Team Næringsbanken Stora Enso announced, on their Instagram, a new name for the recruiting team and three new members. The Pro Team, called YC RØR Sjusjøen Ski Team, will have three new men representing the team the upcoming winter: Kristian Kongssund, Jørgen Harby, and Dennis Steensen.

Additionally, Kristine Fjeld will continue on the women’s side with the team as she did in the last season. The other skiers in the YC RØR Sjusjøen Ski Team are Halvor Korbøl Thoner, Ole Eirik Fuglehaug Ekrem, and Karen Marie Håkonsen.

Pro Team Director Arnt Nyborg comments on the new signings:

“We have invested in recruiting young skiers every year we have been registered to Ski Classics. We prioritize both “depth“ and young skiers whom we want to recruit from the local region Innlanded and preferably from the area between Hamar and Lillehammer. Ringsaker (Sjusjøen) is our home course.”

“This year, our recruit team (previously Team Norsk Gran) is also changing its name to YR Rør SJUSJØEN Ski Team for the 2022/2023 season.”

Kristian Kongssund is an interesting name. The 18-years old took gold in the Norwegian Junior Nationals at the 7.5km classic race last winter. The other two recruits also have some experience from long-distance racing despite their young age. The 21-years old Jørgen Harby was 35th in the 50km at the Norwegian Senior Nationals last winter. The 21-years old Dennis Steenman, on the other hand, took 8th place at Troll Ski Marathon in classic technique.

“Kristian and Jørgen are 100% focused on the Norwegian Cup. Kristian also has a goal of qualifying for the World Juniors. They will attend some long-distance races for us at the end of the season.”

“Halvor, Ole Eirik, Karen Marie, Kristine, and Dennis are focusing on long-distance. They will compete in 5-11 Ski Classics races. We will also cooperate with the local team, Team Sjusjøen, which has 13-18 years old skiers. The goal for this is to have a strong local recruit pool for the future,” concludes Arnt Nyborg.