Ebba Andersson ended last season by winning two Ski Classics Pro Tour events for Team Engcon. Now, Pro Team Director Jørgen Ulvang talks about her importance for the squad.

Team Engcon dominated Ski Classics Season XVI (2024/2025), winning the overall in both the women’s and men’s categories. At the end of the winter, they gained an extra boost when Ebba Andersson wrapped up her season in the long-distance circuit.

Also Read: Final Ski Classics Standings Season XVI – All Bib Winners

Now, Team Engcon is aiming for a new season, but Ulvang believes it will be difficult to match last year’s overall results.

“It’s almost impossible to top that as a whole,” he told Langd.se.

Are you the Pro Team to beat in the upcoming season?

“You could certainly say that. It’s a different starting point than last year,” he noted.

Focus on the Grand Classics

But this year, the main focus will not be on the overall standings.

“We want to aim a little more at the biggest races; Jizerská50, Vasaloppet, Marcialonga, and Birkebeinerrennet,” Ulvang said and continued:

“The key is to be in shape for the big races. A lot happens in March, so we must be very well prepared and use February for training since there aren’t so many competitions then.”

Team Engcon has not made significant changes ahead of the winter. Eddie Edström has left, and Anton Mickelsen Elvseth will take over his role. On the women’s side, Hanna Lodin and Anikken Gjerde Alnes are fully engaged.

Among the women, however, there are a few question marks. It is still unclear if Ida Dahl will compete, even though she is listed in the team roster. Last season, the Pro Team also brought in Ebba Andersson.

Read More – Team Engcon: Reflections on Season XVII calendar and Pro Team goals

The World Champion in the team

Ebba’s main focus will be on the Olympics, but the plan is to finish the season in Ski Classics with the team.

How has it been to have Ebba at training camps this summer?

“It’s been very positive to have her with us. She is a very cheerful and motivated woman who has really contributed to higher training quality, but also socially within the team,” Ulvang said and continued:

“Especially for the women, who can feel a bit more exposed when there are fewer athletes in the women’s group, as is often the case in long-distance teams.”

What has she contributed?

“She has an incredible amount of experience to share with the group. It has been very positive for the women, but also for the team as a whole.”

Hanna Lodin showing strong form

Sweden’s Hanna Lodin is one of Team Engcon’s skiers who has impressed during the summer. Now, Jørgen hopes she can take another step forward this winter.

“Yes, based on what we’ve seen on roller skis, it’s been a good step in the right direction. But things need to go well from now into the winter to fully realize the potential on snow.”

This weekend, large parts of Team Engcon will be at the start line of Klarälvsloppet, a Ski Classics Challengers event.

Hanna Lodin and Anikken Gjerde Alnes are two of the favorites ahead of the race, which will be broadcast on SC PLAY in all countries except Sweden, where it will be broadcast on TV4.

Read More: Star-studded Klarälvsloppet this weekend – watch live on SC Play

Live Streaming on SC PLAY

Fans worldwide can follow Klarälvsloppet live on SC Play from 9:55 CET, with Pro Team athlete Magni Smedås and Kjell-Erik Kristiansen leading the broadcast (available in all countries except Sweden, where it will be broadcast on TV4).

KLARÄLVSLOPPET – LIVE HERE ON SC PLAY!

The SC Play app is available to download for iOS, Android, and Apple TV. You can watch on your television, mobile device, or computer. SC Play is part of SC – The Ski Community and is accessible to all members on news sites ProXCskiing.com, Langd.se, Langrenn.com, Maastohiihto.com, and Bezky.net.

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