The private cross-country ski team based in Lillehammer, Team Swenor-Splitkon, has announced a significant expansion for the upcoming season, more than doubling its roster from seven to eighteen athletes. This dramatic growth is attributed to the innovative and demanding training regimen developed by its young, yet highly successful coach, Vetle Leander Johansen. The team’s expanding profile has attracted established names, including Swedish veteran Calle Halfvarsson, who specifically sought out Johansen’s expertise with the aim of achieving a World Championship medal on home snow this winter.
The influx of talent signals a rising trajectory for the Norwegian private team, which has garnered considerable attention both domestically and internationally for the remarkable results achieved by its athletes under Johansen’s tutelage. The expanded roster for the 2026-27 season, now officially named Team Swenor-Splitkon, represents a strategic move to capitalize on this momentum and further solidify its position within the elite ranks of cross-country skiing.
A Coach’s Vision Fuels Rapid Growth
At just 24 years old, Vetle Leander Johansen has quickly become a sought-after figure in the cross-country skiing community. His coaching philosophy, characterized by its intensity and meticulous attention to detail, has demonstrably translated into significant performance improvements for his athletes. The team’s expansion is a testament to the growing confidence in his methods and the allure of his unique training approach.
The increased capacity of the team is underpinned by a dual enhancement: bolstered financial backing and additional coaching support. Splitkon has stepped in as a title sponsor, joining Swenor, to form the new team name, Team Swenor-Splitkon. This sponsorship, combined with the continued support of existing partners, has provided the financial stability necessary for such an ambitious expansion. Furthermore, the addition of Sivert Leander Johansen, Vetle’s cousin, as an assistant coach will distribute the coaching load and allow for more individualized attention to the growing number of athletes.
"Splitkon coming in as a title sponsor alongside Swenor is the primary reason for this expansion," stated head coach Vetle Leander Johansen. "This, coupled with strong support from our current sponsors and Sivert taking on responsibility for a portion of the athletes, makes this growth both economically and practically feasible. Sivert, who is also an active athlete, will primarily focus on the new additions to the team. I will be overseeing Calle Halfvarsson and Eskil Skarstein Rød, as well as the seven athletes who are continuing with us from last year."
The Allure of Unprecedented Progress
The buzz surrounding Vetle Leander Johansen’s coaching began to solidify in the summer of 2024. Eirik Mysen, an athlete under Johansen’s guidance, shared impressive VO2 max test results that indicated a dramatic improvement in aerobic capacity within just three months. These results not only surpassed his own previous benchmarks but also outperformed the national team elite in 3000-meter tests.
The tangible impact of Johansen’s coaching was soon evident in competition. The following winter, Mysen achieved his first senior national championship medal, secured his maiden victory in a Norwegian Cup race, and qualified for a World Cup event for the first time in several years – all within approximately eighteen months of working with Johansen. This pattern of rapid advancement has become a hallmark of athletes training with the young Norwegian coach.
The Sand-Hansen twins, Julie and Norah, are another compelling example of Johansen’s coaching prowess. In the past winter season, he guided both to the Junior World Championships. Julie emerged as a standout performer, clinching Norway’s first-ever gold medal in the girls’ category on the 20-kilometer distance. This achievement at the junior level signals a bright future for the young skier and underscores the effectiveness of Johansen’s development program.
Adding to the team’s growing list of successes, Simon Hjelmeset Kirkeeide made his World Cup debut this winter, finishing an impressive 12th place in the 50-kilometer race at Holmenkollen. Kirkeeide also played a pivotal role in Bygdø IL securing a silver medal in the national championship relay, delivering a thrilling performance in the final leg against Simen Hegstad Krüger, a prominent figure in Norwegian cross-country skiing.
Calle Halfvarsson’s Strategic Move
The recruitment of Calle Halfvarsson is perhaps the most significant indicator of Team Swenor-Splitkon’s burgeoning reputation. The 37-year-old Swedish star, a seasoned competitor with multiple World Championship and Olympic medals, has openly stated his intention to train under Johansen. His decision to join a private Norwegian team, rather than continuing with traditional Swedish national team structures, highlights a strong belief in Johansen’s ability to elevate his performance in the crucial year leading up to the World Championships, which are scheduled to be held in Falun, Sweden.
