Peterson backed by Thorn: "Think it's badly handled"

In a press release that went out on Saturday, the Swedish Ski Association said that the national team manager for the ski team, Jonas Peterson, will not work. This was just four months after Peterson took up the post.

Viktor Thorn is one of the national team players who backs Jonas Peterson. For SVT Sport, the 23-year-old says that the riders received the information via email one hour before the press release was sent out.

"I don't know much more than what is in the media, but it is clear that it is very scary," says Thorn.

Will it affect your riders?

- Yes, of course it does. It's never good. An organization should be ready in May and not in August. But it is what it is. I am not on the board of the association so I cannot influence it that much, but I think it is poorly managed by the union.

Thorn also says he does not know the reasons why Peterson may not continue, but says he and several other riders he has contacted with familiar confidence in Peterson.

- It must be a record in short employment. I think Jonas has been good. He has listened to us riders and been a driving force in developing us and yet we are the ones who should have a good environment. I can't see why it has become like this.

In an interview with SVT Sport, Peterson said that he had conversations with riders about optimizing the performance environment. Those conversations are rewarding, says Thorn.

- He has been understanding and wanted to develop things. It's strange that this happened. Jonas is someone who could have developed the covenant.

Do you feel disappointed with the covenant?

- Above all, I think it's bad that you make such a decision so close to the season. Things like this should be ready by May. There has already been a lot of new items during the year and now another thing is coming. It should not happen. It only causes concern among the riders. Now we have to make the best of the situation. Then it is clear that it could have been handled better.

Replacement for Peterson will be Lars Selin and Karin Ersson.

How do you see Karin and Lars coming in?

- It will probably be alright. They have been in the union before and know what it looks like, so it will work well with them too. But it's sad that Jonas quits. ends.