May 05, 2011 (Munich, Germany) – A group around 20 highly engaged FIS Cross-Country TV experts, commentators, representatives of the international TV rights holder Infront Sports & Media and FIS timing and data partner Swiss Timing, along with staff from both FIS and FIS Marketing AG gathered in Munich (GER) on Tuesday and Wednesday, 3rd – 4th May, to review the FIS Cross-Country World Cup season from the perspective of TV production. The focus was on further improvements for the upcoming season with special attention being paid to TV production of the different competition formats, the World Cup calendar and integration of the TV experts.
Additional discussions points included general feedback from past season, inputs on various items of carrying out a Cross-Country competition from the television perspective including the use of TV graphics, running order, Tour de Ski winner presentation and international flash interview as well as a news clip service.
“There were many interesting discussions and exchanges of experience. I’m always amazed about the great enthusiasm that our TV Cross-Country experts bring to support us with their ideas and help develop our sport. After the successful implementation of the Broadcasting Manual two years ago, I am happy that we continue to follow up and work on increasing the quality of TV production, which is definitely a key area to help grow the interest in our sport,” commented Vegard Ulvang, Chairman of the FIS Cross-Country Committee.
May 05, 2011 – FIS has received nine applications to be Candidates for the organization of FIS World Championships in 2016 and 2017, including four applicants for the 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. By the May 1st 2011 deadline, nine applicants submitted their candidacies as follows:
– One application for the 2016 FIS Ski Flying World Championships submitted by Kulm (AUT)
– Three applications for the 2017 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships submitted by Ǻre (SWE), Cortina d’Ampezzo (ITA), and St. Moritz (SUI)
– Four applications for the 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships submitted Lahti (FIN), Oberstdorf (GER), Planica (SLO) and Zakopane (POL)
– One application for combined 2017 FIS Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships submitted by Sierra Nevada (SPA)
“Just weeks after the successful 2011 editions, FIS is happy to witness the continuing interest for the organization of the FIS World Championships. This high number of applications by several nations and world’s premium resorts underlines their importance in the global sports calendar,” commented FIS President Gian Franco Kasper.
The FIS Council will elect the organizers of the 2016/2017 FIS World Championships during the 2012 Congress week in Gangwon Province (KOR) on 31st May 2012. Prior to that, each Candidate, together with its National Ski Association, will prepare its detailed concept by 1st September 2011 based on a specific FIS Questionnaire, containing details such as plans for sports organization, accommodation, transportation, logistics, security, media, communications, marketing, ceremonies, the environment, spectator services and fan experience.
May 04, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – The Alberta World Cup Academy (AWCA) is pleased to announce that Chris Jeffries will be the new Head Coach for the 2011-12 season. Chris will be taking over from Mike Cavaliere, who will continue to act as Program Director.
After a successful first year with the team, we are excited to see Chris’ role continue to expand, providing the opportunity to lead and implement the core programming for athletes in the Learning to Compete stage of Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development framework. In addition to AWCA athletes, Chris will also lead the integration of the Alberta Ski Team and the National Talent Squad.
The Alberta World Cup Academy is also pleased to announce that Stefan Kuhn will also be joining the coaching staff for the 2011-12 season. Stefan, a regular World Cup Skier for the past few seasons and 15th in the sprint race at the 2010 Olympics will pass on his knowledge and expertise to our next generation of skiers. The AWCA is fortunate to have Stefan as a coach and mentor for our developing team. In addition to applying his tremendous practical coaching knowledge, Stefan will study the theory of coaching through courses offered at National Coaching Institute in Calgary.
Eric Groeneveld will also be returning to the AWCA for his third year and will have a strong leadership role working with our Alberta Ski Team/National Talent squad athletes. We have been very pleased with Eric’s continued growth and development as a coach and we expect him to continue to develop in a strong leader.
Mike Cavaliere is very pleased with the AWCA program’s progress during the first three years of operation. “This is an exciting time for athlete development in Western Canada, and we are proud to be at the forefront of these efforts. Our goal, from the start, was to create a very positive environment, which encourages athletes to work hard and to dream big dreams. The 2011/12 Academy coaching and support team is allowing us to take further steps in achieving our program goals and continuing to produce superb results.
