After the end of last year’s season, Oda Nerdrum announced that she was leaving Team Kaffebryggeriet to join a new team – Team Robinson Trentino. After having spent 4 years racing for the Norwegian Pro Team, Oda decided it was time for a fresh start, this time with an Italian Pro Team.

“It’s been very exciting and fun to get to know so many new people and, not least, a different culture,” Oda began. “At first, I was mostly worried about speaking English. I thought this could be a good opportunity to improve my English skills, but honestly, I don’t think I’ve gotten much better—just more comfortable. Sometimes, I even forget they’re not Norwegian and start speaking Norwegian to them. The confused looks quickly remind me!”

Oda’s team dynamic is a colorful mix of nationalities, and she’s embraced the cultural melting pot. “We have so much fun teaching each other words from our languages. After the Bad Gastein weekend, Stefano Dal Magro kept repeating ‘fy faen’ on the bus—it was the most used phrase during ski testing!” she laughed.

Aiming for the Top with Team Robinson Trentino

Oda’s competitive spirit is as vibrant as ever. This season, her sights are set on securing a top-10 finish in one of the prestigious long-distance races on the Ski Classics circuit. “Jizerská, Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet, or Summit 2 Senja are my best opportunities,” she revealed. “Continuity is key for me, but also my biggest challenge. Balancing training and recovery is my main focus.”

Her training reflects this balance. Despite starting a full-time job over the summer, Oda has maintained a rigorous yet thoughtful routine. “An optimal week includes 3-4 interval sessions of 30-40 minutes, a long session of about four hours on the weekend, and a mix of easy training and strength work. It’s a structure that’s worked well, and I’m sticking to it.”

Reflections on Bad Gastein and Beyond

The season started with the Bad Gastein weekend, featuring an Individual Time Trial (ITT) and a Criterium race. For Oda, these events were more about building momentum than results.

“It was fun to start the season. My focus was on enjoying being healthy again and racing without stressing about the outcome,” she said. Oda finished the first weekend of competitions in the 35th and 32nd place, respectively.

While autumn often poses challenges—this year being no exception due to illness—Oda finds motivation in memorable moments. “The Blink Classics stands out as my best roller ski race so far,” she noted.

The Road Ahead

When it comes to her future in long-distance skiing, Oda’s ambitions are grounded yet inspiring. “I want to realize my potential,” she said thoughtfully.

“After making many mistakes with training and recovery, my training age feels much younger than my real age. I know I haven’t reached my full potential yet.”

Her passion for skiing and self-improvement is evident. “I love skiing and the process of developing. I hope I have the opportunity to continue this journey for years to come”.

The story continues below.

Ski Classics App – Download here for Apple iOS or Android

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI

Season XIV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 14 events on 10 event weekends in 6 different countries.

Next up is the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The 60-kilometer long-distance skiing race in classic technique marks the third Ski Classics Pro Tour stage of Season XVI.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVI (2024/2025)

• Event 0: Friday, December 13, 2024 –Ski Classics Pro Team Presentation XVI – Bad Gastein, Austria
• Event 1: Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Bad Gastein ITT – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: Sunday, December 15, 2024 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: Saturday, January 11, 2025 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon – Sexten, Italy, 60km
• Event 4: Sunday, January 12, 2025 – La Venosta ITT Kapron-Melago – Val Venosta, Italy, 12km
• Event 5: Saturday, January 18, 2025 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 6: Sunday, January 26, 2025 – Marcialonga – Trentino, Italy, 70km
• Event 7: Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 8: Saturday, February 15, 2025 – Grönklitt Criterium 61 – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 61km
• Event 9: Sunday, February 16, 2025 – Grönklitt ITT – Orsa Grönklitt, Sweden, 12km
• Event 10: Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 11: Saturday, March 15, 2025 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 12: Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
• Event 13: Saturday, March 29, 2025 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 46km
• Event 14: Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

More information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour can be found at skiclassics.com