January 31, 2017 (Soldier Hollow, UT) – Bill Harmeyer is a newcomer to the international ski racing scene, but not to success on the ski trails. A four-time Junior All-American, Harmeyer hails from South Burlington, VT, where he grew up skiing for Mount Mansfield Union HS and the Mansfield Nordic Club. He now skis for the University of Vermont, along with his twin brother Henry.

At the 2017 US National Championship, Harmeyer finished 10th in the Junior Men’s 10km CL mass start, and 32nd in the open men’s CL sprint (6th Junior). SkiTrax caught up with him after the opening CL sprint races at the Junior Nordic World Championship at Soldier Hollow, UT, where he finished 12th at the top North American.

What race are you most excited for here at Soldier Hollow?
Bill Harmeyer: The race I was most excited for was the classic sprint. Definitely my strongest discipline, but I’m also looking forward to throwing down in the 10k skate on Wednesday.

How is it to race on home turf compared to traveling to Europe for these races?
BH: This is my first time racing at an international level, so it’s hard to compare the two. But it’s a complete honor to be able to represent the USA on home turf. And Soldier Hollow knows how to put on a killer event!

Talk about the CL sprint, the course, competition and conditions – any surprises?
BH: I’m incredibly happy with my performance yesterday. Being my first time competing against guys of this calibre, I was pretty stoked with the result. The conditions couldn’t have been more perfect, and the volunteers at Soldier Hollow did an awesome job putting on this event.

Did you have a specific strategy for the qualifier and/or the heats?
BH: My main goal for the qualifier was skiing with good energy. Out of the gate, my double pole felt strong but the transition to striding into the first hill wasn’t perfect. Throughout the qualifier, my stride was a bit off, but I felt strong through the transitions. For the heats, my main goal was to find that rhythm in my striding, and to stay relaxed. I tried to approach it like any other weekend of racing.

Congrats and all the best
BH: Thanks