Team Aker Dæhlie, a burgeoning force in the private cross-country skiing landscape, has announced a significant reinforcement of its roster for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. Five promising young talents are set to join the ranks of the successful outfit, most notably U23 World Champion Eva Ingebrigtsen. This strategic expansion underscores the team’s ambitious trajectory and its commitment to nurturing elite Norwegian skiers outside the traditional national team structure.
Founded in the previous year as a direct response to the Norwegian Ski Federation’s decision to disband its junior and recruitment national teams, Team Aker Dæhlie has rapidly established itself as a formidable competitor. The inaugural season exceeded expectations, with Lars Heggen emerging as a standout performer. Heggen secured five World Cup podium finishes, including a victory, clinched the Norwegian Championship title, and earned a coveted spot on the senior elite national team at the remarkably young age of 20. This success story has validated the team’s vision and attracted further investment and talent.
Jarle Wermskog, the team’s general manager, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly highlighting the achievements on the men’s side. "We can honestly say it has been a fantastic success, especially on the men’s side," Wermskog stated to Langrenn.com. He reiterated the team’s overarching ambition: "The team continues its goal of being the world’s leading private cross-country skiing team, with objectives to develop athletes and perform on all the major arenas in international cross-country skiing." This declaration signals a clear intent to challenge established hierarchies and provide a viable alternative pathway for aspiring Olympians and World Champions.
New Blood: U23 World Champion and Emerging Stars
The addition of five new athletes signifies a deliberate strategy to bolster the team’s depth and competitive edge. Among these new recruits, Eva Ingebrigtsen stands out as a marquee signing. The 21-year-old skier from Bratsberg IL has enjoyed a breakout season, culminating in a remarkable performance at the U23 World Championships where she captured both a gold and a silver medal. Her impressive season also included participation in the prestigious Tour de Ski and three additional World Cup rounds for Norway. Notably, she narrowly missed a top-10 finish in the demanding 50km race at Holmenkollen, finishing just one second shy of the mark. Ingebrigtsen’s decision to forgo the Ski Federation’s regional team in favor of the private Team Aker Dæhlie underscores the growing appeal and credibility of such independent outfits.
The significance of Ingebrigtsen’s move can be viewed within the broader context of athlete development pathways in Norway. For decades, the national team structure has been the primary route for elite skiers. However, the recent dissolution of junior and recruitment teams by the Ski Federation created a vacuum, which private initiatives like Team Aker Dæhlie have been quick to fill. This shift allows athletes more autonomy in their training, equipment choices, and overall career management, often in collaboration with dedicated private sponsors and management.
A Reshuffled Women’s Squad
The women’s contingent of the team has undergone a significant transformation for the upcoming season. Hedda Østberg Amundsen, aged 27, is the sole remaining athlete from the original four women who formed the team at its inception. This strategic reshuffle reflects the dynamic nature of elite sports and the continuous pursuit of optimal team composition.
The departures from the women’s team include Silje Theodorsen, who recently announced her retirement from the sport, marking the end of an accomplished career. Emma Kirkeberg Mørk has transitioned to Team Konnerud, another prominent private team, while Ingrid Andrea Gulbrandsen is no longer part of the roster.
Into this renewed lineup step three highly promising talents. Alongside the aforementioned Eva Ingebrigtsen, the team welcomes Marte Mikkelsplass, 23, and Mali Eidnes Bakken, 22. Mikkelsplass arrives from the Innlandet regional team, while Bakken joins from the Midt-Norge regional team. Both are recognized for their potential and are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s performance in upcoming competitions. The strategic infusion of these young athletes signals a long-term investment in building a dominant women’s program.
Reinforcements on the Men’s Side
The men’s team also sees notable changes, driven by the graduation of Lars Heggen to the elite national team for the 2026-2027 season following his exceptional debut in senior competition. His promotion is a testament to his talent and the effectiveness of the Aker Dæhlie development program. Additionally, Håvard Moseby, who unexpectedly announced his retirement after the past season, is no longer with the team.
To fill these voids and strengthen the men’s squad, Team Aker Dæhlie has recruited two talented skiers. Edvard Sandvik, 24, who made his World Cup debut this past winter, joins the team. His World Cup debut came under unusual circumstances, stepping in as a reserve in Ruka after Simen Hegstad Krüger fell ill, demonstrating his readiness for top-level competition. The second new addition is Mathias Holbæk, 23, a former U23 World Champion himself. Holbæk, who hails from Vindbjart IL, was notably recognized by FIS for his unique victory celebration at the 2025 U23 World Championships. Both Sandvik, who previously represented the Oslofjord regional team, and Holbæk, from the Sørvest regional team, bring significant experience and potential to the team.
The established male athletes continuing with the team include Martin Kirkeberg Mørk (25), Filip Skari (20), and Gjöran Tefre (31). Their continued presence provides valuable experience and leadership for the new recruits.
Team Composition and Future Outlook
For the 2026-2027 season, Team Aker Dæhlie’s all-round team will comprise a total of nine athletes, maintaining a balanced structure of four women and five men. This composition reflects a strategic approach to building a well-rounded team capable of contending across various disciplines and distances.
The full roster for the 2026-27 season is as follows:
Men:
- Edvard Sandvik, Kjelsås IL
- Mathias Holbæk, Vindbjart IL
- Martin Kirkeberg Mørk, Drammens BK
- Filip Skari, Nittedal IL
- Gjöran Tefre, Førde IL
Women:
- Mali Eidnes Bakken, Rindal IL
- Eva Ingebrigtsen, Bratsberg IL
- Marte Mikkelsplass, Bromma IL
- Hedda Østberg Amundsen, Asker SK
The team will be under the guidance of head coach Mats Iversen, whose expertise has been instrumental in the team’s initial success.
The strategic decision by Team Aker Dæhlie to invest heavily in young, high-potential athletes like Eva Ingebrigtsen, alongside experienced U23 champions and emerging talents, signals a significant shift in the cross-country skiing landscape. The team’s commitment to providing a professional and supportive environment outside the national federation structure offers a compelling alternative for skiers aiming for international success. This development is likely to foster greater competition and innovation within Norwegian cross-country skiing, ultimately benefiting the sport as a whole. The continued success of private teams like Aker Dæhlie may also influence how national federations approach athlete development and support in the future, potentially leading to more collaborative models. The upcoming season will be a crucial test for this expanded roster, as they aim to build upon the team’s impressive inaugural year and solidify their position as a leading private cross-country skiing outfit on the global stage. The integration of a U23 World Champion like Ingebrigtsen is a clear indicator that the team is not just developing talent, but actively recruiting proven performers to achieve immediate and long-term success.
