The Estonian Biathlon Association (ELSF) has announced the appointment of Norwegian coaches to lead its national and junior teams as part of a continued collaboration between Estonia and Norway.

Former Norwegian biathlete Håvard Gutubø Bogetveit will take over the Estonian national team together with Karel Viigipuu. For the junior national team, another Norwegian, Martin Gultvedt Winger, has been named head coach, supported by Kalev Ermits.

According to the Estonian Biathlon Association, in a press release, Bogetveit brings strong experience as both an athlete and a coach. As an athlete, he earned five medals at the European Biathlon Championships and a bronze medal in a World Cup mixed relay. In the 2021/2022 season, he secured second place overall in the IBU Cup. In recent years, he has served as head coach of the Norwegian private team Team 1.5.

Winger, who also worked with Team 1.5, held roles as head coach and sports director and was responsible for guiding Bogetveit during the final years of his career. Team 1.5 has featured several well-known athletes, including Ida Lien, Lotte Lie, Marit Ishol Skogan, Sverre Dahlen Aspenes, Ukaleq Slettemark, and Sondre Slettemark.

According to Kauri Kõiv, Sports Director at the Estonian Biathlon Association, the decision to bring in Norwegian coaches builds on an already established and fruitful partnership between the two nations.

“The collaboration between the Norwegian and Estonian Associations, which has now lasted for two years, has been beneficial, and in selecting the new coaches, we also consulted with the Norwegian Association,” said Kõiv, and added:

“Since Bogetveit and Winger have already worked closely together in the past, we expect this to continue as they lead the Estonian national and junior national teams.”

Ten athletes have been invited to the national team’s training program: Regina Ermits, Johanna Talihärm, Hanna-Brita Kaasik, Mirtel Kärsna, Kretel Kaljumäe, Rene Zahkna, Kristo Siimer, Jakob Kulbin, Mark-Markos Kehva, and Yaroslav Neverov.

Meanwhile, Tuuli Tomingas and Susan Külm will continue training under Indrek Tobreluts, and Mehis Udam is currently training in Norway.

The junior national team program includes Kätrin Kärsna, Pillerin Vilipuu, Vibeke Marie Välbe, Violetta Konopljova, Rasmus Vainomäe, Oskar Orupõld, Frederik Marten Välbe, and Maanus Udam.

The first training camp for both teams is scheduled in Otepää, followed by longer ones in Lillehammer, Norway.

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