– I think it is very good if they use the best resources on their juniors, because they need to learn. Roger was brilliant and did a great job with them, Tora Berger told NRK.no.

Coming into this year’s season, the junior women’s national team biathletes may have had the best coach of all time.

They have acquired Roger Grubben, former coach of the men’s national team and Ole Einar Bjørndalen. The successful coach also brought former biathlon queen and first-year “retired” Tora Berger into the coaching staff.

– Not complaining

This news received a good response from the six young women on the team.

– I’m not complaining. I’m quite happy, said Karoline Knotten enthusiastically to NRK.no

Roger Grubben quit as Norway’s men’s biathlon coach earlier this year (2014) for family reasons.

– This is a complete package of family and travel situations, he said.

Will contribute at junior level

Grubben still wants to contribute at junior level.

– I am passionate about being a coach, I have experienced in the last few years with elite people that I am truly a coach. “I also want to contribute on the junior side, on the women’s side we have struggled a bit to get enough good runners,” he told NRK.

Despite the fact that he has transitioned from an adult man to a junior woman, day-to-day training for Roger Grubben is not much different.

– The transition was less than I thought. What differentiates those who finish eighth and first at the World Cup are small qualities over time, but Tora knows a lot about that. It’s good he’s there, the coach said.

More to learn

Kristin Sandeggen was the best among the junior women with a 34th place finish in Saturday’s sprint in Sjusjøen. He bragged about his inexperienced coach.

– He is very kind. “It’s nice to have someone with more experience than myself,” Sandeggen said with a laugh.

– Girls really want to be good, and want to learn. “They’re pretty good, I think,” Berger replied.