The Lillehammer-based private biathlon team, Team Consto, has unveiled its formidable roster of 18 athletes selected for the demanding 2026/27 season. This year’s squad notably features several promising talents who are siblings of athletes already making significant waves in the World Cup circuit, signaling a strong commitment to nurturing future generations of biathlon excellence. The comprehensive selection includes 11 women and 7 men, with six new additions to the team, five of whom are rising junior athletes. This strategic expansion underscores Team Consto’s dedication to identifying and developing raw talent alongside experienced competitors.
The success of Team Consto in recent seasons has been a testament to its rigorous development programs and supportive training environment. A prime example of this is 19-year-old Philip Lindkvist-Fløtten, who, in less than a year under the Team Consto umbrella, transitioned from relative obscurity and limited training to become a world-class junior athlete, earning a place in the World Cup and subsequently securing a spot on the Swedish elite national team. Lindkvist-Fløtten’s trajectory exemplifies the high-performance culture fostered by the team, where dedication and professional guidance translate into rapid advancement on the international stage. His success serves as a powerful indicator of the team’s ability to identify and elevate potential.
A New Generation of Talent: The Junior Influx
This season’s intake of six new athletes is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on junior talent. Five of these six are promising juniors, signaling a significant investment in the future pipeline of biathlon talent. Among these emerging stars is 19-year-old Sondre Leknes Frey. Hailing from Bærum, Sondre is the younger brother of Isak Frey, who made a significant impact in his World Cup debut last year. Isak secured his first individual podium finish in January and went on to win the U23 World Cup overall title, showcasing exceptional talent and competitive spirit. Sondre’s inclusion alongside his brother’s esteemed teammate, Eva Liheim Alfstad, highlights the strong familial connections and shared ambition within Team Consto. Sondre is one of several new junior athletes joining the team this season who have siblings already competing at the highest levels of the sport, creating a unique dynamic of shared experience and competitive drive.
Another notable junior addition is Nora Njælstad Randby, a 20-year-old whose older sister, Gro Njælstad Randby, earned a place on the elite national team following a stellar performance towards the end of the past season. This sibling synergy is a recurring theme in the new roster, suggesting a strategic approach to leveraging familial support and shared competitive insights.
Further bolstering the junior ranks is Nora Ytterhus, also 20 years old. Her older sister, Guro Ytterhus, has rapidly ascended the international ranks, making her international debut in January, securing an European Championship medal in February, and competing in her first World Cup race in March. The rapid progression of these sisters mirrors the ambitious development pathways Team Consto aims to provide for all its athletes.
The influx of talent extends to other promising juniors. Bjørn-Anders Eriksen, a standout performer, secured a silver medal at the Junior World Championships this past winter and finished second overall in the Norwegian Cup. On the women’s side, Stine Høyrstad demonstrated exceptional form by winning gold at the Junior World Championships and achieving a third-place finish in the Norwegian Cup. Anne Birgit Dokken also joins the team, further strengthening the junior women’s contingent. These junior recruits bring a potent combination of youthful energy, proven competitive success at junior levels, and a strong hunger to prove themselves on a larger stage.
Additionally, Ann Kristin Aaland makes a welcome return to the Team Consto roster after two seasons spent with the national team. Her experience and proven capabilities are expected to provide valuable leadership and competitive depth to the senior ranks.
A Track Record of Success and a Vision for the Future
Team Consto’s commitment to excellence is not merely aspirational; it is backed by a tangible record of achievements. The previous season saw the team secure multiple top placements in the Norwegian Cup, athletes earning medals at the Junior World Championships, and representation in both the IBU Cup and World Cup competitions. The remarkable development of Philip Lindkvist-Fløtten, who has now progressed to the Swedish senior A-team, serves as a powerful testament to the team’s efficacy in athlete development.
Martin Eng, a key coach within Team Consto, articulated the team’s philosophy, emphasizing that while results are important, the primary focus remains on long-term athlete development. "The results show that we are doing many things right, but the most important thing for us is still development over time," Eng stated. "We have athletes at various levels and in different phases of their careers, and getting juniors and seniors to work together in the same environment creates a very strong training culture."