The AWCA remains loyal to it objectives of athlete development and will continue to use the very best professionals to help us achieve our goals. Continuing with our resource team in 2011/12:
– Rob Soffer – Strength training
– Dr. Jean Armstrong – Medical support
– Hugh Simpson – Physiotherapy support – www.activemotionphysio.ca
– Patrick Moore – Technical Services
May 03, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada has released its 2011/2012 season National Team and coaching staff roster on the heels of a record-breaking 2010/2011 campaign, which saw Canadian skiers achieve World Cup and World Championship medals. Look for the following list of racers to be making history on the snow next season and for years to come.
Senior World Cup Team Head Coach: Justin Wadsworth Coaches: Eric de Nys, Louis Bouchard
– Ivan Babikov – Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AB
– Chandra Crawford – Canmore Nordic Ski Club, AB
– Dasha Gaiazova – Rocky Mountain Racers, QC
– Alex Harvey – Club Nordique Mont Ste. Anne, QC
– Perianne Jones – Nakkertok Ski Club, ON
– Devon Kershaw – Ona Wa Su, ON
– Len Valjas – Team Hardwood, ON
Senior Development Team Coaches: Louis Bouchard (CNEPH), Mike Cavaliere (AWCA), Eric Bailey (NDC-TB)
– Jess Cockney – Foothills Nordic/AWCA, AB
– Drew Goldsack – Rocky Mountain Racers/AWCA, AB
– Graeme Killick – Banff Ski Runners/AWCA, AB
– Alysson Marshall – Larch Hills/AWCA, BC
– Brent McMurtry – Foothills Nordic/CNEPH, AB
– Emily Nishikawa – Whitehorse/AWCA, YK
– Graham Nishikawa – Whitehorse/AWCA, YK
– Kevin Sandau – Foothills Nordic/AWCA, AB
– Michael Somppi – Lappe/Thunder Bay NDC, ON
– Frédéric Touchette – Club Nordique Mont Ste. Anne, QC
Junior Team
– Dahria Beatty – Whitehorse, YT
– Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt – Club de ski de fond Fondeurs-Laurentides/CVTC, QC
– Raphael Couturier – Commission de ski Nordique Skibec/CNEPH, QC
– Janelle Greer – Whitehorse/AWCA, YT
– Zach Holland – Banff Ski Runners/AWCA, AB
– Knute Johnsgaard – Whitehorse/CNEPH, YT
– Maya Macissac-Jones – Rocky Mountain Racers, AB
– Alex Mahoney – Rocky Mountain Ski Racers, AB
– Camille Pepin – Club Nordique M.S.A., QC
– Rebecca Reid – Black Jack Nordic/AWCA, BC
– Geoffrey Richards – Black Jack Nordic/CVTC, BC
– Martin Schrama – Banff Ski Runners/CVTC, AB
– Sébastien Townsend – Club Nakkertok Nordique, QC
– Alexis Turgeon – Club de ski de fond Skinouk, QC
– Michelle Workun-Hill – Club Nakkertok Nordique, QC
Para-Nordic World Cup Team Head Coach: Robin McKeever
– Mark Arendz – Foothills Nordic, AB
– Jody Barber – Bulkley Valley Ski Club, BC
– Colette Bourgonje – Snobuddy Ski Club, SK
– Chris Klebl – Lifesport, AB
– Brian McKeever – Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AB
– Robin McKeever (guide) – Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AB
– Erik Carleton (guide) – Rocky Mountain Racers, AB
Para-Nordic Development Team Coaches: Pierre Pomerleau, Robin McKeever
– Sébastien Fortier, Skibec/Hus-ski, QC
** National Development Centre teams will be announced when all information is available**
May 03, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – The National Winter Sports Association is offering financial assistance opportunities aimed at supporting the development of internationally competitive Canadian athletes in cross-country skiing. In order to apply for the available financial assistance, applicants must submit a proposal conforming to the criteria below.
A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Overview:
The “National Winter Sports Association” (NWSA) was established to assist cross-country ski clubs with proven ability to develop competitive skiers, coaches with a long-term development plan and elite individual athletes.
The Association’s funding assistance order of priorities includes:
1. The hiring of full time professional coaches to lead year round athlete development programs. The coach is required to adapt an inclusive approach to Cross Country Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Guide, “Cross-Country Skiing – A Sport for Life.”
