After a long and tiring Olympic season, several teams made coaching changes later than usual. Czechia made waves, reuniting Michal Slesingr with former teammate Ondrej Moravec on the men’s team. At the same time, Italy tapped former Czech Women’s Coach Egil Gjelland for their women’s team.

Rybar now Head Coach

Czechia changed the makeup of their World Cup coaching team for the next quadrennial, putting Czech legend Slesingr on the men’s staff while increasing coordination with the other training group. At the same time, Sport Director Ondrej Rybar retained that title but now is also Head Coach. In his more complex position, Rybar, working with the World Cup and B groups will help coordinate training between the two groups. Former Men’s Coach Michael Málek moved to the B team and is now working with the developing athletes.

“When (Slesingr) gets excited, he does it at 180%”

Three-time Olympic medalist Moravec thinks his old teammate is a good match, admitting Slesingr, “knows very well what he is doing; that is a big advantage. He may not have much coaching experience, but he once was the best biathlete in our country; always interested in training with a lot of questions. I know him very well and if he gets excited about something, he does it 180 percent. I think he can be a very good coach, bringing a new impulse and a slightly different perspective to the team."

Gjelland to Italy

Italy settled on Norwegian Egil Gjelland to lead their women’s team in the coming seasons. 2002 Olympic Relay Gold medalist Gjelland previously coached the Norwegian Women’s team and most recently was the first-ever foreign coach in Czechia, where he coached their World Cup team for six seasons. Edoardo Mezzaro will work as his assistant.

Pichler in Austria

Austria totally revamped their biathlon structure and coaching staff for the coming season. Wolfgang Pichler joined the Austrian program and will direct planning and training for the World Cup team. Austrian Biathlon boss Christoph Sumann admitted, “With the arrival of Wolfgang Pichler, we have succeeded in bringing one of the greatest biathlon specialists to Austria. Throughout his long career, he has achieved numerous successes with different nations. His expertise is undeniable, and I am convinced that the entire team will benefit from his vast experience.”

Felian Schubert who previously worked at the Eisenerz Nordic Training Center, takes the reins as Men’s Head Coach, replacing Ludwig Gredler. Gredler now manages the Hochfilzen Training Center. At the same time, 2020-24 Women’s Coach Marcus Fischer returns to that position, leading the women’s program.

Einaste Moves up to Head Swiss Men’s Team

Switzerland shuffled their staff, making significant additions following Sandra Flunger’s departure. The new Swiss setup moves Kein Einaste to Head Men’s Coach. Gion-Andrea Bundi, Swiss Junior Coach a few years back takes over as Women’s Head Coach. Bundi is familiar with the current team, having worked with Amy Baserga and Lea Meier as juniors.

The big addition is four-time Olympic Gold medalist Ricco Gross, most recently manager of the Lenzerheide Training Center. The German has extensive World Cup coaching experience in Germany, Russia, Austria and Slovenia. Gross joins Andreas Kuppelwieser as shooting coaches for both the men and women.

Amat Hanging around through Summer

Although retired from the World Cup circuit with Siegfried Mazet taking his place, Olympic Shooting Gold medalist Jean-Pierre Amat has not completely left the French Federation. With Excellence 2030 Coach Caire Breton on maternity leave, Amat will work with that group through the end of his contract in November. For Amat, as the saying goes, it’s not over until…

Bormetti and Gibson take over USA team

The USA announced a return to a traditional setup with the appointment of Mike Gibson as Head Women’s Coach and Emil Bormetti as Head Men’s Coach. Bormetti was previously assistant coach under Armin Auchentaller who is now in charge of the Slovenian team.

Bormetti was enthusiastic about the team and its potential. “We have made incredible progress over the past four seasons, and I look forward to building on this momentum.”

Photos: IBU/Manzoni, Petr Slavik, Nordic Focus