Eng highlighted the critical role of daily support, a strong sense of community, and the integrated approach of combining junior and senior athletes within the same team as central to the team’s success. He explained, "The juniors come in with a lot of energy and hunger, while the seniors contribute experience, structure, and professionalism. When the group dynamics function well, everyday life becomes developmental for everyone."
The coaching staff’s dedication to building a robust training culture is evident in their approach. "We have built a culture over time with solid coaches, where athletes challenge each other, support each other, and demand high standards – both sportingly and humanly," Eng continued. "It is the combination of quality, community, and a long-term perspective that has made us see results internationally now." This holistic approach, focusing on both individual growth and collective spirit, appears to be a winning formula for Team Consto.
The 2026/27 Team Consto Roster: A Detailed Look
The carefully selected roster for the 2026/27 season comprises a blend of established athletes and promising newcomers, poised to tackle the challenges of the upcoming competitive year.
Women’s Squad:
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Senior Athletes:
- Tuva Aas Strøte
- Mari Torsteinsrud
- Lexie Madigan (USA) – An international addition, indicating a global outlook for the team.
- Eva Liheim Alfstad
- Torild Eggan
- Ann Kristin Aaland – Returning after two seasons with the national team, bringing invaluable experience.
- Nora Njælstad Randby – A new addition, sibling of a national team member.
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Junior Athletes:
- Guro Elizabeth Strindeberg
- Nora Ytterhus – A new addition, sibling of an international competitor.
- Anne Birgit Dokken – A new addition, highlighting the team’s focus on junior development.
- Stine Høyrstad – A new addition, a proven performer at the junior international level.
Men’s Squad:
- Junior Athletes:
- Thomas McCarthy
- Benjamin Vinda
- Leander Aunvik
- Ole Øyvind Gebhart
- Sondre Frey – A new addition, sibling of a World Cup athlete.
- Magnus Wassbakk – A new addition, demonstrating the team’s ongoing search for talent.
- Bjørn-Anders Eriksen – A new addition, a decorated junior competitor.
Coaching Staff:
The strategic direction and athlete development will be spearheaded by a dedicated coaching team:
- Martin Eng
- Fredrik Grusd
Broader Implications for Biathlon Development
The structure and philosophy of Team Consto offer a compelling model for private athletic organizations aiming to foster elite talent. By integrating athletes at different stages of their careers, the team creates a symbiotic environment where experience and youthful ambition can co-exist and mutually benefit. The emphasis on community and shared high standards, as articulated by Coach Eng, is crucial for building resilience and sustained motivation, particularly in a sport as demanding as biathlon.
The success of athletes like Philip Lindkvist-Fløtten in transitioning to national team level suggests that private teams can play a pivotal role in supplementing national federation programs, providing specialized training and a competitive platform that accelerates athlete development. The presence of siblings on the team also introduces an interesting dynamic, potentially offering athletes a unique support system while simultaneously fueling healthy competition. This can foster a deeper understanding of the sport’s intricacies and the mental fortitude required for international success.
The inclusion of Lexie Madigan from the USA on the women’s senior team also points towards Team Consto’s growing international profile and its capacity to attract talent from beyond Norway’s borders. This diversification can enrich the training environment by introducing different perspectives and training methodologies.
Looking ahead, the 2026/27 season for Team Consto promises to be one of intense competition and significant development. With a carefully curated roster, a proven coaching staff, and a clear vision for athlete growth, the team is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the world of biathlon. The focus on nurturing junior talent, combined with the experience of its senior athletes, sets the stage for a dynamic and potentially groundbreaking season. The consistent application of their development model, emphasizing quality, community, and long-term commitment, suggests that Team Consto will remain a force to be reckoned with, both domestically and on the international circuit. The team’s strategy of investing in its athletes’ long-term potential, rather than solely focusing on immediate results, is a critical factor that underpins its ongoing success and its promise for the future of biathlon.