2. Advancing the education of professional coaches and cross-country ski racers who want to become professional coaches; this may include assisting them in their education at the National Coaching Institute (NCI) or other career enhancing opportunities.
3. Funding assistance for athletes who have the skill and desire to compete, first for their club and provincial team and then at the National Ski Team level.
4. Funding assistance for Cross Country Canada’s National Development Centres (NDCs).
Funding Assistance Disbursement Framework:
There will be a limited amount of money available for disbursement by the Association in the 2011-12 season. The allocation of funds to clubs and NDCs will be based on the Association’s priorities in alignment with the following:
1. The quality of the club or NDC’s proposed program, the club or NDC’s cross-country facilities and organizational support systems to deliver the program.
2. Funding assistance for career coaching education at the club and NDC level will be based on the coach’s written career development plans.
3. Funding assistance for individual athletes will be based on the published eligibility guidelines and will consider the long term goals and plan leading towards international success.
Club and Coach Eligibility for Funding Assistance:
1. Any nationally affiliated cross-country ski club, National Development Centre (NDC) or coach or potential coach from any Province or Territory in Canada.
2. The club or NDC must demonstrate a commitment to a minimum amount of security for the coach being considered for this financial assistance. This includes a minimum two year commitment with a benefits package that includes a medical and insurance services plan and contribution to an RRSP plan on a matching contribution basis.
3. The club head coach, whether presently employed or your preferred candidate, must have the following credentials:
– NCCP level 3 accreditation or is in the process of acquiring Level 3 accreditation by the end of the season (resume should be attached)
– A comprehensive plan outlining professional development and a career path; this may include advancing their education at the National Coaching Institute (NCI) and other career enhancing opportunities.
4. The club should be a parent supported organization including a cadre of volunteer coaches. An organizational chart should be submitted with the proposal.
5. Submission of a program description and an operational plan including how the club will accelerate the development of talented athletes who have the desire and skills to achieve excellence in the sport.
6. Submission of a financial operational budget for 2011-12 and a budget estimate for the club or NDC program 2011-12, specifying the club’s financial sources and the amount requested from the Association. Additionally, the request can include funding assistance required to send top athletes to essential national and international competitions.
7. Submission of a current list of the club’s Board of Directors, including home addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses; a list of the number of club members and the date your club was incorporated as a non-profit society.
8. Submission of the names and ages of the athletes in your athlete development programs; this includes those athletes at the Learning to Train through Training to Compete stages of LTAD.
Athlete Eligibility and Submission Requirements for Funding Assistance:
1. Any athlete with a CCC and FIS racing license, with the long-term goals of achieving international excellence in cross country skiing, whose primary support structure is a Canadian Club or NDC. Athletes considered should be achieving the expected performance progression for their age based on the International Performance Benchmarks.
2. Submission of past racing history that clearly indicates progression towards international excellence in cross country skiing (can include any relevant information – OWG, WSC, WC, WJC/U23, Nationals, NorAm results, FIS/CPL points, etc)
3. Submission of a long-term development plan (quadrennial 2010-2014) indicating the amount of funding requested for the 2011-12 season and the purpose of the funding based on the gaps identified in the quadrennial plan. This plan should be provided in conjunction with the athlete’s primary coach. Funding will be considered for a number of purposes including but not limited to: specific training camps and National/International racing trips.
4. Submission of a budget for the 2011-12 season clearly indicating expenses related to the athletes racing and training plan and expected sources of funding including sponsorship and provincial carding/support.
Proposal Submission Details:
Submit to: Cross Country Canada
100-1995 Olympic Way
Canmore, Alberta T1W 2T6
Attention: Thomas Holland
Closing Date: May 30th, 2011
Notification of selections: June 30th, 2011
Note: Electronic submissions required.
