The Norwegian cross-country skiing scene is abuzz with significant developments for the highly successful private team, Team Anlegg Øst Entreprenør. Following a season marked by remarkable achievements, including multiple Olympic medals and World Cup victories, the team faces a substantial transformation with the departure of three key athletes to national squads and the subsequent influx of new talent. This period of change has also seen an overwhelming surge in applications from aspiring skiers worldwide, underscoring the team’s growing reputation.
A Season of Triumph and Transition
Team Anlegg Øst Entreprenør, spearheaded by coach Emil Hosøy, rocketed to prominence this past winter. The team was built around a core of emerging stars, most notably Einar Hedegart, Karoline Simpson-Larsen, and the breakout sensation Karoline Grøtting. Their performances, particularly from the season’s opening event in Beitostølen, generated considerable discussion and admiration within the skiing community.
The success of these athletes did not go unnoticed by the national federations. Einar Hedegart has officially transitioned to the Norwegian Biathlon National Team, a move that signals a strategic career shift. Simultaneously, Karoline Grøtting and Karoline Simpson-Larsen have accepted offers to join the Norwegian Cross-Country Skiing National Team. Both athletes have expressed a preference for continuing their development within the established framework of Team Anlegg Øst, but were ultimately guided by the national team selections. This dual pathway, while testament to their individual capabilities, also marks a significant departure from the team’s original composition.
The Unprecedented Demand for a Spot
The impressive haul of four Olympic medals, three of which were gold, coupled with numerous World Cup triumphs, has catapulted Team Anlegg Øst Entreprenør into an elite category of private sporting ventures. This success has created a secondary effect: an overwhelming wave of interest from skiers eager to join the ranks. Manager Kristoffer Grøv of Team Anlegg Øst Entreprenør confirmed the deluge of applications.
"We have been inundated with applications," Grøv stated to Langrenn.com. "The interest spans the entire country, from north to south and east to west. We’ve also received applications from international skiers, including those from the United States, Canada, and Sweden." This level of global attention highlights the team’s unique training philosophy and the perceived effectiveness of coach Emil Hosøy’s methods, which have been described as unconventional but highly productive. One of the team’s underlying training principles has been noted as diverging from traditional textbook approaches, suggesting an innovative and adaptable methodology.
Strengthening the Ranks: New Additions for the Upcoming Season
In response to the evolving roster and the sustained demand, Team Anlegg Øst Entreprenør has strategically recruited three new athletes for the upcoming season. These additions aim to maintain and even elevate the team’s competitive edge. The new recruits include Albert Sunde Øhlschlager, a promising talent from Lillehammer, and the experienced twin sisters Tiril and Lotta Udnes Weng.
Coach Emil Hosøy expressed his optimism about the strengthened squad. "Last year’s season was good, but with this team, we are even stronger," Hosøy told Langrenn.com. "Now, we are tightening the screws and not looking back." This sentiment suggests a renewed focus on performance and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what the team can achieve.
The Udnes Weng twins bring a wealth of experience, having been part of the national team for eight and seven years, respectively. Both have competed in the Olympic Games and World Championships, with Tiril Udnes Weng notably winning the overall World Cup title in 2023. However, recent seasons have seen a decline in their results, leading to their non-selection for the national team following two seasons of underperformance. Their decision to join Team Anlegg Øst, despite their extensive national team background, speaks volumes about the project’s appeal.
"We find it very trusting that two individuals with so much experience and such strong results believe in our project," commented Manager Grøv. "They possess a high level when they are performing at their best, and I believe they can improve further under Emil Hosøy’s coaching. A change of environment will be beneficial, and I think Team Anlegg Øst is the right environment for them now."
Albert Sunde Øhlschlager joins Team Anlegg Øst from the regional Innlandet team. His track record includes top-five finishes in the Norwegian Cup, indicating significant potential. "We are also pleased to bring Albert into the fold," Grøv added. "He has shown good form with top-5 finishes in the Norwegian Cup previously, and together with Herland, they complement each other well. They form a good pairing, and we believe Albert will fit well into our group and system."
