Best Italian team, ninth in the Ski Classics circuit
An unequal challenge with the Scandinavian professionals, Fleten and Höl win
On the women’s side, Tereza Hujerová and Michaela Patscheider did well. Eriksson ok among the males
Now a few weeks of rest, then on the track with training
The cross-country skiing season has now closed its doors, the last to propose great challenges was the Ski Classics circuit, an authentic long-distance World Cup, monopolized as expected by the Scandinavian athletes and, therefore, by their respective teams.
The 15th edition, which among other things crowned the Marcialonga as “Event of the Year” giving a touch of Italian style to the long-distance trials, thanks also to second place in the 3 Zinnen Ski Marathon in Dobbiaco on equal points with the Norwegian Birkebeinerrennet, developed over 14 appointments.
At the end of a truly intense and lively season, Johan Höl of Team Ragde Charge prevailed on the men’s side, while Emilie Fleten from Team Ramudden won on the women’s side, with the two winners hoisting the Norwegian flag on the top step of the podium.
Among a sea of Scandinavians, once again, the colors of Team Robinson Trentino were seen in bright colors, placing ninth in the team ranking won by Team Eksjöhus. A challenge between many “Goliaths” (Scandinavians) and a “David” personified by the formation of owner Gianni Casadei and directed by Bruno Debertolis. An unequal comparison in terms of budget and caliber of athletes, in a sport that is national in the north and ‘Cinderella’ in the south of the Alps.
A ninth place which also crowns Team Robinson Trentino as the best Italian team (the other teams are in 19th and 26th place), but which underlines in particular the great commitment of the team with the blue Sportful tracksuits.
Emilie Fleten was the female protagonist, but her performances were continually disturbed by athletes often on the podium such as Roivas and Smedås. Team Robinson did well with a 24th place finish and 7th in the Young category for Tereza Hujerová, and with 27th for the always smiling Michaela Patscheider, 8th in the Young category. The first ones are professional athletes in every way, and the girls from Debertolis are pro ‘part time’.
Team Ragde Charge, placing Höl, Stadaas and Nygaard in the first three places, demonstrated a clear superiority in the men’s competition, while Team Robinson Trentino showcased Gustav Eriksson (26th) in his first year of Ski Classics. Dietmar Nöckler despite his rare participations (the Fiamme Oro athlete is mainly involved in the Italian Cup and the World Cup) is 44th, highlighting considerable potential. The two Norwegians of the team Patrick Fossum Kristoffersen and Thomas Gifstad had a mixed season due to physical problems and finished in 47th and 54th place respectively, with the debutant in Ski Classics Stefano Dal Magro in 115th place.
The many podiums and results in the traditional international and national granfondos and in roller skiing do not appear in this balance sheet. A year that should be remembered in particular for the 9th place among the best teams in the world and which bodes well for the next season, for which positive news is expected.
Team manager Bruno Debertolis summarizes these results in a few words: “Positive season, but very troubled for us, with health problems for some athletes, broken sticks and so on. However, looking to the future we are positive and confident that we can improve further, a seventh place could be within our reach. Luckily we were able to give a good signal this winter with no-fluoride. We worked a lot and the results were visible. More than positive signals from the young people, starting from Michaela Patscheider with solid races even in the top 20, from Stefano Dal Magro, and I underline the very good impression given by Giacomo Ponti, born in 2003 and among the youngest in Ski Classics, enough to earn a place in the Pro Team next season. It will be a team in the process of being restructured with at least 4 Youth, two males and two females, then the two Scandinavians are confirmed and we will see if Didi Nöckler wants to continue”.
President Gianni Casadei reiterates: “The balance of the season is absolutely positive, we are in the top 10 teams despite a very unfortunate season which saw Kristoffersen with health problems. For next season we aim to be among the top 10 again, we will continue with a thousand difficulties because the budget is what it is, but I believe that this circuit is truly competitive, where even World Cup athletes struggle when they try their hand at it. We are pleased to be there, I think that the direction taken is the right one also from a technical point of view and we hope to confirm ourselves once again among the best”.
Now a natural moment of break to recharge the batteries, then as summer approaches the training will begin. In the meantime, we await the 2025 Ski Classics calendar.
