December 10, 2010 – On many fronts, last weekend was a good one for North American Nordic skiers with several podiums and this weekend blooms with promise as well. Davos, Switzerland hosts the world’s best xc skiers at round four of the FIS World Cup skiers while the ski jumpers head to the Czech Republic for World Cup action and Norway for Conti Cup number two.

Fast in D-Dorf

Kikkan Randall had a great race in the individual sprints along the Rhine River in Dusseldorf, by finishing second, after a tough start. Italy’s Arianna Follis took the win. Andy Newell was the top US man finishing 13th, after having qualified third.

Canadian women Chandra Crawford and Daria Gaiazova gave Canuck fans plenty to rejoice about with a 3rd place finish in the D-Dorf team sprint last Sunday. It was an amazing performance for them. Following the event Daria told us, “I was so pumped to get my first ever podium last Sunday, and it was extra special doing it together with Chandra, who is finally getting back to her top shape after being injured for close to two years. I skied my most aggressive race ever. I refused to let anyone push me around and I was taking advantage of any small openings in order to sneak by others.”

Davos Jottings

The world’s elite cross-country skiers are gathering in luxe Davos, Switzerland in the Swiss Alps for races this weekend. Renowned for great snow the weather has been good in Davos this week and they’re expecting flakes on race day.

First up on Saturday is the 10k CL for women and a 15k for men. Sunday will see the freestyle sprints. Saturday’s race warms my “traditional heart” with an interval start classic event. Nice. I’m excited to see what Kris Freeman of the USA might do in the classic event, as he has been skiing well and this event is right up his alley.

We got a hold of Canadian head coach, Justin Wadsworth, last night and he plans to ski Dasha, Devon [Kershaw], Ivan [Babikov], George [Grey], Stefan [Kuhn] and Brent [McMurtry] in the distance race. The sprints will feature Dasha, Chandra, Len [Valjas], Devon, Stefan, Phil [Widmer] and Brent. Alex Harvey is back in Quebec taking some important exams at university.

Davos Women’s 10kmCL Start List HERE.
Davos Men’s 15kmCL Start List HERE.

I talked with Kikkan about the Davos sprint. “It’s one of my favorite places in Europe. The scenery is beautiful with mountains all around. There is a mixture of tough racing trails here and nice, rolling terrain for easy cruising. I’ve had some good races here. The sprint course has changed pretty much every time I’ve done it. This year is no exception. We will be doing a two-lap course really close by the stadium. I think it’s a course that should suit my strengths well, with two times up a decent climb and a fast entry into the finish.”

Without question the women’s race favorite in Davos will be Norwegian star Marit Bjoergen. Expect to see Randall, [Justyna] Kowalczyk, [Petra] Majdic, and [Charlotte] Kalla all trying to nip away at Bjoergen’s throne.

Local Swiss skier and 08/09 world cup champion Dario Cologna is ready to rock. He’s already demonstrated his superior fitness in early races this season and he’s got home ice advantage.

The Swiss now have some real depth, something they have been lacking for years. In Gallivare, Sweden at round one of the WCup Toni Livers, Curdin Perl and Remo Fischer were all among the top 18.

Norwegian star Petter Northug will be making his world cup debut this weekend, too. Northug had been off the circuit for about two weeks off as he was sick and should be back in a serious way. Russia’s Alexander Legkov has show great strength in the first events winning the Kuusamo mini-tour and will be looking for more podiums.

Not expected to be racing for the German squad are Axel Teichmann and Jens Filbrich, both sidelined with colds.

Jerome Takes First COC Win
The USA men and women ski jumpers braved cold blasts above the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland to garner some top showings, especially for the ladies. Jessica Jerome flew to a stunning first place at a Continental Cup – her first COC win ever – on the Ounasvaara Hill (HS 100), while defending World Champion Lindsey Van was fourth and Sarah Hendrickson was fifth. On day two of the comps, Austrian Daniela Iraschko of Austria took for her 29th COC victory, with a monster jump of 98m! Second and third went to the US duo of Jerome and Van. “It’s a good start to the season,” said Van after the event, “My decision to take a year off was just as important as the decision to come back. I am more motivated than ever.” A total of 40 jumpers took part in the women’s event.

Germany’s Stephan Hocke, 27, took back-to-back wins at the COC in Finland in the men’s jumping. The USA men’s and women’s teams follow the Continental Cup circuit next to Vikersund, Norway this coming weekend.

This weekend also sees World Cup ski jumping action in Harrachov in the Czech Republic. The Austrians will travel without their star Gregor Schlierenzauer. Following a poor start to the season Schlierenzauer will return home for training with his personal coach Markus Mauerberger. The Austrian flyboys will travel with a six-member lineup.

That’s all folks… have a great weekend!