The Ski Classics Season XV is over, but preparation for the upcoming season is underway. Hear about the past season and what lies ahead for the Norwegian Pro Team, Team NTNUI Sweco.

Team NTNUI Sweco hails from Norway and, more precisely, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNUI). The Pro Team entered the Ski Classics circuit in 2018 and is one of the most unique teams, as both athletes and managers are students, and volunteers run everything. 

After the winter, they completed another season in Ski Classics and ended up in 17th place overall in the Pro Team competition, meaning they are guaranteed a Pro Team license for Season XVI. 

Thomas Meinecke, one of the Pro Team Directors, reflects on the team’s performance during Season XV:

“Both Erling (Nyborg Owren – Pro Team Director) and I are extremely satisfied with our performance this season, particularly finishing 17th overall. Balancing rigorous studies at NTNU with achieving a top 20 position is a significant accomplishment. We must also commend Hanna Sandholt Hansen for her phenomenal season, proudly representing our colors – green, yellow, and black. Additionally, we have cultivated a strong group of ambitious skiers and are excited to see the progress of athletes like Camilla Brørs and Erik Ola Jorde,” says Meinecke and adds:

“In addition, we would like to highlight how hard we have worked to make the team even more professional, especially when it comes to ski waxing, ski testing, and travel arrangements. We are students, after all, and we do this on a voluntary basis. Nevertheless, we see that the efforts are paying off, which is particularly evident in the athletes’ good performances this winter.”

Despite the challenges, what is the most memorable moment from the season?

“The standout moment has to be Erik Ola Jorde’s debut in Ski Classics, securing 49th place in La Diagonela. Another highlight was the Marcialonga event, where, alongside our usual team, we had 40 NTNU students from NTNUI Cross-country join us. It was absolutely fantastic to watch all the green-yellow-black skiers along the route to Cavalese. And, of course, it is impossible not to mention Hanna Sandholt Hansen, who has time and again surprised us with fantastic performances!”

What aspects did Team NTNUI Sweco excel in during Season XV?

“Our team excelled in unity. As students at the same University, sharing similar lifestyles in the same city, our cohesion is exceptionally strong. We enjoy each other’s company, train together frequently, and share a common lifestyle. We also have to read for the same exams…”

In what areas do you see potential for further development?

“This year, we focused on building a sustainable organization and invested heavily in waxing and equipment. Moving forward, our goal is to further develop our skiers to score more points. This is particularly important as Hanna Sandholt Hansen has announced her transfer to Team Næringsbanken.”

When do you expect to finalize your team for the upcoming season? 

“We plan to finalize the team in line with the start of the autumn semester, aiming to have everything set by September 1.”

Last but not least, what are your goals for Season XVI?

“Our goals for Season XVI are to have more skiers scoring points, elevate the overall performance level, and ensure our skis perform as well as they did this season,” concludes Pro Team Director Thomas Meinicke.

Also Read: The complete Pro Team Ranking Season XV