Juan Lago Leaves Andorra's Joan Verdú to Coach Norway's Henrik Kristoffersen

Juan Lago, who coached Andorra's top alpine skier Joan Verdú for four years, has parted ways with the team and will take over as head coach for Norwegian Olympic medallist Henrik Kristoffersen next season.

The separation, confirmed after the close of Verdú's disappointing 2025-2026 campaign, ends a successful partnership that delivered multiple top-10 World Cup finishes, two podiums, and consistent contention among the elite over two and a half years. Lago, who joined the Andorran Ski Federation from a Norwegian Europa Cup team, described the period as "magical"—the highlight of his career—crediting Verdú's mental, technical, and physical strengths, along with strong team dynamics and support from the FAE.

Verdú finished 26th in the World Cup giant slalom standings with 60 points, missing the Lillehammer finals by two points after four DNFs in eight races. His season ended prematurely with a first-run exit at Kranjska Gora, a track he knows well and where he had posted fast training times. Earlier, he secured 12th in Sölden amid tough wind and fog, 16th in Copper Mountain with a sixth in the second run, DNFs in the second runs at Beaver Creek and Val d'Isère, 19th in Alta Badia, 20th in Adelboden, a DNF in Schladming's first run after a training fall, and a standout 10th at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in Bormio, where he set the fastest second-run time.

In a YouTube video, Verdú expressed frustration over Kranjska Gora, calling it "a very tough and hard day" and admitting ending the season that way felt awful, especially as he was skiing at a high level. He opted to chase a strong result rather than play it safe for qualification points, saying he knows his potential lies much higher. He took full responsibility for the crash, praising his VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports team's efforts to adapt his setup after 12 years with Head. The new equipment differed from his style—though it suited others well—and required extensive testing of skis and boots. A late prototype boot, refined with modifications, boosted his Olympic performance and recent training pace.

Lago insisted the split followed a planned four-year Olympic cycle, predating the season's equipment challenges, which he viewed positively overall given Verdú's dedication. He rejected any link to results, emphasized their excellent relations, and predicted more top Andorran skiers soon, with Verdú's best years ahead. "Joan has put me on the map," Lago said.

Verdú plans a period of reflection before the October 25 Sölden opener, considering technical options like possibly returning to Head while keeping Red Bull links. This marks his worst World Cup season since regular starts in 2022-2023, breaking a three-year finals streak, though he lauded the team's professionalism and effort.