Many rumors have preceded it, but now Team Aker Daehlie is presented. The team consists of a long-distance skiing team focusing on Ski Classics, an all-round traditional cross-country ski, a para cross-country ski, and a “next generation” teams.

“The common denominator is that we are happy in cross-country skiing, and we want to help lift the sport to a new level together with athletes, support staff, role models, and partners,” said Bjørn Daehlie at a press conference in Oslo on Friday.

Knut Nystad, former head of the national team for the cross-country team, will be the sports director for Team Aker Dæhlie. And in addition, Maja Dahlqvist and Dario Cologna will be advisors to the team.

On the men’s side, the team will consist of Chris André Jespersen coming from Team Koteng Eidissen, and the new signings Max Novak, Stian Hoelgaard, Vebjørn Moen and Petter Stakston.

The ambition is to fight for the overall victory in the team competition and sprint, climbing, and overall bibs individually.

On the women’s side, the firm name is Øyre Slind. Astrid Øyre Slind, who was third in the Ski Classics last season, came back strong despite having Covid in January and won Vasaloppet, Birkebeinerrennet and Reistadlöpet. At Birkebeinerrennet, she was the first woman ever to win the race only double poling.

Øyre Slind’s goal is to win the overall Champion bib, and she will bring her twin sister Silje Øyre Slind. In addition, Kari Øyre Slind is part of the team’s all-round group.

Team Aker Dæhlie Long-Distance Team

• Astrid Øyre Slind
• Silje Øyre Slind
• Chris André Jespersen
• Max Novak
• Stian Hoelgaard
• Vebjørn Moen
• Petter Stakston

Team Aker Dæhlie Allround

• Runa Ulvang
• Kari Øyre Slind
• Marte Mikkelsplass
• Anna Heggen
• Mikael Gunnulfsen
• Eirik Mysen
• Johannes Lønnestad Flaaten
• Amund Korsæth
• Mattis Stenshagen

Para Cross-Country Skiing Team 

•  Isabel Valen
•  Kjartan Haugen