May 03, 2011 – The United States Snowshoe Association is pleased to announce that Brooks-Range Mountaineering will be serving as the primary sponsor of the 2011 U.S. National Snowshoe Team. Team Brooks-Range is comprised of sixteen of the finest winter endurance athletes the country has to offer. The team rosters are as follows:
Junior Boys National Team
– Mitchell Kasyon of Colorado Springs, CO
– Ben Palladino of Paul Smiths, NY
– Paul Seliger of Marathon, WI
Junior Girls National Team
– Samantha Lewis of Boulder, CO
– Carolyn Stocker of Westfield, MA
– Michayla Heil of Medford, WI
Senior Men’s National Team
– Eric Hartmark of Duluth, MN
– Scott Gall of Cedar Falls, IA
– Michael Reneau of Corvallis, OR
– Jeffrey Beck of Rochester, NY
– Greg Hexum of Esko, MN
Senior Women’s National Team
– Brandy Erholtz of Evergreen, CO
– Amber Ferreira of Concord, NH
– Erin Ward of St. Paul, MN
– Cheryl Paulson of Nederland, CO
– Laurie Lambert of Austin, TX
Team Director: Mark Elmore of Knightdale, NC
Many of these athletes are expected to compete all across the U.S. as well as abroad in numerous major international snowshoe race events. The 2012 La Ciaspolada Snowshoe Race in northern Italy and the inaugural 2012 Teva Winter Games in Colorado will be the teams’ primary focus events. Past National Team members have competed in Italy, Austria, Japan and Canada. Brooks-Range Mountaineering will be supplying the team with outerwear and accessories.
For more information on the United States National Snowshoe Team and/or the U.S. Snowshoe Association, Inc., go to www.snowshoeracing.com. To learn more about Brooks-Range Mountaineering go to www.brooks-range.com
April 28, 2011 (Bend, OR) – The Bend Endurance Academy is seeking collegiate skiers and older juniors ages 18-23 who have an interest in spending 3-4 months in Bend, Oregon training with professional coaches and a highly motivated Nordic team. The Academy offers a mix of morning and afternoon practices focusing on strength and agility training, skate and classic rollerskiing, hiking, running and exploring in the Deschutes National Forest. On snow skiing opportunities are available. Practices run Tuesdays-Saturdays from May 31 to August 15th.
The Academy relies on innovative training methods to maximize individual summer training plans and help participants reach their individual fitness and technique goals. The summer Nordic program is designed for individuals looking to succeed at NCAAs, USCSAs, US Nationals, Supertours, Junior Nationals, World Junior/U23s or other individual ski racing goals. The Academy also offers three 5-day camps throughout the summer in various Northwest locations including the very popular Trout Lake Nordic Camp scheduled for July 20-24. Academy camps connect PNSA, Far West, Mid Atlantic, and New England skiers and include current and former J1/World Junior/U23 team members and coaching staff.
Academy staff will do their best to help participants find summer jobs or internships as well as assist with home stay or housing arrangements. Central Oregon Community College offers a range of summer classes. Oregon State University classes are available as well through the Cascades Campus. This is a unique opportunity to catch up on a class, or get ahead for next year.
April 17, 2011 (North Bay, ON) – The North Bay Nordic Ski Club is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Ski Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator will oversee all programs delivered by the club, ensuring that high quality ski programs, training and coaching are provided at all levels.This contract position will be a full time seasonal position from October to March inclusive, with part time off-site work through the rest of the year.
Applications will be reviewed immediately and be taken until May 31st, 2011.
April 15, 2011 – Mati Alaver, Estonian Ski Team coach, has refused to accept the job of Russian Ski Team Coach offered by the Russian Ski Federation according to ERR News. Alaver states that his priority is to help prove that Estonian skier Andrus Veerpalu is not guilty of doping despite his B Sample positive test for HGH on April 6.
The Estonian coach added that if Veerpalu is cleared, he will continue his position with the Estonian Team. But Russian Ski Federation President, Yelena Vyalbe, is trying to recruit Alavar, who coached Veerpalu a 2x Olympic and 2x World Champion, along with world championship bronze medalist, Jaak Mae.
Vyalbe, a former cross-country skier herself, with three Olympic gold medals to her name, maintains her confidence in Veerpalu’s innocence and Alavar’s integrity as a coach.
Read the ERR News articles HERE and HERE.
Read previous coverage about the Veerpalu case HERE and HERE.
April 15, 2011 (Ottawa, ON) – Nakkertok Ski Club and the Nakkertok Racing Program has an opening for a full-time coach starting in the spring of 2011. This position is focused on developing our Midget and Juvenile skiers on their path towards excellence. and is one of the three core coaching positions for the Nakkertok Racing Program,
The lead Training to Train Coach will design and deliver an effective program in collaboration with a number of volunteer coaches and the lead coaches of the other programs. In this role the successful candidate will work towards creating an environment that is fun, keeps kids in skiing and puts them on a path towards being a competitive cross country skier. Candidates must have effective organizational and communication skills to coordinate a program of up to 70 skiers and 15 volunteer coaches.
