“Unfortunately, our main sponsor, Sweco, is now withdrawing after five years as the main sponsor. That’s why we’re now looking for new sponsors,” says Lauritz Sogn-Larssen of Team NTNUI to Langrenn.com.

However, he is optimistic that he will be able to maintain both the team and the offer to the athletes.

“We have ambitious plans again this year. We want to take part in most of the Ski Classics races, which will give our athletes valuable experience. In the fall, we will organize several gatherings, both on skis and dryland, to ensure that we are best prepared for the season,” Sogn-Larssen says.

Read More – Team NTNUI: Season XV highlights and future goals

Sogn-Larssen points out that the team is used to operating on a tight budget and is good at getting a lot out of the limited resources it has. The ambition is to carry out the run-up to the season as much as possible and participate in as many Ski Classics Pro Tour events as possible.

Also Read: Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI

“Since the start, the team has operated on a very tight budget but has shown that we can be present at most Ski Classics competitions, and we are working to be able to offer the same to next year’s skiers,” says Sogn-Larssen, and continues:

“Our team is dedicated to minimizing costs for the athletes, and much of the work is done voluntarily by our new managers, Halfdan Baumann and myself.”

The story continues below.

Passionate about the team

Sogn-Larssen and Baumann were both athletes in Team NTNUI last season and are highly motivated to develop the unique offer for top athletes studying at NTNU further.

“The team does its best to adapt to a tight student budget and works to ensure that everyone gets to participate in as many activities as possible,” says Sogn-Larssen.

Team NTNUI is run together with NTNUI Langrenn, Norway’s largest senior cross-country skiing club.

“We have our own test fleet, wax techs, and a support team that follows all races. This ensures that the athletes have the best conditions to perform, both in terms of equipment and support during the competitions,” he says, pointing out that this will also be a priority next winter.

Opening for more athletes

In addition to a new main sponsor, Team NTNUI is now looking for more skiers for the Ski Classics Pro Team next season. Specifically, they are looking for athletes who have sporting ambitions, contribute to the team socially, and have a healthy balance between sports and studies.

“We’re looking for skiers with good results from long-distance and/or traditional cross-country skiing. However, the most important thing is that you are motivated and ready to work hard to improve and are willing to focus on long-distance skiing alongside school,” Sogn-Larssen says and elaborates:

“We expect our skiers to prioritize Ski Classics and other important competitions, but taking your studies seriously is also important. Finding a good balance between training and school is key.”

The application deadline is August 20 – more information about the team and the application process is on the team’s website.

Those interested in supporting the team can contact Halfdan Baumann at +47 902 61 080 or halfdan.baumann@ntnui.no