Markus Hallén Johansson is aiming big: Italy, China, and everything in between. Despite not securing a spot on Ramudden’s Pro Team this year, Markus Hallén Johansson is determined to make this winter his big racing season. With a dedicated focus and support from both his family and team, he is targeting some of the biggest long-distance races of the winter.

It’s not just Ramudden’s Pro Team that is performing well this winter. Markus Hallén Johansson from Ramudden’s Development Team raced what he thought was a 15-kilometer mass start on Sunday and won with perfectly waxed skis.

“It was listed as 15 kilometers, but it was only 11. I checked the clock on the last lap and had only 10.5 km, but I knew it was just three laps. So I raced into the finish, and fortunately, it was correct”, says Hallén Johansson.

New recruit, but not new to the Winter Long-Distance Skiing Challenge

Hallén Johansson was introduced as one of three male skiers in Ramudden’s development team earlier this summer. He now says that, after a year of focusing on long-distance races, he is beginning to feel confident in the long-distance events.

“Now I feel a bit more comfortable in long-distance races. Last year was my first year, and there was so much to see and learn. This is how it works with energy, and how I should manage my strength. It’s important to train specifically for the discipline. I think that just skiing a lot helps”, says Hallén Johansson.

The course in Sollefteå was a bit tougher, with almost 150 meters of elevation per five kilometers, but Markus was certain he would use staking.

“I decided to use double poling, well before the race. I regret it a lot after Bruksvallarna. Shortly after the race, I felt like I didn’t get my full potential in diagonal skiing. Double poling is what I train most, and it’s what I’m best at. Even though I’m an old classical skier”, Hallén Johansson emphasizes and continues:

“I probably won’t compete in classical skiing anymore. It doesn’t fit into my schedule, so I can’t prioritize it. Instead, I will focus on Originals. That’s also what Ramudden’s development team is meant for. Of course, there will be Vasaloppet and hopefully some other big races. Maybe the Ski Classics races in Orsa”.

Read More: Johansson and Stolpe winners of Billingens Långlopp 2024

The Extreme Competition in Ramudden: A Winter Long-Distance Skiing Challenge

This weekend’s races in Bad Gastein saw Ramudden’s Pro Team achieve excellent results. In addition, Anton Persson won both sprints in the Bad Gastein Criterium and now holds the Green Sprint bib.

Hallén Johansson is humble when asked about his chances of securing a spot on the Pro Tour team. “It’s really exciting to see them perform. I’ve trained a lot with them, and I know where I stand compared to the rest of the team. That’s when I know I’m not off track”, says Hallén Johansson, speculating further:

“While it’s going well for the Pro Tour team, it certainly makes it harder for me to get a spot. But this year, the others are guaranteed to race in Ski Classics all season”.

Since Ramudden has a full quota of non-QCI skiers, and Markus is over 22, it’s impossible for him to secure a place in the team this year. However, Hallén Johansson’s thoughts are directed towards the major races. He remains committed to his effort and confidence.

The Long March

The 27-year-old, who competes for Offerdals SK, says he wants to race in the Birkebeinerrennet if the path there goes well. But his big plan for the winter is still to head to Italy. In addition to Ramudden, he will be helped by his father Rickard.

“The plan is to get to Marcialonga. But my dad and I will be handling accommodation and flights. Then I’ll get help with skis and service from the team”, he explains to ProXCskiing.com’s sister site Langd.se.

You sound very determined and focused! “Absolutely”, says the young skier.

Besides competing in the prestigious Marcialonga in Italy, Hallén Johansson has his sights set on another big challenge – this time on the other side of the world.

Hallén Johansson will participate in Vasaloppet China, which takes place on January 4th in Changchun. The 27-year-old, with roots in Zinkgruvans IF, shows that he’s not only ready to compete with the world elite in Europe but also prepared to face new cultures and racing conditions in a completely different part of the world.

“Yes, we are going to try to go to China after the New Year as well. It will be me, Joel Andersson, and Ossian Rosenberg. We’ve had some contact with Björn Lind, who is responsible for the skiers. Now we just need to get the visas sorted”, laughs Hallén Johansson.

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