Successful Norwegian coach Egil Kristiansen took over the Swedish national team in May and introduced Norwegian methods. The effect is striking, but now the skiers are worried.

In Norway, the method has been central for several years. Now the Swedes are following. The effect has been striking, but now the skiers are worried.

“There has been a lot of focus on this in Norway over the last two to three years. And a lot of it comes from cycling,” Egil Kristiansen tells Expressen.

In short, it is about taking in as many carbohydrates as possible, especially during training sessions. The successful Norwegian coach was headhunted for the Swedish men’s national team in May and introduced the method right away. 

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Much to gain

Kristiansen believes it is obvious that there is much to gain from the Norwegian method.

“The goal is to be able to perform better in training without getting tired, and instead get more effect out of the session,” Egil Kristiansen explains, and continues:

“And it is quite reasonable that if you are going to manage to perform at the same level throughout a whole session, you need to take in some fuel.” 

The athletes say they have noticed big differences since they introduced the new routines. 

“You feel more lively. I never really run empty during sessions,” says Gustaf Berglund. 

Halfvarsson: “I can ski for five hours”

Calle Halvarsson, who trains outside the national team and has now signed with the Norwegian private team Swenor-Splitkon, has also introduced similar routines. 

Just under two weeks before the start of the season, the 37-year-old says the change has given him a solid boost. 

“It feels like I can ski for five hours,” he says. 

Halfvarsson cannot remember the last time he felt so well prepared, and he describes remarkable progress since he brought in Norwegian coach Vetle Leander Johansen in May. That is promising for the veteran, who is now going all in for a medal at this winter’s home World Championships in Falun.

Read More: Halfvarsson still dreams of a World Championships medal: “I’m in a very good phase”

The story continues below.

Worried

The progress and the training effect are striking. But now the skiers are worried. 

The downside of the method is that it is very hard on the teeth. Sports drinks contain a lot of sugar and acid, and the skiers often also eat candy – refueling regularly for hours.

Anton Grahn, who was already using the method before Kristiansen took over the national team, has already been told off by his dentist. 

“No, my dentist is not very happy with me,” the 21-year-old admits. 

Berglund says the same. 

“My dentist has complained to me and asked whether I drink a lot of sports drinks,” he says. 

Halfvarsson is also worried. 

“This is not healthy. I don’t dare go to the dentist now,” says Halfvarsson. 

“It could get very expensive.”

Hopefully the teeth will last until after the World Championships. 

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