The position is based in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and reports to the Racing Director and Racing Program Committee.
Term: Full-time. The hours of work will vary from week to week but an average of 38 hours per week is expected with travel in the winter months on weekends.
General Responsibilities:
The Nakkertok Racing Program uses a collaborative coaching model with professional and volunteer coaches working together as a team. Regular communication and collaboration with other coaching staff both professional and volunteer is expected.
– Develop an overall season plan with other coaches, identifying dates and locations of camps, key activities, coach development sessions, training sessions, trips and the competition calendar.
– Establish regular, timely and effective communications using web tools to athletes and parents.
– Organize and chair regular monthly volunteer coach meetings and development activities.
– Work with volunteer coaches to plan and deliver Stage 1, 2 and 3 practices. Develop and provide T2T volunteer coaches with practice plans for each training session 48 hours in advance of each session.
– For year round program athletes, meet annually to review the program and athlete goals; prepare (with support from the LTC / T2C coach and interested volunteer coaches) generic periodized training programs and monitor and communicate at least monthly with athletes maintaining an internet training log.
– Quebec provincial races, as established by the Racing Program Committee.
Qualifications: Mandatory:
– NCCP CCI-LTT, or equivalent, working towards CCI-TTT
– Proven ability to motivate younger athletes
– Excellent interpersonal and organizational expertise
– Unrestricted class G driver’s licence (or equivalent) and access to a vehicle
Knowledge of:
– Technological tools used to support coaching: internet based coaching and monitoring programs, heart rate monitor use and analysis, video analysis
– Ability to use internet –based communications tools and social media
– Yearly training plan preparation
– Cross country skiing technique development and analysis
– Waxing Expertise: Ability to accurately test skis and suggest appropriate waxes and covers; coordinating and working with a team to quickly and efficiently wax skis for a large number of skis for provincial and national level races.
As a full-time employee, the compensation package for this position will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
Applications should be in the form of a letter of application with CV and three references, submitted by e-mail no later than April 27th, 2011 to:
Nakkertok Ski Club
c/o Jennifer Tomlinson
Director – Racing Program tomlinson@rogers.com (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
April 14, 2011 (Quebec City, QC) – Canmore, Alberta’s Devon Kershaw was announced Tellement Sport’s Male Athlete of the Year after the Canadian XC ski star logged a breakthrough season in which he won his first ever World Cup event during the FIS Tour de Ski. Kershaw was among a strong line-up of Canadian male athletes, including team mate and 2011 U23 Sprint World Champ, Alex Harvey. Click HERE to view the video (in French).
April 14, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Walt Disney once said ‘if you can dream it, you can do it’. I’m not sure he was referring to a trip around the world, becoming dogsledders, salt mine workers, or alpine racers, but on Mar 4, the Canmore Nordic Ski Club Track Attack skiers did just all those things and more.
The day started with some face painting in the team room where four teams emerged – Team Moustache ‐ with great looking moustaches I might add; Team Whiskers – the cutest group of puppies around with long black whiskers; Team Snowflake – with very fashionable snowflakes on their faces (including one unibrow); and Team Polar Bear – wearing great looking bears. Thrown in there were a few painted flags on faces and well, you can probably picture it, these kids were ready for action.
There were three events that the teams competed in – the Yukon Quest Dog Sled Challenge; the Siberian Salt Mine Relay; and the Holmenkollen Downhill Quest. The dog sled challenge saw the kids become puppies (they sure loved to bark) and complete a team pursuit race, complete with pit stop, gear change and technique change. The Salt Mine Relay was lots of fun and saw the kids complete a continuous relay where every skier on each team completed a leg of diagonal striding, double poling, and step doubling poling. The downhill quest was a terrain park downhill sprint tournament complete with timing, heats, roller coaster bumps, and speed. Events were timed and great prizes were awarded for team spirit, an aggregate award based on results and technique, and participation awards from Cross Country Canada. Polar Cup(cakes) and lots of cookies, snacks, and hot chocolate were enjoyed by all – thanks to our fabulous parents for contributing those. Thanks also to parents and coaches who did the organizing and help guide the around the world adventure.
The energy and imagination of the event matched the enthusiasm and smiling faces of the kids having fun on skis.
