A wind of change is blowing in Finland: A few months after Pekka Niemelae became head coach of the Finnish team he made major changes in the organization of the coaching staff.

A team of specialists of the universities in Tampere and Jyvaeskylae is working on making progress concerning the equipment together with developers of a laboratory for aerodynamics in Helsinki. The experts shall help the athletes on their way back to the top with improved equipment.

Ahonen and Larinto training again

Already when he started, Niemelae announced that he wants to better coordinate the work of the various centers with the personal coaches. That already happened. And at the Olympic Games 2014 in Sochi, at the latest, they want to reap the fruits of the improved cooperation with the coaches.

But Niemelae is already satisfied with the performance level of his athletes right now. "Janne Ahonen fully returned to training after his surgery. Also Ville Larinto is able to jump again. After the dramatic start with the many injuries in the phase of the training at home it already looks a lot better again for next winter. Only Janne Happonen is still out for a couple of months after his knee surgery. The rest of the team had good trainings in Courchevel and Ruka. During that, the team developed a good spirit", Niemelae told FISskijumping.

Related link: Niemelae head coach in Finnland »

In his first summer the new coach is not expecting too much. "Of course every jumper wants to achieve personal success already in summer, but we are only at the beginning. The Summer GP is the first step for us. That's why we didn't set any goals", Niemelae said to FISskijumping. "But still the Summer GP is a good chance to compete with the best jumpers of the world."

Gerhard Hofer as important link

Niemelae also scored a coup with the engagement of technician Gerhard Hofer, who celebrated huge successes last season together with Simon Ammann. But he will not only be responsible for waxing the skis of the Finns. Hofer shall also take care of the development of the equipment. "He's an important connecting link between the coaches and the technicians", said Niemelae. But contrary to other news, he will not interfere with the work of assistant coach Ville Kantee, but act complementary.

Janne Frisk is responsible for the wax and structure of the skis. He was already working for Finnland in the past, recently he was working with the Japanese together with Kari Ylianttila. New physiotherapist is Anssi Oerri, who was working with the Norwegian team from 2002 to 2009.

Tags: finland | niemelä

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