Skinstad expressed optimism about the Team Coop Madshus’ growth, saying, “We have started a process in growing our team and involving more partners and athletes.” He believes this will enhance their performance both on and off the racetracks.

The addition of athletes like Mathias Aas Rolid and Imanol Rojo is expected to elevate the team’s dynamic. Skinstad added, “It feels great to have them on our team.”

The collaboration between Coop, one of Norway’s largest food chains, and Madshus is particularly unique. Skinstad noted, “Together with Swix, we have a lot of projects with Coop.” This partnership goes beyond mere branding; it’s about advancing the development of next-generation double poling skis and equipment. Skinstad hinted at “huge news just around the corner” in this domain.

A mix of Norwegian and Spanish skiers

Team Coop Madshus’ diversity, with a mix of Norwegian and Spanish athletes, enriches its dynamic. Skinstad credits Spanish athletes Imanol Rojo and Marta Cester for their significant roles. He remarked, “Having athletes from different backgrounds helps us reach a bigger audience.” However, the challenge lies in coordinating meetups due to geographical distances.

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Also Read: Team Coop Madshus – Pro Team presentation Season XV

Imanol Rojo’s focus on the World Cup and the upcoming World Championships in Trondheim is a key aspect of the team’s strategy. Skinstad appreciates Rojo’s contribution, stating, “We fully support his goals. He’s a great inspiration to the team.”

Discussing Rojo’s integration into the Norwegian team, Skinstad said, “For us, it feels like our long-lost brother is back home.” Rojo’s motivation and performance have been commendable, especially in the context of his past challenges.

Mårten Skinstad, another pivotal team member, focuses on traditional skiing events in Norway and the Nordic countries. His approach, involving shorter sessions with more intensity, complements the team’s long-distance focus. Skinstad explained, “Mårten’s training is more complex than ours.”

Mathias Aas Rolid’s success in ski marathons and roller ski races adds to the team’s confidence. “Mathias is a strong athlete with a high potential,” Skinstad noted, highlighting his strengths in longer, high-speed races.

Also Read – Mathias Aas Rolid: A Norwegian To Keep An Eye On

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Competition is getting tighter

Finally, Skinstad shared his predictions for Ski Classics Season XV. He anticipates a competitive season with no clear favorites. “The days of one or two athletes dominating every race are done,” he said, indicating a more dynamic and unpredictable competition ahead.

In summary, Team Coop Madshus is poised for an exciting season, bolstered by strategic partnerships, a diverse team, and athletes with distinct strengths and goals. The team’s adaptations and innovations in training and equipment development are key factors contributing to their anticipated success in the Ski Classics circuit.

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV

The Season XV of Ski Classics Pro Tour consists of 15 events on 11 event weekends in 6 different countries. The season started in Bad Gastein, Austria, on December 9, 2023, and will end in Norway with the 100km Ski Classics Grand Finale Janteloppet on April 13, 2024.

Next are La Venosta Criterium on December 16 and La Venosta ITT on December 17, 2023. The events mark the third and fourth Ski Classics Pro Tour stages of Season XV.

Read More: La Venosta Criterium & ITT this weekend in Italy

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XV (2023/2024)

• Event 1: December 9, 2023 – Bad Gastein PTT, Austria, 15km
• Event 2: December 10, 2023 – Bad Gastein Criterium, Austria, 35km
• Event 3: December 16, 2023 – La Venosta Criterium, Italy, 37km 
• Event 4: December 17, 2023 – La Venosta ITT, Italy, 10km
• Event 5: January 13, 2024 – 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon, Italy, 62km
• Event 6: January 20, 2024 – Engadin La Diagonela, Switzerland, 56km
• Event 7: January 28, 2024 – Marcialonga, Italy, 70km
• Event 8: February 11, 2024 – Jizerská50, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 9: February 17, 2024 – Grönklitt Classic, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: February 18, 2024 – Grönklitt ITT, Sweden, 12km
• Event 11: March 3, 2024 – Vasaloppet, Sweden, 90km
• Event 12: March 16, 2024 – Birkebeinerrennet, Norway, 54km
• Event 13: April 6, 2024 – Reistadløpet, Norway, 50km
• Event 14: April 7, 2024 – Summit 2 Senja, Norway, 60km
• Event 15: April 13, 2024 – Ski Classics Grand Finale – Janteloppet, Norway, 100km

More information about Ski Classics can be found at www.skiclassics.com