Grøv further elaborated on the selection criteria, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion and commitment. "We have focused on bringing in individuals who fit into the group and will follow Emil’s program 100 percent."
A Shift in the Team’s Landscape: Four Departures, Three Arrivals
The departure of Hedegart, Grøtting, and Simpson-Larsen, all prominent figures from the previous season, represents a significant shift. Additionally, Maren Wangensteen, a 35-year-old athlete from Øystre Slidre IL, will also be leaving Team Anlegg Øst after three seasons. This brings the total number of departing athletes to four, creating an equivalent number of vacancies.
The decision on whether to fill all vacant spots was contingent on the level of involvement of Karoline Simpson-Larsen and Karoline Grøtting, who, despite their national team commitments, are expected to remain affiliated with the team. "Whether we would fill all the spots depended somewhat on how much Karoline Simpson-Larsen and Karoline Grøtting would be involved in the program," Grøv explained. "This relates to the overall workload for Emil and his capacity to support everyone."
Despite their national team obligations, Grøv expressed enthusiasm for their continued participation. "We are very happy that the two Karolines will be participating in many of the training sessions, camps, and altitude training. They contribute to raising the level of the training sessions." This suggests a hybrid model where the national team athletes can still benefit from the unique environment and coaching provided by Team Anlegg Øst.
The New Core: Only Two Remain from the Original Six
With the recent changes, only two of the original six athletes from the previous season’s roster will continue with Team Anlegg Øst: Kasper Herland and Oline Vestad. Both have demonstrated substantial progress during the past winter, including World Cup debuts and a medal at the U23 World Championships. Kasper Herland made a notable World Cup debut, finishing fifth in the 50-kilometer race at Holmenkollen, just two seconds behind the winner, Einar Hedegart.
The 2026-27 Team Anlegg Øst Entreprenør Roster
The finalized roster for the 2026-27 season signifies a blend of established talent and promising newcomers, all united under the guidance of coach Emil Hosøy and managed by Kristoffer Grøv.
Athletes:
- Kasper Herland (24)
- Oline Vestad (21)
- Tiril Udnes Weng (29)
- Lotta Udnes Weng (29)
- Albert Sunde Øhlschlager (26)
Coaching and Management:
- Coach: Emil Hosøy
- Skiing Manager and Waxing Chief: Kristoffer Grøv
- Chairman: Stian Engevik
Leadership Perspectives on the New Era
The leadership team of Team Anlegg Øst Entreprenør has expressed confidence in the revamped squad. Manager Kristoffer Grøv highlighted the continued progress of the returning athletes. "Kasper Herland has been with us from the beginning of the team. He has shown good development and challenges the world elite in skate skiing, so we are crossing our fingers for a Ruka ticket in November," Grøv told Langrenn.com, referring to the World Cup opening in Ruka, Finland.
He also lauded Oline Vestad’s trajectory. "In addition to Oline Vestad, who is young and on the rise, they form a good group. Medals from the Norwegian Championships and the U23 World Championships show what she is capable of achieving."
Grøv emphasized the significant value of the continued association with the two athletes now moving to the national team. "It is also incredibly exciting that Grøtting and Simpson-Larsen want to continue to be involved and contribute to a high level of training. It shows that Emil is doing many things right when they want to continue with his program," he concluded, underscoring the perceived strength and effectiveness of Hosøy’s coaching approach.
The strategic decisions made by Team Anlegg Øst Entreprenør reflect a dynamic approach to athlete development and team building. While the departure of key figures presents challenges, the influx of accomplished and promising skiers, coupled with the continued affiliation of former stars, suggests a team poised for continued success on the international stage. The unprecedented interest in joining the team further solidifies its position as a significant player in the world of private cross-country skiing initiatives. The team’s ability to adapt and attract top talent, even as its core athletes move to national programs, indicates a robust and well-managed operation.
