Johanne Hauge Harviken has taken a big leap forward since Maiken Caspersen Falla joined the coaching team. The 27-year-old from Strandbygda IL has been selected for two out of three races in the World Cup in Lillehammer this weekend.

Harviken felt she was making progress for some time, but when Maiken Caspersen Falla retired from her competitive career and joined the Elverum club, Harviken got an extra boost. This summer, the former World Champion became a permanent coach on the regional team, helping Harviken make further strides.

Last Friday, Harviken finished second in the freestyle race at Gålå, behind comeback star Helene Fossesholm. On Sunday, she bounced back with a victory, pushing Fossesholm to second place. Now, she’s been selected for two races at the World Cup in Lillehammer this weekend, crediting Falla for much of her success.

“I’ve received a lot of good advice from her, especially since she joined the regional team as a coach. Now I train a bit more like Maiken (Caspersen Falla) did when she was fully committed, with more focus on precision and punch in execution,” Harviken told Langrenn.com.

“I’ve trained well over the last three years, but I feel much more secure in my setup this year. I think the combination of all these factors has allowed me to take the next step and reach a higher level than before.”

This weekend, Harviken will race the 10km freestyle on Friday and the 20km skiathlon on Sunday. Previously, she has competed in three World Cup races: the 50km at Holmenkollen in March this year, the sprint in Lillehammer in 2022, and the skiathlon in Lillehammer in 2019.

Read more: Cross-country World Cup: Complete program for Lillehammer

A Turning Point with Maiken

Former national team skier Maiken Caspersen Falla officially joined the coaching staff of Team Elon Innlandet this summer. However, Harviken’s collaboration with the former World Champion goes back much further.

“It started when Maiken and I met several times at National Championships relays. We noticed that we skied quite similarly. Back then, she skied for Gjerdrum, but when she and her partner moved to Elverum after her World Cup career, she was open to switching clubs. For the past few years, we’ve skied the National Championship relay together for Strandbygda IL,” said Harviken.

The results speak for themselves: Harviken has consistently delivered victories, podium finishes, and a series of top-10 placements, both nationally and in the Scandinavian Cup.

Harviken emphasizes that Falla has had a significant impact on the entire club, not just her.

“Maiken contributes so much. She’s truly a resource in the environment and gives a lot of herself to both younger and older skiers. I can see that it motivates many.”

Harviken is thrilled that Falla is now part of the regional coaching team alongside head coach Karl-Gunnar Skjønsfjell.

Training Adjustments

When planning this season, Harviken and her coach, Karl-Gunnar Skjønsfjell, decided to reduce her training volume slightly and focus more on speed and strength.

“We agreed that I trained very well last year, but Karl-Gunnar was also clear that I wasn’t training too little. So, I’ve decreased my training hours and emphasized speed and power,” Harviken explained.

“Now it’ll be exciting to see if I can perform to my potential in the World Cup. I’m a bit nervous, as it’s a much bigger circus than usual. A lot has to align, from ski preparation to daily form. But I know I’m in good shape.”

PS: Harviken also trained under Marthe Kristoffersen, the successful coach of Team Eksjöhus, for several years. Catch Kristoffersen and last season’s top long-distance team, Team Eksjöhus, in the next episode of Ski Classics Ski or Die Season II, premiering on SC Play on Friday, December 6!