[1] The year after he did much worse, coming 42nd in the long distance, and 78th in the sprint, finishing 62nd overall.

The following season, 2004/05, was Hetland's most successful year to date, winning the sprint title, and coming third in the overall standings.

The victory on this particular course was no great shock as the Beitostølen track is very flat as the tracks on the cross country circuit goes, and when taken into consideration that the Norwegian athletes, much like the larger teams like the Germans and Russians, are expected to be in near top condition at the beginning of the season so as to secure team selection.

His victory in the sprint event in Vernon, Canada on 12 December 2005, was his 100th career race.

Hetland announced his retirement the week of 27 April 2009 to a lingering knee injury and asthma.