The former biathlon coach is today a talent developer for the Swedish Olympic Committee, SOK - and 67-year-old Pichler and van der Poel have a special relationship.
Before the Olympics, van der Poel isolated himself in Inzell, Germany, where he was trained by the German demon trainer.
After van der Poel's Olympic gold in the 5,000 meters, 67-year-old Pichler said that van der Poel will be a superstar like Ingemar Stenmark, Björn Borg and Magdalena Forsberg if he also takes the gold in the 10,000 meters.
He did.
- Everything was according to plan.
The last two laps are under 29 seconds, it's completely crazy.
He is an outstanding athlete - He is one of the superstars we have in Sweden, says Pichler who prepared the champagne.
- It is ready, but we have looked at Elvira Öberg as well.
She wins a medal (silver in the sprint in biathlon).
I'm not surprised, she's a great skier