The Norwegian Pro Team athlete racing for Team Eksjöhus, Thomas Ødegaarden, had an impressive season. He won the Youth Pink bib overall, was 2nd in the Climb competition, and finished 4th in the Yellow Champion competition, only behind the Team Ragde Charge’s trio Johan Hoel, Kasper Staadas, and Andreas Nygaard. 

Moreover, he has been able to maintain consistency over the season. This Norwegian skier won the Youth competition, finishing almost every race in the top 10 and even securing a victory at the first edition of the Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race, a Ski Classics Challengers event in Norway. Indeed, Thomas Ødegaarden is probably a name that Ski Classics fans will hear much more in the future. 

Thomas Ødegaarden took a moment to ponder over a season filled with consistent performances and hard-fought battles and shared his thoughts with Proxcskiing.com. Amidst celebrating his successes, Ødegaarden doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the hurdles faced, notably highlighting the demanding Marcialonga race as a significant trial, in which he finished 4th.

“This year’s Marcialonga was tough. We were up against a stronger team and encountered quite a challenge during the race,” he reflects.

The Art of Strategic Racing in Ski Classics

In hindsight, Ødegaarden recognizes the importance of strategic racing as a valuable lesson from the season. He stresses the need to balance caution and courage, pointing to the impressive performances of rivals like Team Ragde Charge and Lager 157 Ski Team. 

“Being tactical in races is crucial for success, but it’s also important not to shy away from taking calculated risks,” Ødegaarden remarks, stressing the importance of gleaning insights from top competitors to thrive in future events. “Just see the Ragde and Lager boys this year. We must watch and learn how they win races”.

Moreover, there might be a reason for Ødegaarden’s success. Like the rest of Team Eksjöhus’ members, Marthe Kristoffersen seems pivotal in his success.

“Marthe has helped me a lot this year. She helped me improve my technique and also changed my training philosophy. I’m excited to continue working with her as my coach. Marthe is an amazing person and a great coach for Team Eksjöhus,” says Thomas enthusiastically. 

The Impact of the Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race

Ødegaarden’s remarkable triumph at the Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race signified a personal victory and a pivotal moment in his season. Thomas and his team dominated the race, which was fast since the start. 

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Reflecting on the race’s significance, he acknowledges its influence on his subsequent performances, especially following Vasaloppet. Despite setbacks in events like Birkebeinerrennet and Janteloppet, where Ødegaarden had some of his worst results of the season, the Norwegian skier attributes Marcialonga Arctic Ski Race for establishing a positive momentum for the remainder of the season.

“Birkebeiner was a big disappointment for me. The weekend in the North went well, but then, in Janteloppet, my shape was totally gone.”

Thomas Ødegaarden Training Objectives: Strength and Technique

After a demanding racing season, Thomas wants to have some big vacations.

“Now I want to take a big vacation from skiing and training and be able to relax,” he said during the interview.

What parts of your training do you have to change to improve?

“I plan to continue honing my skills in flat sections and building more power to contend for future wins,” Ødegaarden explains, outlining his strategic approach to off-season preparation.

And now that the season is over, how will you plan your vacations?

“Ah! Now I will enjoy some vacations with my girlfriend! We plan to stay a bit in Norway and then in France at her place some weeks.”

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