When the coach resigned just two weeks after renewing her contract, the Pro Team Director was stunned. Now, the squad is without a coach – and says they don’t need one.

Norwegian coach Marthe Kristoffersen surprised many when she left her position as a regional team coach with the Norwegian Ski Federation two years ago to join Swedish Pro Team, Team Eksjöhus.

Now, the 35-year-old is making headlines again. Just two weeks after renewing her contract with the top Swedish Ski Classics Pro Team for a third season, she resigned.

No Warning

The resignation came as a shock to the team, especially to Pro Team Director Espen Träldal.

“As the contract is written, Marthe Kristoffersen had until February 28 each year to notify us if she didn’t want to continue. So when she came to me in March with this, it was a total shock,” Träldal told Langrenn.com.

Also Read: Marthe Kristoffersen steps down

No Replacement Planned

Now, Team Eksjöhus heads into the upcoming season without a coach. But they won’t be hiring a replacement for Kristoffersen.

“She was a great resource at training camps, helping with filming and technical analysis. But we can do that ourselves and send the material to the individual coaches who work with our athletes,” says Träldal.

Instead, they’re trying a new approach.

“We’ve got a plan for how to handle this. It’s not like we need a coach in place. We’ll use those resources for other things that are important to the team – more testers, more race-day support, and people to help with logistics and practical tasks,” Träldal explains.

“That includes everything from driving cars, handing out drinks, to grocery shopping – the routine things around the athletes.”

No Concerns for Athlete Development

During Marthe Kristoffersen’s two-year tenure as coach, Team Eksjöhus won the Ski Classics team competition. Despite both top female athletes, Magni Smedås and Kati Roivas, struggling with health issues this winter, the team still claimed four out of the six leader jerseys this season.

But Träldal, recently crowned “Pro Team Director of the Year” in Ski Classics, isn’t worried that her departure will hinder the athletes’ development.

Also Read: Best Pro Team Director Season XVI – Espen Träldal

“The guys can manage mostly on their own, and many already have personal coaches. We’ll cover that cost for the athletes,” he says.

Träldal adds that some athletes will continue to work with Kristoffersen regardless.

“She’ll probably keep following up with some of the women on the team, but remotely via phone and online,” he says.

As coach for Team Eksjöhus, Kristoffersen worked with several Norwegian stars, including Magni Smedås, Eirik Sverdrup Augdal, and Thomas Ødegaarden.

The latter two secured a 1–2 finish at Reistadløpet, the penultimate race of the season. A week earlier, they swept the podium with Sweden’s Axel Jutterström. Augdal also landed on the podium in the season finale at Summit 2 Senja.

Smedås won the Birkebeinerrennet last year and placed third overall in Ski Classics. This year, she had to end her season mid-winter. Last season’s breakout star, Kati Roivas, withdrew in March.

Starting Fresh

Kristoffersen has remained tight-lipped about her reasons for stepping down or what she plans to do next. Speaking to Adresseavisen, the 35-year-old, who lives in Lillehammer, said:

“I feel ready for something new. It’s not a big deal and there’s no drama behind it.”

According to the newspaper, Kristoffersen doesn’t have a new job lined up or any specific plans.

“If an exciting job opportunity comes along, I’m open to relocating. I’m starting with a completely blank slate,” she says.

Read More: World Championships sprinter on the unexpected switch to Ski Classics

Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.