Halfvarsson’s ambition to secure a medal at the upcoming World Championships on home soil is a clear endorsement of Johansen’s coaching acumen. This move signifies a high-stakes gamble for the veteran skier, who is seeking a final surge in his illustrious career. The partnership between the experienced Swede and the innovative young Norwegian coach is undoubtedly one of the most compelling narratives to emerge in the cross-country skiing world for the upcoming season.
A Demanding Regimen for Peak Performance
Team Swenor-Splitkon will maintain its operational base in Lillehammer, a region renowned for its excellent training facilities and conducive environment for winter sports. The team will engage in frequent group training sessions several times a week, complemented by four dedicated on-snow training camps during the off-season. A key element of Johansen’s approach is his constant availability to his athletes, offering 24/7 support and guidance.
"We train a lot, and we train hard," Johansen explained. "But this requires having a firm grasp on the training process and the ability to make rapid adjustments. I have immense faith in the benefits of staying close to the athletes."
This "brutal regime," as it has been described, involves athletes dedicating upwards of 40 hours per week to training during peak periods. The intensity is managed through close monitoring and continuous feedback, ensuring that the demanding workload is optimized for individual progress and injury prevention. This approach, while rigorous, has proven effective in pushing athletes to new performance levels.
The team’s commitment to this high-volume, high-intensity training model is designed to build exceptional endurance and physiological capacity, crucial for success in long-distance cross-country skiing events. The focus is not merely on accumulating training hours but on ensuring the quality and specificity of each session, tailored to the unique demands of elite cross-country skiing.
The Full Roster for Team Swenor-Splitkon 2026-27
The expanded roster for the 2026-27 season includes a blend of established athletes and promising newcomers:
- Høvard Andersen, 19, Fana IL – New Athlete
- Ola Aurmo, 23, Lom IL – New Athlete
- Calle Halfvarsson, 37, Sägmyra IF/Sweden – New Athlete
- Andreas Bergsland, 25, Trøsken IL
- Sondre Brattabø, 21, Osterøy IL
- Daniel Egedius, 21, Vind IL – New Athlete
- Felix Egedius, 16, Vind IL – New Athlete
- Oskar Eek-Reme, 20, Fana IL
- Birk Møller Gundersen, 24, LYN ski – New Athlete
- Jørgen Harby, 25, Brøttum IL
- Andreas Hermansen, 21, Vang SKLF – New Athlete
- Markus Høimark, 20, Voss IL – New Athlete
- Sivert Leander Johansen, 26, Drammens BK – New Athlete (Assistant Coach)
- Lars Olav Kåsa, 22, Gulset IF – New Athlete
- Marcus Dahl-Rismyhr, 21, Trøsken IL
- Tørrnes Nøstdal, 21, Eid IL
- Eskil Skarstein Rød, 21, Oppegård IL – New Athlete
- Ludvig Rørvik, 20, Førde IL – New Athlete
The inclusion of a 16-year-old, Felix Egedius, alongside established athletes like Halfvarsson, showcases the team’s commitment to nurturing talent across different age groups and experience levels. The age range of the team, from 16 to 37, suggests a balanced approach to long-term development and immediate competitive goals.
Broader Implications for the Sport
The success and expansion of private teams like Team Swenor-Splitkon represent a significant shift in the landscape of professional cross-country skiing. While national teams remain crucial for developing talent and providing a structured pathway, private outfits offer an alternative environment that can foster innovation and cater to specific athlete needs. The financial backing from sponsors like Splitkon and Swenor demonstrates the growing commercial viability of these teams.
This trend could lead to increased competition and a wider array of training methodologies, potentially benefiting the sport as a whole. The ability of coaches like Vetle Leander Johansen to attract top-tier athletes, including established stars like Halfvarsson, suggests that private teams are no longer simply development squads but formidable contenders in their own right.
The strategic importance of the Lillehammer base cannot be overstated. Its world-class facilities, including the Olympic venues from 1994, provide an ideal training ground. The year-round climate and established cross-country skiing culture in Norway further contribute to the appeal of such training camps.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, all eyes will be on Team Swenor-Splitkon and its ambitious plans. The combination of a young, visionary coach, a rapidly expanding roster, and the strategic recruitment of seasoned champions like Calle Halfvarsson positions the team as a significant force to watch in the upcoming international skiing circuit. The results of this bold expansion and Johansen’s demanding regime will be closely scrutinized, with potential implications for athlete development and team structures across the sport.