The ski tournament is becoming an integral and important event in the yearly calendar of the Canmore Nordic Track Attack skiers. Last year’s Ski Rodeo and this year’s Polar Cup are going to be hard to top. But something tells me that the world may need to be saved in 2012 by a group of strong, fit, skiing superheroes! No need to worry, I have a feeling that a group of 50+ superheroes will arrive just in time at next years event!
April 12, 2011 (Chelsea, QC) – Check out this video of exciting race action with spills and thrills from the 1st Annual Nordix Fortune Cup Cross Country Ski Cross and Super Sprint, presented by XCZone, Madshus, and Natural Fitness Lab at Camp Fortune on Saturday.
April 11, 2011 (Rovaniemi, Finland) – Here are more great photos from this past weekend’s 2011 Tour de Barents won by Petra Majdic (SLO) and Jean-Marc Gaillard (FRA). The event featured amazing racing with Gaillard winning the tour by only 0.2s over teammate Maurice Manificat. The tour also held an emotional and historical component, as it marked the retirement of Slovenian star Majdic, along with Pirjo Muranen (FIN) and Jaak Mae (EST).
April 08, 2011 (Planegg, Germany) – ‘After the season is before the season’ was the motto for more than 20 representatives of the organizing committees, representatives of Infront Sports & Media as well as FIS and FIS Marketing AG who conducted a debrief on the fifth edition of the Viessmann FIS Tour de Ski performance by Craft Sportswear in Planegg, Germany on April 1.
A detailed review, including results from surveys with different stakeholder groups and discussions on several topics like marketing & promotion, accommodation and logistics, was held to make sure that improvements will be effected so that the next edition of the Tour will be even more successful than the last one.
“The Tour de Ski had his fifth birthday this year and the “child” keeps growing and developing. We can be proud of the TV ratings, amazing online interest and the number of spectators on site, but we also realize that we still have space to improve further. The Tour de Ski already delivers high value to the sport of Cross-Country Skiing – it is the premium product after the Olympic Games and the FIS World Championships. But to achieve the status of a premium brand we have to continue to work closely together with the National Ski Associations and local organizers.
At the same time, the FIS Cross-Country Committee and the Sub-Committees have the task to develop the Tour rules further and make a logistically easy and interesting Tour calendar,” explained Jürg Capol, FIS Cross-Country Race Director. “Especially next year, when the Tour de Ski is the main highlight in the Cross-Country season, the Tour Organizers and the FIS Cross-Country Committee will work hard to make the Tour even more attractive.”
April 08, 2011 (Jyväskylä, Finland) – World Champion Matti Heikkinen has made Salomon’s complete ski, boot, and binding system his choice. The 27-year-old Heikkinen has chosen to become a Salomon complete athlete in what should be the peak years of his career. Heikkinen states, “Salomon as a company shows today the greatest potential to develop the near perfect equipment which is necessary to achieve my goals.”
At the recently completed 2011 World Ski Championships in Oslo, Norway, Matti was crowned World Champion in the 15km Classic. In so doing, Matti brought to Finland its first victory at major competition in over 12 years. This medal complements two bronze medals he won at the 2009 World Championships.
Matti aims to use his World Championship success as a stepping stone for his country and himself to reach much grander skiing goals. He continues to be outspoken advocate for the sport and is working to find ways to build a successful future for Finland in the sport. Personally, he believes the change to Salomon will aid him to become a more consistent figure on the World Cup podium in 2012 with continued success at the 2013 World Championships in Fiemme, Italy the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia and the 2015 World Championships in Falun, Sweden.
Salomon’s Racing Services Director, Bertrand Regard, is pleased and excited that Matti has found Salomon’s complete system his best choice. Regard states, “We are pleased that more and more World Cup skiers are seeking out Salomon for their ski, boot and bindings needs. If you do the same thing you get the same result. If you wish to make improvement, change is not only good, it is necessary!”
Salomon, as the Nordic brand that develops each and every aspect of the development, integration and production of its skis, boots, and bindings is uniquely capable of rapidly developing and delivering the state-of-the-art concepts and technologies. An endless list of advancements in its boots and bindings since 1979 has delivered a comenserate endless list of Olympic, World Championship, and WorldCup success by athletes selecting its product. And in just seven years since the inception of its first racing ski, Salomon has developed and delivered three complete generations of WorldCup winning skis, an impressive feet.
