French Pro Team athlete Thomas Joly joined Team Næringsbanken Stora Enso, marking a significant milestone in his career. After a training camp with his new Pro Team, Joly shared his thoughts.

Reflecting on his transition, Joly revealed that the move to Team Næringsbanken Stora Enso was not initially on his radar and explained in an earlier interview:

“I was not in the idea of changing teams, and I had an exchange with Team Næringsbanken (Stora Enso) in Lillehammer,” said the French athlete and continued:

“They offered to discuss a contract. I talked about it with the members of the TNE (Team Nordic Expérience) and my family, and then we came to an agreement.”

Read More Here: Thomas Joly leaving Team Nordic Expérience

After his first training camp with his new Pro Team (the squad is currently in another training camp), Joly showed enthusiasm: 

“I have already established contact with my teammates, coach, and manager. We gathered in Lillehammer for our first camp, and we also maintain regular communication through social networks. The training camp was fantastic, allowing me to meet everyone and forge strong bonds,” says the French athlete in an interview with NordicMag.

The transition to his new team has been smooth for Joly, who quickly adapted to the training regimen. 

“The training sessions went remarkably well. I thoroughly enjoyed the training location and the program. We began with demanding roller skiing courses, covering a substantial distance of over 400 kilometers. The daily routines involved intense workouts on various terrain profiles. Additionally, I have started using new roller skis, which offer less speed, enabling me to focus on technique and strength development,” he explained.

Joining a Scandinavian team has brought a fresh perspective for Joly, who anticipates exciting developments in his approach to the sport. 

“This represents a significant change for me, encompassing an element of risk-taking. It offers an opportunity to train in a different environment alongside new teammates while exploring novel training methods. Being part of a new team presents many possibilities that can contribute to my overall growth as an athlete. I am eager to witness how this experience will propel me forward, allowing me to surpass last year’s achievements. Working closely with the Scandinavian skiing elite, who are revered as the best in our sport, can only enhance my skills, making me more versatile and stronger,” he expressed with enthusiasm.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Ski Classics circuit in December, Joly sets ambitious goals. 

“My objective is to surpass my previous best performance in the Ski Classics by reaching the podium. Consistency throughout the season is crucial for a strong overall classification, aiming to secure a place within the top 15. Additionally, I aim to accumulate significant points for the Youth competition.”

Acknowledging the progress made with Team Nordic Expérience, Joly credits his ongoing collaboration with Maxime Grenard in refining his training plans. Moving forward, he plans to focus on fine-tuning specific aspects such as intervals and technique to gain a competitive edge. Joly also looks forward to working with a team with greater resources, allowing consistent access to high-quality equipment necessary to compete at the highest level.

As Thomas Joly embarks on this new chapter with Team Næringsbanken Stora Enso, the stage is set for an exciting journey filled with fresh opportunities and the promise of further accomplishments.