Estonian Kristjan Ilves continues collaboration with Norway

May 11, 2022·Nordic Combined

Last weekend Norwegian Ski Federation sports director Ivar Stuan and Estonian Ski Association Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping subcommittee chairman Ago Markvardt signed a contract which insures Nordic Combiner Kristjan Ilves another cooperation with the Norwegian team.

The cooperation continues as Ilves wishes to contribute 100% to sport at least for one more Olympic cycle and to accomplish good results. „We see this as the best option for him to achieve the goals he has set for himself“, explained Estonian Ski Association Nordic Combined sport director Rauno Loit.

„Extending the contract was the best option for me, to continue on a professional level. And I can see that I still have a lot to learn from the Norwegians, “ said Ilves happily and hopes the next four years to be successful.

The main goal for the agreement is to support Ilves by training with the world’s best Nordic Combined athletes and to provide him with the best knowledge.
Some changes were made from the contract to improve it for both parties. The period for the agreement is four years, until the end of the 2025/26 season. During this time, three title events are scheduled with the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 2023 and 2025 as well as the Olympic Winter Games 2026 in Italy.

So far, the collaboration between both sides has been very positive.
„The contact between us and the Norwegian Ski Federation has given us a lot of knowledge and hopefully it will give us even more in the future. In the past three years, it was never necessary to open the contract to check the details. Both parties have always given more than the contract supposed”, said Loit.
The agreement also includes support in the development of young athletes, Nordic Combined women and the training of coaches. The first trainings for said coaches were held at this spring’s seminar of the Estonian Ski Association on 6th and 7th of May in Otepää.

“We are very happy with the cooperation! Kristjan is only getting stronger and is driving our own athletes in the team. We also hope that we can help Estonia to develop their Youth and Women's Nordic Combined sector in the new period.”– Ivar Stuan - Sport Director Norwegian Ski Federation

Team nominations 2022/23 season:

Mens’s Nordic Combined National Team A
Kristjan Ilves

Mens’s Nordic Combined National Team B
Andreas Ilves
Markus Kägu
Robert Lee

Women’s Nordic Combined National Team
Annemarii Bendi

Source: Estonian Ski Association