Stig Rune Kveen quits his contract as the Norwegian women’s national team coach less than a year before the World Championships on home ground.

Earlier today, Stig Rune Kveen, the coach of the Norwegian women’s national cross-country skiing team, announced his resignation from his position. This decision comes less than a year before the much-anticipated World Championships, set to take place on home ground in Norway. 

“What can I say, when you spend more than 150 travel days a year, the load becomes high. It has been challenging, and I want to spend time with my loved ones,” says Kveen, according to Adressa and VG Sport.

Kveen’s journey with the Norwegian team began in June 2022 when he was appointed coach for the women’s elite cross-country skiing national team, collaborating with Sjur Ole Svarstad.

Read More: New coach for the Norwegian women’s national team

At the time, Kveen remarked: 

“To work in a developing team at this level, with the best support staff, is simply a privilege,” and added:

“I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to participate in and develop the Norwegian women’s cross-country at the elite level towards a World Championship on Trondheim tracks.”

Despite having a contract extending until the next season, Kveen made the difficult decision to step down, citing exhaustion and a desire to alleviate the burdensome travel commitments. 

“I have stood all the way, but now the batteries are drained. I have come to a crossroads and want to reduce the travel burden,” he says.

Rumors began to circulate about the reasons for his departure, with some speculating that it was due to the team’s disappointing performance this season. However, voices within the team offered a different perspective.

“He is very much wanted in the team and has absolute trust among us. We wanted him to continue,” said Anne Kjersti Kalvå to VG.

Tiril Udnes Weng has the same position: 

“I would have liked to have him with me further,” she says to VG and added:

“As I know the team, we would like to have him on. He helped us when many of us were down. He has meant much to me, especially in building faith, self-confidence, and technique. He is perhaps the best I have worked with in terms of technique.” 

Challenging season for Norway

Norway has never delivered a worse traditional cross-country skiing World Cup season on the women’s side than this winter.

Read More: Nightmare season for Norway – best for Sweden

Heidi Weng, in eighth place, was Norway’s only skier among the top 10 in the World Cup overall this winter. Norway’s performance was the worst it has been since the World Cup was established in the 1981/1982 season. 

Also Read – 2023/2024 World Cup: Final Standings after Falun

More information about traditional cross-country skiing can be found HERE 

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