Two Pro Team athletes are leaving the Norwegian Pro Team run by brothers Jørgen and Anders Aukland after four and one season, respectively: Kasper Stadaas and Mathias Aas Rolid. This has been confirmed by team manager Jørgen Aukland to Langrenn.com.

“We’ve been in dialogue about new contracts but didn’t reach an agreement this time. For us, development is key, and that means making some tough decisions,” says Aukland.

Underperformed

Kasper Stadaas finished second overall in Ski Classics last year (Season XV), taking four victories and reaching the podium in six events. This year, he placed 13th overall, making the podium only once.

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“Kasper is a very strong skier who underperformed this year. On our team, Andreas (Nygaard) is the team captain for several races, especially Vasaloppet, but also Birken and Marcialonga. We understand that Kasper wants to have a captain’s role in more races,” says Aukland.

Mathias Aas Rolid made a strong impression in several races this winter, especially at Marcialonga, where he delivered an impressive performance as a domestique, helping Nygaard secure the victory.

“Mathias brought fresh energy to the team and made significant progress. He’s a specialist in gradual terrain and achieved two top-10 finishes, with Marcialonga as the highlight,” Aukland adds.

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Aukland is not worried that the two athletes will be left without offers.

“Several major teams have lost athletes for various reasons this year. So, there are good opportunities for these two to join teams where they can make the most of their strengths,” Aukland says.

Bringing in Two All-Rounders

Over the past two weeks, Aukland has signed two new skiers transitioning from traditional all-around cross-country skiing to Ski Classics for the upcoming season: Norwegian national squad veteran Håvard Solås Taugbøl and the steady performer Mikael Gunnulfsen.

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For the upcoming season, Team Ragde Charge will consist of the following athletes: Andreas Nygaard in a clear captain’s role and last year’s overall winner Johan Hoel, as well as the two new signings Mikael Gunnulfsen and former national team skier Håvard Solås Taugbøl. On the women’s side, the team includes Stina Nilsson and Victoria Carl.

Aukland is very pleased with how the team is shaping up.

“We now have both Mikael Gunnulfsen and Håvard Taugbøl joining the team. Together with veterans Johan Hoel and Andreas Nygaard, and Stina Nilsson, our goal is to win the three major classics over the next few years—Marcialonga, Vasaloppet, and Birken. At the same time, we’re keeping the door slightly open for one more skier. But for us, having a compact and tight-knit team is very important,” he concludes.

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