He burst onto the World Cup scene – finishing fifth in the and just five seconds away from victory in the 50-kilometer race at Holmenkollen, widely considered the most prestigious World Cup event.
In almost any other skiing nation, that performance would have earned him a place on the national team. In Norway? The 25-year-old from Hemsedal didn't even get a phone call.
"Sweden Needs Kasper More Than Norway Does"
After Herland's impressive race at Holmenkollen, the race winner Einar Hedegart had a suggestion for the World Cup rookie.
"I'm about to go talk to the King of Norway, but if Kasper gets the chance to talk to the King of Sweden, they should work something out. Sweden needs Kasper more than Norway does," Hedegart joked.
Three months later, Herland, whose father is Swedish, admits he still hasn't completely let go of the idea.
Sweden's men's cross-country team could use some help. So, did you ever end up talking to King Carl Gustaf?
"No, unfortunately not," Herland said with a laugh. "But if anyone has King Carl Gustaf's contact information—or knows how a half-Swede can get a Swedish passport—I'd love to hear from you."
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A Dream World Cup Debut
Herland has been knocking on the door for several years, but this winter marked his international breakthrough.
In January, he earned his first international victory on snow by winning a 10-kilometer race in the Scandinavian Cup in Finland. He followed that up with two more podium finishes later in the season, along with fourth- and fifth-place finishes at the Norwegian Championships against skiers competing for the final Olympic team spots.
Then came March and his fifth-place finish in the World Cup 50K at Holmenkollen, just five seconds behind winner—and teammate—Einar Hedegart.
Herland describes the race as a dream day and a dream debut.
"The 50K at Holmenkollen meant a lot to me as a skier. Finishing fifth in my very first World Cup race—especially in such a legendary event—proved to me that I absolutely belong with the best in the world, even on demanding courses with long climbs," he says.
"During the race, I felt like if any of the top guys in the world had picked up the pace, I could have gone with them without any problem. That was an incredible feeling."
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Altitude Camps and Daily Training
Herland races for the private team Team Anlegg Øst Entreprenør, and he's happy to explain what led to his breakthrough.
He credits years of consistent training, daily coaching, quality workouts with strong teammates, and the team's extensive altitude-training program as the biggest reasons for both his own success and the team's results.
"We spend three separate three-week training camps at altitude during the preseason, and we train together regularly in Lillehammer all year long. That's made us an incredibly strong training group."