December 6, 2005 – It’s a bird, it’s a plane – no it’s Team Rossi Rocket Kevin Hochtl and now reigning “Fastest Skier in the World” since setting the new 100 Meter World Record, November 23 at West Yellowstone. Setting the record three consecutive times in three tries, Hochtl went against the country’s best sprinters in an attempt at making a new world record mark. Nobody told Hochtl this was just a training camp when he ripped down the drag strip-like course setting the sizzling 11.94 record. Sideline spectators were left holding their hats as Hochtl blasted by.
Now on to business…

Team Rossignol Director Jim Fredericks juggled an efficient and tightly run schedule with sponsor presentations, photo shoots, clinics, expo appearances, and meet and greet dealer parties, while providing the athletes prime time for priority one – training.

First and foremost training camp provided Rossi racers, who are gunning for the Olympics, an ideal venue to spend time on the snow dialing in technique, skis and wax. For many of these racers the West Yellowstone Supertour Sprint and 12K Classic races acted as the final selection races for the upcoming Canadian World Cups, and the next step toward making the Olympic Team. By the end of the camp, it was James Southam, Kevin Hochtl, Eli Enman, and Brooke Hovey, who made the final cut to represent the U.S. along with the National Ski Team at the Canadian World Cups.
West Yellowstone is a rare opportunity for Team Rossi racers to personally meet valued sponsor representatives from Rossignol, Rudy Project, Dansko and Toko. James Southam said, “It’s great to finally meet the people who support us throughout the year. Normally I deal directly with Jim Fredericks and don’t have the opportunity to interact directly with sponsors, to ask questions about and provide feedback on their products.” The sponsors’ presentations educated Rossi racers on particular product tid-bits to pass on to the public. Who would have known Dansko uses vegetable dye to tan their shoes?