November 18, 2010 (Rovaniemi, Finland) – The NCCSEF-sponsored early season trip to Finland is back in the land of Santa.  Our first blast of racing went really well in Muonio, as many of you have already probably read. Huge fields in the FIS openers – nearly 610 racers registered for the three races combined. Highlights from our group were Lief Zimmerman and Glenn Randall lighting it up in the 10km skate, with Glenn scoring his best FIS point freestyle race ever!  MWSC junior Nick Michaud copied Randall and also scored his best FIS distance race.

It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm generated by Kikkan and Kris winning races.  And, it was super to share the trails, dining hall and cabins with the Germans, Italians, Finns and Estonians.

Now, we’re settled back in our cozy cabin on the hill in Ounasvaara – just a couple of clicks from downtown Rovaniemi. The group is stocked up on snacks and is back on the 6km track, putting in the kms. Most of the crew skis twice every day, for a total of around three hours of training on snow. Add in a short morning jog, the 2-3km of walking to and from dining and skiing, and you’ve got a really full day!

This weekend’s FIS races will be a bit weaker field, but only a bit. We’re joined here at Santa Sport by the Canadian sprint squad, Czech classic sprint team, the Koreans, many of the Finnish B teamers and roughly 50 Russians – including last weekend’s freestyle men’s winner, Shiarev.  I’m guessing we’ll hit pretty close to the 15 point FIS minimum again.

Keep tuned.  In the meantime, here are a few photos from the trip so far.

Will Sweetser
Director of Cross-Country Skiing Development
Maine Winter Sports Center