June 27, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – There’s still time to vote for who you think are the most deserving athletes for the SkiTrax Annual North American (NA) Nordic Ski Awards honouring top skiers from across Canada and the USA for the 2012-2013 season determined by votes from readers at skitrax.com. A quick update on how things currently stand…
As expected, Kikkan Randall is leading the race for Best Overall Elite Female Skier, while USA’s Andy Newell and Canada’s Len Valjas are duking it out for the Best Male Sprinter bragging rights.
In the contest for Best Conti Cup Male, USST’s Erik Bjornsen and the Canadian Ski Team’s Graham Nishikawa are neck-and-neck. Other exciting battles include the one for Best Jr. Male honours, with Raphael Couturier and Ben Saxton in a very tight race, while it couldn’t get any tighter in the Best Collegiate Male comp, with Rune Odegaard and Harry Seaton tied for the lead. Joanne Reid is leading the Best Collegiate Female category, with several chasers close behind.
In the Paul Robbins Best Breakthrough or Exceptional Nordic Performance(s) contest, USST’s women’s stars Jessie Diggins and Randall are out front as expected, but Canmore’s Jesse Cockney is right on their heels after his world-class sprinting turned heads at the Alberta World Cup in December.
These awards recognize Elite, U23 and junior skiers, along with Conti Cup, collegiate, biathlon, Nordic combined, jumping competitors plus Paranordic skiers as well.
Don’t miss your chance to VOTE (link below) and perhaps win some great prizes from our award sponsors. Hurry, voting ends on Sunday, June 30 at 11pm EST!
This season’s contenders are up against some very tough competition as North American skiers continued their charge to the top of the international ranks and there are many great names across all disciplines to select from.
In total there are 22 categories for men and women so take your time and make your voice heard.
Plus there are some great prizes as all entrants are eligible to win one of five great prizes provided by Salomon, Swix, FI, Exer-Genie, and Auclair. Please include your email address [at the bottom] after submitting your selections if you wish to be eligible to win any prizes.
March 11, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are thrilled to announce the winners and final overall standings of the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest following the one week waiting period that recognizes the Doping De-Points rule.
Check out the contest standings after the Men’s 50km CL, the final event of the Val di Fiemme 2013 Worlds HERE and read about how Sweden’s Johan Olsson delivered an astounding historic win in the event after a 35km-solo effort HERE.
And now for the winners… Team Northug – antoine-briand was able to hang on to the lead with a total of 335 points to claim the fabulous grand prize a Salomon SLab package including skis, poles, boots, bindings (value $1,497).
The second place prize, a cool pair of Alpina ESK ski boots, goes to Team CATZ4LYFE with 280 points. And Team Rob in third place with 270 points receives an awesome pair of Fischer Carbonlite poles.
Congratulations to all winners and thanks again to all contestants and our great sponsors including Salomon, Alpina, Fischer, Bjorn Daehlie, One Way, 2XU, Ski*Go, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff Canada.
For the complete final FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds contest standings, please click HERE.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest Winners
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
March 06, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are happy to present the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest after the Women’s 30km CL competition. Check out our coverage of the race that saw Norway’s Marit Bjoergen score the world title, while USA’s Liz Stephen logged the best North American result with a strong 16th place – here.
Team Northug – antoine-briand is still leading with 255 points followed by Team CATZ4LYFE in second with 245, while Team beaujo moved up into third spot with 220 points.
For the complete contest standings after the Women’s 30km CL, please click HERE.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Salomon SLab package skis, poles, boots, bindings (value $1,497) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – Fischer Carbonlite Poles ($339) * 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 5th Prize – One Way Skate 7 Roller Skis (value $250) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Ski*go Large Wax Box with XC kickwaxes/cork/scraper (value $190) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize –BuffHeadware (value $23)
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Fiemme 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Salomon, Alpina, Fischer, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff Canada.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
March 01, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to report the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest after the 10/15km free technique events. Read our coverage of the race, including Canada’s Ivan “Bulldog” Babikov’s stellar fourth place – the best result by a Canadian male in the event at a World Championship – here. Then check out the recap of the women’s 10km event in which USA’s Liz Stephen scored a career-best fifth – here.
In the contest, Team Northug – antoine-briand managed to break the suspenseful three-up tie for first place to take the lead with 205 points. Team CATZ4LYFE sits in second spot with 185 points, followed by Redjacket in third with 170 points.
