The conclusion of Ski Classics Season XV marks the start of preparations for the next season. We caught up with Pro Team Director Markus Walser to learn and reflect on Swiss Pro Team BSV IBEX’s journey through the previous season and what’s coming in the future.

How do you reflect on your Team BSV IBEX’s performance in the past Ski Classics season?

“Overall, we can be really happy with place 14 in the team ranking. Especially on the women’s side, we could reach some really good results. Masako was important for our team, and Franziska also did some really good races. I am also really happy with the first season of Gianluca Wenger. He was sick for. Long time in both November and December, but after that, he showed some good results and showed his potential. From the other athletes I was expecting a bigger step, but the level is high, and everything has to fit perfectly to make good steps. And then the fluor restrictions affected us more than expected. For us as a small team with just me as a wax tech, it was really hard work to keep up with the big teams, and we had some races where we had not the best skis.”

What stands out as the most memorable moment from the season?

“It’s hard to pick out just one moment, because a ski classics season has a lot of memorable moments in the races, but also outside on the trips with the athletes. But one really important moment was for sure our first top 10 result in Orsa ITT from Masako. On that race, it showed, that we can keep up with the big teams if everything fits together.”

Also Read: Team BSV IBEX clinches top 10 spot in Grönklitt

What aspects did your team excel in during Season XV?

“The team spirit in our team is really good. That means we worked hard during summer and had a lot of fun. This team spirit was important at the beginning of the season, where we had not the best skis. We worked hard together and discussed the problems we had. The team spirit was also important the last races, where I couldn’t be with the team.”  

In what areas do you see potential for further development?

“We as a small team can be more professional on almost every area. If we can find more sponsors, we can be for sure more professional in the waxing area. So, one of my goals this spring is, to get financially stronger, to invest more in the waxing. That means that’s we can hire maybe a wax tech. So, it would be good for the team if I have more time just for being team manager and coach.”

When do you expect to finalize your Team BSV IBEX for the upcoming season? Any updates or announcements to share?

“With Gian Flurin Pfäffli, Marino Capelli and Nico Walther, three athletes will leave the team and retire from professional skiing. Therefore, I will work hard to replace these three athletes with some new athletes from Switzerland. And on the women’s side, we are always searching for some fast ladies. Because of the fact, that we don’t have many female skiers in Switzerland. I would be also happy if we find one or two fast ladies from other countries. So, we will let you know as soon as we have more news ;-)” 

What are your goals for Season XVI?

“The first goal is to replace those athletes who will leave the team with strong athletes. The goal should be to replace them with athletes, that allow us to be once more a top 15 team next season. And then for sure the goal that other athletes can develop step by step. It is important for us that we can showcase athletes from Switzerland skiing fast in the pro tour series, that means positions in the points in every race.”

Also Read: The complete Pro Team Ranking Season XV