“It is hard to settle into a World Cup team when you are not in the National Team. Even if the National Team is now smaller, you have to beat those who are there several times. Unfortunately, being at a level below the National Team is not sustainable. I feel very close, but still far away,” says Eirik Sverdrup Augdal to Langrenn.com.

A Change

Eirik signed a three-year agreement with the Swedish Pro Team, Team Eksjöhus, making the transition from traditional cross-country to long-distance skiing and Ski Classics.

“Now, I have fully focused on traditional cross-country skiing for many years. I needed a change.”

Sverdrup Augdal has been showing solid performances for several seasons. In the recently concluded winter season, he took two podium places and tangible top-ten results in the Norwegian and Scandinavian Cups. In addition, the 28-year-old has chosen to race in several Pro Tour events this season as an athlete for Team Eksjöhus.

“I have been part of Team Eksjöhus for some time this winter, and I really enjoy it. I am good friends with some of them from before, so it will be a very good environment.

And there is no doubt that Sverdrup Augdal has also performed well in the Pro Tour circuit during Season XIV. Sixth place at Grönklitt Criterium, top 7 at Grönklitt ITT and Summit 2 Senja, and second place at Reistadløpet testify the potential for long distances.

Not Giving Up On The Dream

Even if Sverdrup Augdal chooses to focus on long-distance skiing next season, he admits he will not give up on his dream of joining a World Cup team.

“I will try to go fast before the start of the season at Beitostølen and Gålå before Christmas,” says Sverdrup Augdal and adds:

“The training will now be directed a bit more towards double poling and long (distances), but I don’t see that as a disadvantage. Astrid Øyre Slind has shown this season that it is possible to combine. As long as you are well trained, you usually go fast. I think skiing is skiing.”

Would you get better conditions by representing a Pro Team in the coming seasons?

“Yes, there are better conditions in terms of going long-distance skiing. It’s boring to train all year but not get to go on the ski races you want. Now I get more predictability by going to Ski Classics races almost every weekend.”

What do you want to improve before next season?

“The challenge for me is to withstand the load; I need to train more. I raced some good races this winter but got knocked out in others. So next year, I must be better prepared.”

Nevertheless, Sverdrup Augdal is also clear about which characteristics he wants to keep:

“I will maintain the capacity, which has been good. But I obviously need to double pole more.”

With several top positions, Sverdrup Augdal has set some goals for next season:

“I want to join and fight for victory in the races I start. I want to see progress and results quickly. At the same time, I respect those at Ski Classics; they are well-trained.”

After the end of the season with Reistadløpet and Summit 2 Senja, Eirik Sverdrup Augdal won the Ski Classics Challengers event Janteloppet.

Read More: Eirik Sverdrup Augdal and Ragnhild Gløersen Haga Winners of Janteloppet 2023.