For the complete contest standings after the Fiemme 10/15km F races, please click HERE.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Salomon SLab package skis, poles, boots, bindings (value $1,497) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – Fischer Carbonlite Poles ($339) * 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 5th Prize – One Way Skate 7 Roller Skis (value $250) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Ski*go Large Wax Box with XC kickwaxes/cork/scraper (value $190) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize –BuffHeadware (value $23)
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Fiemme 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Salomon, Alpina, Fischer, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff Canada.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
February 27, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to announce the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest after the Team Sprint events. Racing is getting hotter in Val di Fiemme as the weekend nears. Read our coverage of Team USA winning historic GOLD in the women’s team sprint, courtesy of Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins here.
The competition is just as sizzling in the contest there’s a tie between the top three teams for first place, all in a stalemate at 140 points. The teams are CATZ4LYFE, Team Northug – antoine-briand, and Max’s.
For the complete contest standings after the Fiemme Team Sprint please click HERE.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Salomon SLab package skis, poles, boots, bindings (value $1,497) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – Fischer Carbonlite Poles ($339) * 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 5th Prize – One Way Skate 7 Roller Skis (value $250) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Ski*go Large Wax Box with XC kickwaxes/cork/scraper (value $190) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize –BuffHeadware (value $23)
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Fiemme 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Salomon, Alpina, Fischer, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff Canada.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
February 18, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – Don’t miss your chance to win great prizes with the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest. Registration is open for contestants to make selections for the biggest event on the Nordic ski calendar this winter.
Register and enter the contest to be eligible to win lots of great prizes including the Grand Prize – a Salomon SLab package including skis, poles, boots and bindings valued at $1,497.
Select the top three podium positions for men and women for each of the 12 Nordic Worlds title events – and score points as you battle with other contestants from around the world for lots of great prizes.
Earn bonus points for multi-podiums, overall nation medals, top Canadian and US skiers etc. The 2013 FIS Nordic World Championships take place from Feb. 20-March 3 in Val di Fiemme, Italy.
You can enter or revise your selection up until 12 midnight EST on Feb. 19. Pls note that our menus list all skiers we believe are competing. Preliminary lists are not published by FIS – 24hrs after the last World Cup race before the World Championships the final names are given to the Organizing Committee and we will update our menus at that time.
Don’t miss this chance to follow the worlds best xc skiers and test your knowledge of the sport for bragging rights and great prizes.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Salomon SLab package skis, poles, boots, bindings (value $1,497) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – Fischer Carbonlite Poles ($339) * 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 5th Prize – One Way Skate 7 Roller Skis (value $250) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Ski*go Large Wax Box with XC kickwaxes/cork/scraper (value $190) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize –BuffHeadware (value $23)
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Fiemme 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Salomon, Alpina, Fischer, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff Canada.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
February 06, 2013 (Devil’s Thumb Ranch, CO) – SkiTrax caught up with Salomon’s Isaac Wilson at the SIA Show Demo at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Colorado. Wilson introduced the brand’s new S-Lab ski and boot line being launched for 2013/2014…stay tuned for more video coverage from DTR.
January 18, 2012 (Val di Fiemme, Italy) – We are excited to announce the winners of the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest after the final 9km FR Stage 9 up Alpe Cermis and apologize for the short delay. Team Rob has made up ground in the contest’s final leg to leap ahead of the competition and take home the first prize, a Rossignol Xium WCS2 ski and boot package w/Rottefella Xcelerator skate bindings valued at $1,195, with a grand total of 1,252 points.
The battle was heated, however, with Team alpha super awsome cool dynamite wolf squadrontrailing the leader by only one point to score the second prize, a Mont Ste-Anne lodging package valued at $800. The fabulous third-place prize – a choice of Salomon SLab Skate or Classic boots valued at $400/$450 – went to Fasterbutwithmoregriptds, who finished off the contest with 1,248 points.
Congrats to all of the winners and thank you to all the teams for participating in the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest!
For the final Contest Standings following the final Stage 9 Alpe Cermis 9km FR click HERE. SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest Final Winners
– Broken Poles – Jan Rossiter – Ottawa, ON
9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
– anty ski team – Andri Milov – Parnu, Estonia
10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $45)
Rest Day Leader Prizes
Jan. 2 – Fresh Air Experience $100 Gift Certificate – anty ski team – Andri Milov – Parnu, Estonia
Jan. 6 – High Peaks Cyclery $100 Gift Certificate – karlos team pl – Karol Daszkiewicz – Gdynia, Poland
Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Salomon, Marwe, SkiGo, Sporthill, Bliz, Rottefella, Auclair, Buff, Fresh Air Experience, and High Peaks Cyclery.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
January 06, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest leaders following the 3km/5km CL races in Toblach, Italy. In an exciting development, Team Siggy’s Speedsters has broken the tie for first and moved into the lead with 508 points. karlos team and Team Skibunzov are now tied for second spot with 493 points apiece, with Team virtualprofit in third with 485 points.
