Confirms dialogue with the successful coach about a contract starting next season – could become national team coach.

Earlier this winter, the Finnish Ski Association announced major changes to its national team coaching staff for cross-country skiing. Both the men’s head coach, Teemu Pasanen, and the women’s head coach, Reijo Jylhä, will leave their roles once the World Cup season ends.

Shortly before the Olympics, it became clear that the experienced Swedish coach Joakim Abrahamsson would take over as the new head coach. Now he is searching for a partner and would preferably like to bring in a Norwegian.

According to the Finnish broadcaster YLE, Torstein Dagestad is the top candidate and has reportedly received a concrete offer.

The 30-year-old from Voss currently works as head coach for Team Swix Hofstad, the private team behind Mattis Stenshagen. Dagestad has been responsible for coaching Stenshagen over the past four seasons and has been a key figure in developing the 29-year-old, who secured a place in the 2026 Olympic team.

Team Swix Hofstad has 10 athletes this season. Alongside Stenshagen, the men’s team includes Jonas Vika, Henrik Dønnestad, Sondre Ramse, Simen Stensrud Gløgård, and Lars Agnar Hjelmeseth. On the women’s side are Sigrid Leseth Føien, Amalie Ous, Julie Hammer, and Mari Svingheim.

Tight-lipped about the recruitment process

The Finnish Ski Association has declined to comment further while the process is still ongoing.

Abrahamsson told YLE that he has not yet finalized how responsibilities will be divided within the coaching staff.

In addition to Dagestad, Abrahamsson also spoke with Team Elon Nord-Norge coach Kristian Skogstad in January.

Strong résumé

Joakim Abrahamsson will become the second foreigner to serve as head coach of the Finnish cross-country national team. Previously, the Norwegian coaching legend Magnar Dalen held the position from 2006 to 2014. Dalen has also assisted the Finnish Ski Association in recruiting Abrahamsson.

Among the athletes Abrahamsson has coached with the Swedish national team and at the elite club Piteå Elit are Emma Ribom, Ida Ingemarsdotter, Jonna Sundling, Ebba Andersson, Charlotte Kalla, Johan Olsson, Marcus Hellner, Daniel Rickardsson, Calle Halfvarsson, and Anders Södergren.

This will be the second time Abrahamsson serves as head coach of a national team. The 55-year-old previously coached the Swedish national team for four years, covering the 2009 World Championships in Liberec, the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, and the 2011 World Championships in Oslo, where Sweden won 15 medals.

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