, recently sat down for an interview to reflect on their summer training and racing season, his experiences with two prominent Pro Teams, and shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of Ski Classics.

Joar Thele has been around Ski Classics for a long time. Since 2012, when he started at Birkebeinerrennet, this Norwegian Pro Team athlete has been a consistent performer with impressive achievements. 

Last season, Thele finished 6th at Vasaloppet, showing that the now-former Team Ragde Charge’s athlete is still improving his shape after more than ten years on the Pro Tour circuit. Moreover, alongside Anders Aukland, Joar Thele skied 321 kilometers in one day, showing how his body can withstand extreme distances.

However, Joar tells us he wants to be a complete long-distance skier. He wants to fight for the podium not only on the longer races but also on the shorter ones.

“My summer has been characterized by some illness and injuries and not the continuity I had hoped for with training, so my fitness is not quite at its peak. However, I have had some solid weeks of training now, and the fall will be very good! For me personally, I need to improve my starting speed, high-speed skiing, and become a bit faster. I have often performed well in long races like Vasaloppet but struggled a bit more in the shorter long-distance races. My mission is to be good in all races,” the Norwegian athlete shared with ProXCskiing.com.

After spending several seasons training and racing with Team Ragde Charge, Joar Thele reflected on the invaluable experience he gained with the team. 

“It has been some fantastic educational and rewarding years with Team Ragde Charge, with Magnar Dalen at the helm. Magnar Dalen is probably the best leader I have encountered in terms of professionalism in organizing the best training camps, travels, accommodation, and arrangements related to skiing and equipment. I have many fond memories with Team Ragde Charge and can look back on several great training camps in Livigno and other places, as well as good memories from races like Vasaloppet, Årefjellsloppet, and Yllas Levi.”

Read More: Joar Thele leaving Team Ragde Charge

But after several seasons competing with Team Ragde Charge, Joar Thele will now begin a new chapter in his sporting career. He is joining another team that, despite being new to the circuit, counts with the experience of one of the best cross-country skiers ever. Joar explained:

“For several years, I’ve had a sponsorship agreement with the Northug brand and used his sunglasses, and over time, I got to know him. Both of us live in Oslo, and over the past few years, we’ve trained together on several occasions and become good training buddies. Northug has always said that he wanted to invest seriously in Ski Classics and have a big team, and it has always been a dream to be on a team with him. Learning and training with one of the greatest legends is very inspiring, and Petter also helps me a lot with training and gives good advice.”

Also Read: Team Janteloppet confirmed a new Pro Team athlete

Looking ahead to the future, Joar shared his aspirations with Team Janteloppet: 

“I believe the setup will be very good, and the two of us can compete at the top in several races. We have big plans! My goal for the winter is to contend for the victory at Vasaloppet and several other races. I need to become more consistent at the top. At the same time, Janteloppet is also a major goal, where I really aim to compete for the victory.”

The article continues below.

The conversation touched upon Joar Thele’s training regimen and any differences between the two teams. He revealed: 

“Much of the training is the same, but I’ve received good advice and tips on sessions that Petter recommends, so some adjustments and new training content have been implemented. This fall, Petter and I are first traveling to Tenerife in early October, and we’re going to Mallorca at the end of October. So, it will be a great autumn with good training days in the sun and warm weather!”

As an athlete with years of experience, Joar also offered his perspective on the development of Ski Classics, noting: 

“Ski Classics just keeps getting better and the level higher every year. There has truly been a development. I believe that Ski Classics is onto a concept and a platform that will only grow. I think it’s important for Ski Classics to include many of the major races in all countries and incorporate some long-distance races in Finland, Estonia, Germany, France, etc., into the circuit, and not just have Norway and Sweden host most of the races. It’s important for both the interest and the recruitment.”

Joar Thele’s journey in long-distance skiing is a testament to perseverance, evolution, and unwavering dedication. With Team Janteloppet on the horizon and his sights set on long and shorter races, he embarks on a promising new chapter in his career.

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