May 14, 2015 – Spring time is when National Ski Associations around the world announce team nominations for the next winter and when coaching changes are made. Here is a short overview of the main coaching changes in Cross-Country Skiing.

German XC ski head coach Frank Ullrich resigns © NordicFocus

Germany
After several years with the German Cross-Country team, head coach Frank Ulrich has decided to leave the Association. Andreas Schlütter, Cross-Country sports director, has taken over the key coordinating tasks from Ulrich and the German Ski Association appointed two coaches, Janko Neuber who will be responsible for the men’s team and Torstein Drivenes who will become the head coach of the ladies’ team. The new coaching team will be complemented by assistant coaches Bernd Raupach and Markus Hofmann.

Norway
The Norwegian coaching staff has remained unchanged, except for Tor Arne Hetland who was hired to reinforce the Norwegian coaching team and will work closely with head coach Trond Nystad. Hetland worked as a coach for five years in Germany, Switzerland and most recently in Canada.

Tor Arne Hetland (l) and Justin Wadsworth © CCC

Canada
The main change in the Cross-Country Canada organisation is the departure of Hetland who was planned to be the European based coach for the World Cup squad. As of now, the Canadian National World Cup Team will be coached by Justin Wadsworth and Louis Bouchard, Harvey’s personal coach and head coach of the Pierre Harvey Training Centre in Quebec. In addition to Wadsworth and Bouchard, several training centre and club coaches will assist on the World Cup circuit.

Czech Republic
The long-time head coach of the Czech Cross-Country team, Miroslav Petrasek has left his position. Petrasek will be replaced by former ladies’ coach Lukas Krejci. Petr Steinbach was appointed coach for the ladies’ team.

Switzerland
The coaching team in Switzerland remains stable with Bärti Mannhart as head coach and Christian Flury as head of service. The distance World Cup team is led by Ivan Hudac. The sprint specialists will be coached by Christian Flury and the newly appointed Rafael Ratti.

Poland
Miroslav Petrasek who left the Czech national team after 15 years was selected as the new head coach for the Polish squad. Petrasek will lead the mixed Polish Cross-Country team for three years until the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang.