Welcome to our exclusive interview with Johan Hoel, the skier from Team Ragde Charge who has recently clinched the Champion overall victory of Ski Classics Season XV. Hoel’s journey to the top has been extraordinary, marked by resilience and determination. 

In a season filled with fierce competition, Johan Hoel emerged as the overall winner, accumulating 2066 points and securing the Yellow Champion bib. His teammate Kasper Stadaas closely followed with 1947 points, with Andreas Nygaard in third with 1594 points, solidifying Team Ragde Charge’s men’s dominance in the long-distance skiing circuit.

But Hoel’s ascent to greatness wasn’t instantaneous; it was a gradual progression marked by years of perseverance and dedication. Despite early successes at the Junior World Championships, Hoel’s path to glory was characterized by modest achievements in various competitions, including the Norwegian Championships and the Scandinavian Cup. It wasn’t until his recent triumph at Reistadløpet that Johan Hoel claimed his first victory in Ski Classics, a defining moment that propelled him to the forefront of the sport.

Hoel’s season has been punctuated by stellar performances, including his impressive win at Reistadløpet, where he crossed the finish line first with a time of 2:01:15.3. Additionally, his podium finishes in prestigious events such as Birkebeinerrennet and Vasaloppet, where he secured 2nd place in both races, underscore his consistency and strength as a competitor. 

Hoel’s remarkable fourth-place finish at Summit 2 Senja further solidified his position as last season’s strongest skier within the Ski Classics Pro Tour circuit.

Johan Hoel’s journey was marked by challenges, including persistent back problems that forced him to adapt his training regimen. However, with unwavering determination and support from his team, Hoel overcame these obstacles, emerging as the skier of the season.

How does it feel to reach the most prestigious title of long-distance skiing? Reflecting on your season, what have been the most significant challenges, and how did you overcome them?

“It is a great feeling to win the overall. The biggest challenge to winning overall is that you must be on the start line in every race and ready to do your best. To do this, you also need luck to avoid sickness and injuries. I have not done much differently than other athletes, but I have managed to stay consistent with very few days of sickness.

Your victory at Reistadløpet marked your first victory at Ski Classics. Can you describe the importance of that moment?

“I have been waiting to win for a long time, but I often look at the performance before the result. And I think my performance at Reistadløpet is my best performance ever, so that’s why it meant a lot.”

As part of Team Ragde Charge, how have the support and camaraderie within the team contributed to your success?

“The environment in the team has been the biggest factor in my elevated level this season. Of course it is challenging to have pressure to perform, but it also pushes you forward. In terms of training, the level is very high, and I do some sessions in the pre-season that I would never have done if I were by myself. I get inspired by the other athletes on the team, see what they do, and try to learn from them. I also think we enjoy each other’s success and want the best for each other.”

Winning the Yellow bib is a remarkable achievement. What are your plans for next year now that you have reached such an achievement? 

“I think the confidence is the most important thing you get from the Yellow bib. You know what you are doing is good and working, and you don’t need to change that much. At the same time, you must look forward and find new inspiration and motivation. I expect my competitors to improve next year, so if I want to win, I must also be better.”

Finally, it’s time for holidays! How will you spend the coming month? Is it time to relax in sunny places, or are you still skiing?

“My last skiing session this winter was the last Ski Classics race. I will spend at least four weeks without touching a pair of poles. I will take my bike out and enjoy being outside when the weather is good. The serious training for next season starts at the end of May,” concludes Johan Hoel.

Read More: Final Ski Classics Standings Season XV – All Bib Winners