Norwegian team boss on cooperation with national XC team: “Frosty”

Relations between long-distance racing (Ski Classics) and traditional cross‑country national teams have turned "frosty," according to Team Engcon manager Jørgen Ulvang, who wants closer cooperation across the disciplines.

Ulvang welcomed Swedish star Ebba Andersson’s decision to skip a national-team altitude camp and instead join Team Engcon for training in Mallorca, where last season’s Ski Classics champion Anikken Gjerde Alnæs is among the athletes. “She thinks it’s good to train with us, as we have a slightly different setup than she’s used to,” Ulvang told SVT Sport.

Andersson has previously said she is tempted to do more long-distance races but not at the expense of traditional World Cup racing, leaving the door open for future participation.

“I think it’s sad that it has become so frosty between the disciplines,” Ulvang said. “I would like a more homogeneous cross-country world where you can move back and forth a bit. I believe we’re stronger together than separately.”

He noted that the main difference is the emphasis on double‑poling in long-distance classic races and believes many current stars—including Sweden’s William Poromaa and Frida Karlsson—could take part in more long-distance events if they wished. However, he suggested fewer athletes are enthusiastic about full double‑poling formats.

The Ski Classics season begins on December 13 and will be shown on SVT.