Kristiansen has given up the position for unknown reasons with just under two years to go until the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.

The 50-year-old from Lillehammer, which hosted the 1994 Olympic Games and this year's edition of the Winter Youth Olympics, has denied suggestions a rift within the team was the reason for his sudden resignation.

He admitted a review of the team had taken place this year but stressed this had no impact on his decision.

The Norwegian side have enjoyed a period of notable success under his tutelage, winning a combined total of 23 Olympic and World Championships gold medals since he took over the role in 2001.

This includes 5 titles at the last edition of the Winter Olympics, held in Sochi in 2014.

"It has been a long process with a lot of thinking, and it is a sad decision to make when you have been doing this for 15 years," he told Norwegian newspaper Oppland Arbeiderblad.

"It has been an amazing journey. 

"There have been ups and downs. 

"I have learned an incredible amount of wonderful performers and a great support system. 

"It will be strange not to have to work with them in the future."

Marit Bjørgen, considered one of the greatest Norwegian athletes of all time having won six Olympic golds, admitted she was sad to see Kristiansen leave but hopes to continue working with him in some capacity.

"I was also a little sad when he said he'd give up, I must admit," she said.

"He meant a lot to me.

"But I understand also his choice - he has to know whether he has the motivation to continue or not.

"It will be strange to go on tour without Egil. 

"It was an assurance to me to have him there."