Dæhlie will serve as the official clothing partner of the series for its 2016-17 season, which is due to begin with a prologue event in Pontresina in Switzerland on November 27.

Further events will be staged in Italy, China, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Sweden and Norway before the series finale in Ylläs-Levi in Finland in April of next year.

"For us it's valuable getting a brand like Dæhlie as our partner," Ski Classics chief executive David Nilsson said.

"They are a true quality brand and they share our passion for long-distance skiing.

"The Ski Classics concept is built upon long distance skiing and outdoor experience.

"Preparations in training, competitions as well as the life in between, all requires quality clothing.

"Now we have the most interesting brand in this segment as our partner.

"Together we will launch a merchandise platform for the tour connecting even closer to the fans and recreational skiers taking part in the tour."

Eight-time Olympic gold medal-winning cross-country skier Bjørn Dæhlie of Norway established his eponymous brand in 1996, at the height of his career.

For 20 years, Dæhlie have developed innovative and optimised clothing for cross-country skiers.

It forms part of the portfolio of Active Brands, a leading supplier of premium brand goods to sports retail in the Nordic region.

"We celebrate our 20^th anniversary by looking forward, creating innovative apparel for endurance activities and taking the Dæhlie brand into new arenas," said Øystein Bråta, commercial director of Nordic at Active Brands. 

"Following the Ski Classics evolution over time, we are impressed by the development.

"For us this cooperation is a unique opportunity to meet and support elite athletes and recreational skiers at the same events.

"The new Dæhlie identity will be more modern and innovative, and together with the Ski Classics organisation we hope to take cross-country skiing and the Ski Classics events to the next level."

The forthcoming season will see Norway’s Petter Eliassen and Sweden’s Britta Johansson Norgren starting as the respective men’s and women’s defending champions.