Earlier this spring, it was announced that Lægreid, who won the overall World Cup this year, is moving to another ski brand.
As for his competitors who stayed with Madshus? While they’ll miss him on the team, they’re not exactly sad about Lægreid leaving.
Why? Because he’s leaving behind a great set of skis – skis that have earned him both medals, World Cup victories and even the Big Crystal Ball. And now, Endre Strømsheim, who won two world titles himself this winter, gets to use them.
“It means I’ve got even more fast skis to pick from. That’s awesome,” said Strømsheim, 27, with a grin.
Gold Medals on Lægreid’s Old Skis
And what’s more: Strømsheim reveals that he has actually won races even this winter using Lægreid’s skis. After all, Lægreid can only race on one pair at a time.
“Everyone wants the fastest skis to be used, so that’s how it works in the wax trailer,” Strømsheim explains.
Now, those top-tier skis will be up for grabs all the time.
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Photo by: Nordic Focus
Faster Than Ever
Strømsheim made his own brand switch prior to the 2023–24 season when he left Fischer for Madshus, and he hasn’t looked back.
But why would he? In his first season on Madshus skis, he claimed his first three World Cup podiums, including a win. This winter he added three more podiums and another victory.
At this year’s World Championships in Lenzerheide, he became a double world champion: First, he crushed it in the relay’s opening leg for Norway. Then, the next day, he won the mass start, beating both Lægreid and Johannes Thingnes Bø.
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Photo by: Nordic Focus
Madshus Grows Stronger
Strømsheim is only one of a growing number of top athletes racing on Madshus gear, including Vebjørn Sørum, Johan-Olav Botn, Sivert Guttorm Bakken, and Vetle Rype Paulsen.
Also joining recent seasons: French biathlon star Emilien Jacquelin and rising talent Paula Botet.
Madshus also has a strong lineup in cross-country too. That includes Harald Østberg Amundsen (last year’s World Cup winner), Swedish phenom Alvar Myhlback, American Ben Ogden, and France’s Jules Chappaz.
Game-Changer: Skate-X Binding System
At the 2024 IBU Biathlon European Championships, Madshus unveiled the Skate-X binding system. It’s a totally different way of connecting your ski boot to the ski: Instead of the traditional metal pin at the front of the ski boot, Skate-X uses a cleat system under the ball of the foot, kind of like clip-in bike pedals.
The result? A stronger connection to the ski and more stability while skating. This means faster times for competitive skiers and a more stable, enjoyable experience for recreational skiers.
The pros have already been using it for the last two seasons, but this was the first time it was used in a big championship. And they are raving about the new technology.
“I think it works really well,” said Strømsheim. “It gives you more power at the end of your push, and my skiing speed has never been better.”
Independent studies confirm their testaments. One study even said it could save you a few seconds in a sprint.
In April, Skate-X won "Product of the Year" at Norway’s big design industry conference. The new binding system is a collaboration between Rottefella and Madshus.
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Confirmed: Athletes are several seconds faster with the Skate-X system