You can’t have a favourite child, but you can have a favourite bus. Especially if it keeps you warm in-between intense training sessions and competitions in the snow. Just like the Scania bus used by Ski Team Sweden’s cross-country skiers.
Scania is a long-term sponsor of Ski Team Sweden cross-country. The latest vehicle addition is the national team’s very own bus from 2019, a much appreciated perk for the athletes. It is a 14-person vehicle with the most advanced ergonomic and energy-efficient technology, allowing the skiers to rest and keep warm while they prepare for the next race or training. It can be driven right into competition arenas, making the team’s daily arrangements much easier.
A collaboration that started out with an instantly-recognisable ski waxing trailer improving the challenging work conditions for the waxers in 2008, has grown to be a close partnership between Scania and the skiers.
Considering demands from the athletes
The national team on cross-country skis are out and about competing from November to March, touring the Nordic countries and Europe. As many kilometres on winding roads are covered, our Scania engineers ensured that the bus meets the team’s need to travel safely, comfortably and sustainably between the various international venues hosting the Cross-Country World Cup series.
The bus is custom-made to fit the requirements of the ski team, and it’s fair to say they use it for a very different reason than Scania’s other customers do. But regardless, the athletes appreciate it and are happy to share their thoughts:
- ”I make sure to arrive early to competitions to chill out a bit in the back of the bus before the start.”
- “It is so comfortable to travel together, hanging out. It is a much sweeter journey that way!”
- “We have everything in the same place, it’s so valuable. And it’s warm and cosy.”
- “The bus is spacious. A great place to be!”
- “I would want a TV though…wait, it has got a TV.”
The bus and its drivers
Scania had safety and climate impact in mind when the bus was developed, and the bigger layout encourages team spirit, as the athletes and the rest of the team can travel together.
Naturally, the bus doesn’t run by itself on those serpentine roads in southern Europe.
The drivers are educated on safe, fuel-efficient driving by Scania, and they are also handy men that keep everything running smoothly during the season, with tasks such as preparing snacks, organise radio communication and try out skis.
“The bus is easy to handle, despite its size. Smooth and great manoeuvring,” says driver Roland Enberg.
The bus fulfils the needs from the athletes and is a part of their success. It is recognisable on the winter roads and accompanies the Ski Team Sweden cross-country during the snowy season.
Facts about the Ski Team Sweden cross-country bus:
- It seats 12-14 people. However, the two seats in the very back are the most popular, and some skiers even arrive early to ensure they have those particular seats.
- It has solar panels that generate 1,000 kWh a year, used to power the LED lighting and other devices.
- It is equipped with an infrared heating system, that reduces energy requirements by 60 percent compared with traditional convection heaters. The infrared heaters keep passengers warm while also warming fabrics for added comfort in areas for medical treatments and massages. There are also fans to dry wet clothing, a constant feature of competing in the snow.
