October 28, 2009 – Rossignol welcomes three new Midwest Athletes to the race program for 2009-10. New members of the team include National Champion Caitlin Compton, of Minneapolis; Nikolai Anikin of Duluth, MN; and Matt Weier of Marquette MI. The athletes join current Midwest Rossignol athletes including 2006 Olympic biathlete and 2010 Olympic hopeful Carolyn Bramante; 2009 City of Lakes Loppet Champion, Bjorn Batdorf; Kim Rudd and Hilary Patzer.

Caitlin Compton is a 3-time U.S. National Champion, competed in the last two Nordic world championships and is vying for a spot on the 2010 Olympic team. Caitlin is one of the top skiers in the U.S. and no stranger to the race scene both at the National level well as marathons. Besides winning the 2009 5-km skate race at US Nationals in Anchorage, Caitlin came back home to Minnesota to win the 35 km City of Lakes Loppet in a commanding fashion. After testing Rossignol skis on the Glacier in Bend, Oregon in June, Caitlin made the switch.

Nikolai Anikin is a top marathon skier in the Midwest as well as a high school and masters coach in his hometown of Duluth MN. Nikolai won the Noquemenon 50 km Skate, the Great Bear Chase 50km, and had four other top three finishes in Midwest marathons this past season. Nikolai is excited to ski the new Rossignol WCS (World Cup Skate Ski). “The new lower camber profile and full carbon deck gives excellent flex and glide. I can’t wait to race on them.”

Matt Weier, a Northern Michigan University graduate, has made Marquette, Michigan home, where he continues to coach and race marathons. Past winner of the Noquemenon 50km skate (MI), North American Vasa (MI) and the Pepsi Challenge 50km (MN), Matt continues to be on the marathon podiums throughout the Midwest. Matt is not only excited about racing on the new World Cup Skis, the Rossignol World Cup boots give him uncompromising fit and performance. After testing the boots this summer, Matt made the move to Rossignol.

Support of racing, coaches and athletes, both at the National and local level, is a hallmark of Rossignol’s commitment to Nordic Skiing. Rossignol athletes, coaches and reps got together recently for a training day at Hyland Park Reserve in Bloomington MN. All Smiles on a beautiful fall day.