For the Contest Standings following the 3km/5km CL races click HERE.
Enter our FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Contest HERE – final deadline is Jan. 7/12.
Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Salomon, Marwe, SkiGo, Sporthill, Bliz, Rottefella, Auclair, Buff, Fresh Air Experience, and High Peaks Cyclery.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
January 04, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest leaders following the TdS Skiathlon in Obertsdorf, Germany. We have an exciting three-team tied for first place between anty ski team, pumpkinpie, and ZURICH XC – with 400 points each. Team Pekkies is in second spot with 399 points, followed closely by Siggy’s Speedsters with 398 points. The battle is tight with top 15 teams separated by only 7 points – the maximum points following the Skiathlon is 420.
For the Contest Standings following the Skiathlon click HERE.
Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Salomon, Marwe, SkiGo, Sporthill, Bliz, Rottefella, Auclair, Buff, Fresh Air Experience, and High Peaks Cyclery.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
April 08, 2011 (Jyväskylä, Finland) – World Champion Matti Heikkinen has made Salomon’s complete ski, boot, and binding system his choice. The 27-year-old Heikkinen has chosen to become a Salomon complete athlete in what should be the peak years of his career. Heikkinen states, “Salomon as a company shows today the greatest potential to develop the near perfect equipment which is necessary to achieve my goals.”
At the recently completed 2011 World Ski Championships in Oslo, Norway, Matti was crowned World Champion in the 15km Classic. In so doing, Matti brought to Finland its first victory at major competition in over 12 years. This medal complements two bronze medals he won at the 2009 World Championships.
Matti aims to use his World Championship success as a stepping stone for his country and himself to reach much grander skiing goals. He continues to be outspoken advocate for the sport and is working to find ways to build a successful future for Finland in the sport. Personally, he believes the change to Salomon will aid him to become a more consistent figure on the World Cup podium in 2012 with continued success at the 2013 World Championships in Fiemme, Italy the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia and the 2015 World Championships in Falun, Sweden.
Salomon’s Racing Services Director, Bertrand Regard, is pleased and excited that Matti has found Salomon’s complete system his best choice. Regard states, “We are pleased that more and more World Cup skiers are seeking out Salomon for their ski, boot and bindings needs. If you do the same thing you get the same result. If you wish to make improvement, change is not only good, it is necessary!”
Salomon, as the Nordic brand that develops each and every aspect of the development, integration and production of its skis, boots, and bindings is uniquely capable of rapidly developing and delivering the state-of-the-art concepts and technologies. An endless list of advancements in its boots and bindings since 1979 has delivered a comenserate endless list of Olympic, World Championship, and WorldCup success by athletes selecting its product. And in just seven years since the inception of its first racing ski, Salomon has developed and delivered three complete generations of WorldCup winning skis, an impressive feet.
We at Salomon are already preparing for the 2011-2112 World Cup season just 210 days away. We are excited to see what the changes by Matti’s and all of the athletes will deliver as we continue to rapidly bring our advancements in the technology to the sport so all skiers can better glide through winter.
March 03, 2011 (Oslo, Norway) – What a day for Finland (or two days). Ahvo and I cheer for everyone, but there is an innate tendency for us to cheer for Finnish skiers and American skiers just a little bit louder – and now Canadians as well, since we’re writing for a publication based in Toronto. Ahvo was born in Finland and made his career in the US whereas Ritva was born in the US, but currently makes her home in Finland.
Norwegians are great sport fans as they cheer for everyone out on the trail or coming into the finish, but an eerie silence can fall over the crowd for a spell if the Norwegians are not in the number one spot. After Matti Heikkinen’s win he thanked the crowd for their support throughout the race. The hometown crowd certainly cheered for Heikkinen, but naturally they cheer louder for their countrymen.
Throughout the World Championships we have observed excellent sportsmanship on the part of the competitors and the fans. Every day you can see fans congratulating fans from other countries – this is truly a celebration of the sport and not just championship races.
