May 29, 2014 – As in all winter disciplines, spring is the time when National Ski Associations re-organise their coaching staff. Below are some of the key changes that have been announced by the Finnish, German, Swiss, Canadian, French, and Italian federations.

Finland

The Finnish Ski Association signed a four-year-contract with two coaches for the next Olympic cycle.  Reijo Jylhä and Eero Hietanen have taken over the Finnish Cross-Country development. Jylhä was named the Head Coach of the Finnish National Team and will be working side-by-side with Eero Hietanen, who will manage the Finnish Cross-Country programme and create the path for skiers from childhood through to the national team.

Germany

The German Ski Association (DSV) announced minor changes in the coaching staff of the national team. Andreas Schlütter was promoted to the position of Sports Manager and will oversee all training and competition activities. Frank Ullrich will remain the Head Coach supported by Stefan Dotzler, Bernd Raupach and Cuno Schreyl as World Cup coaches. Dotzler will mainly be working with the ladies’ team, Schreyl with the men and Raupach with sprinters. Each of the coaches is responsible for one of the three training bases in Oberstdorf, Ruhpolding and Oberhof.

Switzerland

Many changes have taken place this spring in the Swiss Cross-Country team. After four years, Tor Arne Hetland left to be the World Cup coach of Canada. Ivan Hudac of Slovakia has taken over for the Swiss Cross-Country World Cup team. Unlike Hetland who was in charge of sprint specialists, Hudac will be working with a mixed group of World Cup skiers.

Swiss-Ski also ended its agreement with Cross-Country Head Coach Guri Hetland. Swiss-Ski is making structural adjustments for the new Olympic cycle and the new role of Guri Hetland and her expectations were not on the same line.

Canada

Cross-Country Ski de Fond Canada ramped up its coaching leadership structure as the national programme prepares to begin its quest of returning to the Olympic podium Justin Wadsworth, who led Canada’s Cross-Country athletes to record-setting results over the last four years, will move into a head coach leadership role with oversight of all of Canada’s national team programmes. Louis Bouchard will continue as World Cup Coach and Head Coach of the Centre National d’Entraînement Pierre-Harvey. Bouchard will lead Alex Harvey and a group of Quebec-based athletes. Bouchard will attend all of the World Cup team training camps and lead the squad at many World Cup races throughout the year. In his new role as World Cup Coach, Tor Arne Hetland will collaborate with Wadsworth and Bouchard on team plans including training camps and daily training. He will be the point person in Europe, providing better continuity by being present and leading the team at all World Cup races, while liaising with coaches in Canada.

France

After several years as Head Coach, Christophe Deloche left the position. Francois Faivre will  work as men’s Team Manager together with Anaël Huard, responsible for the ladies. The men’s Sprint Team Coach position has not yet been filled.

Italy

After the Olympic season, Italy also changed its coaching staff. After many years, Silvio Fauner left the team and Sandro Pertile has taken over the responsibility as Sports Director for the Nordic disciplines. Giuseppe Chenetti has been named Head Coach supported by Paolo Riva and Constantin Pierluigi as World Cup Coaches while Marco Selle coaches the junior team.