Confirms: Has said yes – but not without drama.

After winning the Birkebeinerrennet and Marcialonga Bodø, claiming the Climb bib, and finishing third overall in Ski Classics, he found himself without a team for nearly six months. Now, the 32-year-old has signed with Petter Northug’s Pro Team, Team Burger King Northug. 

“After a long period without a team affiliation and facing team challenges, it feels great to look ahead and work towards new goals with the team,” says Torleif Syrstad to Langrenn.com. 

The Ski Classics star was sought after by Petter Northug’s team ever since it became clear he was finished with Jørgen Ulvang’s Pro Team, Team Engcon. However, a bitter conflict has blocked the transition for almost six months.

Also Read: Vasaloppet winner closing in on move to Team Burger King Northug

Now, Syrstad is looking forward to the season starting in December. 

“I am very motivated to continue my development and look forward to a new season with Team Burger King Northug,” he says. 

Read More: Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII

A Strain: “Childish and unsportsmanlike” 

Syrstad is candid about how the situation and uncertainty have been a strain. He describes the conflict as “childish and unsportsmanlike.” 

“It is frustrating. I think it is childish and unsportsmanlike. The sports community is quite small, and I believe one should behave and be a bit fair towards others. So yes, I am really irritated and disappointed, Syrstad said after the long-distance race in Hitra during Toppidrettsveka. 

Also Read: Strongly provoked: “Childish and unsportsmanlike“

One of several new signings

Before the summer break, Northug brought in training influencer and Hyrox star Iver Anton Kronstad. 

Earlier in August, Magnus Vesterheim signed with Team Burger King Northug. He too had been without a contract for a long time after his long-distance team was disbanded following the season. 

Read More: Vesterheim signs with Team Burger King Northug

Team Burger King Northug Season XVIII (2026/2027)

• Hedda Bångman
• Fanny Andresen
• Maren Nielsen
• Petter Northug
• Emil Gukild 
• Iver Anton Kronstad
• Magnus Waaler
• Leopold Strand
• Henrik Joks
• Magnus Vesterheim
• Torleif Syrstad

Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII (2026/2027)

• Event 1: December 11, 2026 – Bad Gastein Prologue – Austria – 1km
• Event 2: December 13, 2026 – Sportgastein Criterium – Austria – 30km
• Event 3: December 19, 2026 – Bad Gastein ITT – Austria – 7km
• Event 4: December 20, 2026 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Austria – 36km
• Event 5: January 16, 2027 – Engadin La Diagonela – Switzerland – 55km
• Event 6: January 17, 2027 – Zuoz–St. Moritz Sprint – Switzerland – 30km
• Event 7: January 31, 2027 – Marcialonga – Italy – 70km
• Event 8: February 12, 2027 – Bedřichov Heat Sprint – Czech Republic – 1.5km
• Event 9: February 14, 2027 – Jizerská50 – Czech Republic – 50km
• Event 10: February 27, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Women – Sweden – 30km
• Event 11: February 28, 2027 – Oxberg–Mora Sprint Men – Sweden – 30km
• Event 12: March 7, 2027 – Vasaloppet – Sweden – 90km
• Event 13: March 20, 2027 – Birkebeinerrennet – Norway – 53km
• Event 14: April 3, 2027 – Reistadløpet – Norway – 35km
• Event 15: April 4, 2027 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Norway – 60km

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics World Championship, visit skiclassics.com.

Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site and live streaming of Ski Classics Pro Tour events with English commentary.

When you become part of one of the world’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round. 

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER