Bruse Sauerland Ski Team was established in the summer of 2018 to create a platform for skiers from the Sauerland region in western Germany and other countries who all share a passion for long-distance skiing. The Pro Team has just completed another season in Ski Classics (their second one) and ended up in 29th place overall in the Pro Team competition, meaning they are not guaranteed an automatic Pro Team license for Season XVI, but confirmed their status as the best German Pro Team Season XV.

Lennert Versen, Pro Team Director, reflects on the team’s performance during Season XV:

“After learning a lot in the first season, we found our place in the Ski Classics circuit last year. We were able to achieve our minimum goal of becoming the best German team, which encourages us to stick to our chosen path and continue to pursue our strategy of focusing on a mix of young, regional, and experienced athletes,” says Versen and adds about the team’s roster:

“Regarding personnel, the basic roster for the coming season is already in place, so we have started the new training year from a position of strength and consistency. We believe in the further development of our young athletes and are delighted with the reinforcement we have received from Scandinavia on the women’s side. We believe the team concept, which focuses on sustainable growth, is ideal for our young athletes, such as Max Bernshausen and Till Hartmann, to take the next step. At this point, we are delighted and grateful that we have a long-term partner at our side in the Bruse Group, which will enable us to tackle the next goal on our development path: 25th place and the automatic granting of a Pro Team License after the 2024/2025 season.”

The article continues below.

How do you reflect on your team’s performance in the past Ski Classics season despite the challenges?

“Overall, satisfied with the result, especially because of some issues with injuries and other problems line-up-wise.”

What stands out as the most memorable moment from the season?

“We want to put a special focus on races like Vasaloppet, where we managed to start with a big group of both Pro Team skiers and recreational athletes from our base team from the Sauerland region. This is what our skiing community is all about, and this is exactly what we wanted to create when forming the Pro Team on top of the existing ski team structure: a community where skiers from all levels can excel and learn from each other, both in and outside the tracks.”

What aspects did Bruse Sauerland Ski Team excel in during Season XV?

“Team spirit, integration of international athletes in our core of young German skiers, ski preparation regarding our limited resources with our head wax tech Andreas Tannert.”

In what areas do you see potential for further development?

“Consistency, combining our jobs/studies with semi-professional skiing, scoring points on the men’s side.”

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

“We expect our team to be finalized within the next 2-3 months and can confirm as of now that we will continue with our German-based core consisting of young, regional talents (Till Hartmann, Max Bernshausen) and more experienced skiers (Patrick Ottilinger, Tobias Hartig). We are more than happy to confirm that Patrick will be back after missing the whole season due to an injury.”

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

“We aim to defend our position as the best German team and want to achieve a top 25 spot in the overall (Pro) team ranking,” concludes Lennert Versen.

Also Read: The complete Pro Team Ranking Season XV