April 10, 2012 – Swedish Cross-Country manager Ulf Karlsson has put together the organization that should lead Swedish skiers next three seasons to World Championships in Val di Fiemme, Olympics in Sochi and home World Championships in Falun.

Sweden’s head coach Joakim Abrahamsson stepped down after the World Cup Finals in Falun, today his successor was appointed. Lars Öberg (45) will take over the position as the head coach of for both ladies’ and men’s teams.

“I feel honored and very inspired. I received big trust from the Swedish Ski Association and I promise to worrk 100%,” the police chief from Kalix said.

Right after the World Cup final in Falun Ulf Karlsson said down at home in Karlstad and began to draw organization for the upcoming years. It took a lot of work with many meetings and phone calls to put all the pieces together.

“Many smart and experienced people across Sweden gave me valuable inputs and brought me back on the track. The interviews with the persons concerned were creative and enlightening. I feel really happy with this process. We found the leaders I want to be surrounded by to develop the national Cross-Country teams,” pleased Ulf Karlsson says.

The previous model with two national coaches has been abandoned. Now, there will be only one head coach, Lars Öberg. “I want a leader in the field who does not train any athletes. I want a versatile, strong and confident person who can make decisions and concentrate on leading the training groups. Lars Öberg possesses all the qualities,” Karlsson explains.

The former ladies’ head coach Rikard Grip has assumed new role as the national coach of the ladies’ team. Men’s squad will be trained and looked after by Norwegian Arild Monsen who was in charge of the sprint team since 2010.

Sweden’s waxing team will be led by Urban Nilsson who is taking over from Larry Poromaa. “ Urban was a natural choice as he had done a great job and had shown leadership skills. He is a valued member of the waxing staff,” Karlsson said.

Lars Selin, 38, and Anders Byström, 34, retained their positions as Team 2015 and the junior squad leaders.