November 26, 2012 (Gällivare, Sweden) – Following the opening round of the Viessemann FIS XC World Cup in  Gällivare, Sweden this past weekend we caught up the Alex Harvey and Lenny Valjas from the Canadian men’s team who were 5th overall, along with US Men’s team skiers Andy Newell, Noah Hoffman, Tad Elliott and Sylvan Ellefson for their take on the official start of the season. One thing they all agreed on was the uber-cool and inspirational podium performance of the US Women’s team… check back shortly as we have interviews with all four members of the stellar US XC Women’s team…

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Newell – US XC Ski Team
Thanks, it was an exciting weekend here in Sweden and the whole team is really stoked for our ladies and all the success they have had. On the men’s side there was some fast and furious racing out there with the new 7.5k relay format. The first leg especially is always very chaotic so anytime I can come it close to the leaders I am happy. I think I was 13 seconds down and in 8th place at the tag so I was happy. I think I could have been even closer to the front if I had gotten just a little stronger kick up the last few hills when the hammer was really get dropped.

I think in the future our men’s team can be competitive in the relay as long as everyone in ‘on’ during that day so we are looking forward to the next relay. Tomorrow we are headed to Finland to get ready for the Kuusamo mini tour. For me the big focus will be the sprint. I’ve been feeling good and I’ve been looking forward to this race for a while. I love the Kuusamo course and I know I can be on the podium there. All the best…

 

Noah Hoffman – US XC Ski Team
I am super excited and impressed but mostly inspired by our women’s team. They are incredible, and they are proving that we, as Americans, can not only compete with the best skiers in the world but we can be the best skiers in the world. I am dreaming of reaching the top level of the sport myself. This was a very fun weekend to be a part of and witness this close at hand. I am looking forward to the entire team achieving more success all season.

I believe the new 7.5km format for men’s relays makes the race very fast-paced and exciting. By the same token, I believe there is something to be said for the history behind the 4x10km event. There is not a huge difference between the two and I don’t have a strong opinion either way. I look forward to competing in whichever races are held in the future.

 

Tad Elliott – US XC Ski Team
Good to hear from you and sorry for my late reply. What awesome results from our womens team. That was pretty special to be a part of it. Being a part by just being on the same team as them and cheering them on. For sure they were the talk of the whole world cup that weekend. Inspiring to say the least. My world cup was so-so. I was sick in Muonio, Finland and had to skip the races there and take some time off. So it was pretty boring for three days. I was still coming back this weekend in finding some sort of ski form. The relay day was better for me and I skied solid. Now in Kuusamo, Finland and looking forward to watching and racing.

 

Sylvan Ellefson – US XC Ski Team
I have had a great time over here so far! Out women’s team is incredible. Truly fun to watch their success and great team camaraderie. I was not necessarily happy with my results this weekend but they certainly were not a result of poor training over the summer. I am in good shape right now but probably not at my top form. If you want a top-30 result like I do, everything from my race prep to ski selection to warmup and race execution has to come together. It didn’t this weekend, but lucky for me I have a few more races to get it done!