When the Swedish long-distance premiere took place just over a week ago in Edsåsdalen, Oskar Kardin emerged as the winner. After several years with the Norwegian Pro Team Ragde Charge, he now competes for the Swedish Pro Team Lager 157 Ski Team.

“It feels great with the new team. We are a good group and have had many training camps. There has been good training throughout the summer and fall. It’s fun with a bit of change, and we’ve had camps in slightly different places than I’ve been before,” says Oskar to Langd.se.

How has the preseason been?

“The preseason has been quite normal. I have felt better and better during the fall. I believe that what I’ve achieved in some sessions over the past few months is among the best I’ve done. Otherwise, I haven’t changed much except for minor technical adjustments.”

After the competition in Edsåsdalen just over a week ago, Oskar fell ill with Covid. However, he hopes to be at the starting line for the Ski Classics premiere this weekend.

“I felt very strong in Edsåsdalen. Now I am healthy and have just started training. I aim to be at the starting line in Bad Gastein unless I experience a setback once I start training.”

Oskar is entering his seventh season in Ski Classics, but he is lowering his expectations due to the illness that has disrupted him in the past week.

“I have lowered the realistic level of ambition a bit, but of course, I hope my body responds as it did a week ago. This will be my seventh season in Ski Classics, so I have done a few premieres before. I am excited and motivated, but I think the most enjoyable races come in January and later in the season. Therefore, I hope to be in top form for those competitions.”

Also Read: Ski Classics star tests positive for Covid

What are your goals for the season?

“Like several others at the start, my goal is to win Vasaloppet. I also want to be in the mix for victories and podium finishes in as many races as possible and help the team have a successful season,” Oskar Kardin concludes.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV

The Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV starts next Saturday. The winter season kicks off in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 9 and 10, 2023. The season opener features a weekend with two events: Bad Gastein PTT – Pro Team Tempo and Bad Gastein Criterium.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 15km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 35km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 35km 
• Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
• Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 12km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 16, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
• Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
• Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

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