We at Salomon are already preparing for the 2011-2112 World Cup season just 210 days away. We are excited to see what the changes by Matti’s and all of the athletes will deliver as we continue to rapidly bring our advancements in the technology to the sport so all skiers can better glide through winter.
April 05, 2011 (Sun Valley, ID) – Following the conclusion of the World Cup racing season, I made one last stop over in Sun Valley, Idaho for the final domestic races of the winter. With five races in 7 days, it was a busy couple of weeks.
The first race was the 30km US National Championship. It was a challenging mass-start race of four laps around a tough 7.2km loop. I took the lead halfway through the race and despite some gnarly cramps in the final 10km managed to take my 16th US National title. The next four races were contested as a mini-tour, with cumulative times and an overall champion.
In the opening race, the 2.8km skate prologue, I skied to a 16 second victory in just over seven minutes. The second race of the tour was a 10km classic mass-start with some cash bonuses up for grabs. I skied from the front once again, taking all four preems and held off some strong challengers in the last kilometers for another victory. After a day off we were back at it with classic sprints. The sun was hot and the snow was slow but I felt great and skied to the win. I did manage to get a wicked sunburn on my arms in the process. The final race was a 4km skate hill climb up Dollar Mountain. I started with over a minute lead, but pitted myself against the clock and skied all out to take the stage victory and the overall. In total I won six golden belt buckles over the course of the week. It was the perfect end to my best season to date.
Before leaving Sun Valley I got to help lead an awesome Fast and Female ski day, enjoying ski drills, dancing, yoga and healthy eating with over 70 girls. Now the season is over and it’s officially time for some R&R. Enjoy spring everyone!
Quote of the Day:
“To get to the end of the season and still feel strong in back to back races is a good feeling. But now, I am ready for vacation!”
What’s Coming Up:
VACATION!!
For more news and photos check out the new www.kikkan.com
The Full Story – Season Wrap up from Sun Valley
The 2010-2011 ski season has now come to a close with the final domestic races in Sun Valley, ID. Here’s a little update on how it went…
US National 30km Classic Championships
The first races contested in Sun Valley were the 50km and 30km US National Championship races. The men went first on Saturday, and endured some gnarly weather through seven laps of a challenging course. Thankfully, the weather dramatically improved for the women’s race on Sunday.
The race was mass-start with the women skiing four laps. My fellow US teammate Morgan Arritola led much of the first two laps, setting a brisk opening pace that quickly strung out the field. I took over at the end of the 2nd lap, initially planning on only leading for a few kilometers. However, the lead pack was now down to just five skiers and no one else was willing to lead.
Towards the end of the third lap, Maria Graenings (a Swedish skier skiing for University of Utah) and I began to pull away. Going into the final lap I began to feel twinges in my arms and hips of cramps coming on. I took several Coke feeds to try and stave off the cramps, but through the lap my muscles began locking up more and more.
I kept pushing the pace as Maria was still right on my tails and amazingly, junior standout Jessie Diggins was only 10 seconds behind. Up the last two climbs my arms and hips were cramping like crazy but I was still able to keep my tempo up. Heading up the “South Bench” climb in the last 2km, I was finally able to shake Maria and get a gap of 10 seconds which I held until the finish. With only one shot at a US National title this season, I was happy to take the win.For the next hour, I fought off continuing cramps and even my fingers wanted to curl up into my palms.
We got a rest day following the 30km, to prepare for the start of the SuperTour Finals 4-stage mini-tour.
2.8km Skate Prologue
With my hips and triceps still sore from the cramping, I was glad to switch to skating for the start of the mini-tour. At just under 3km, the prologue event is a challenging event to pace, especially with the altitude factor of 6600 ft.
I was the last woman to start. I used the opening kilometer on the flats to build into my pace and carried good momentum into the main stair-step climb called “Hammer.” When I hit the base of the hill I got a split that I was in the lead by 2 seconds. As I made my way up the steps, I focused on keeping a good rhythm. I got splits that my lead was increasing. The hill was tough for sure, but I came over the top quicker and feeling better than I had anticipated.
Legs definitely a little stiff, I managed to hang on around a tight, technical turn at the bottom, which was tough to navigate in the flat light conditions. I hammered the rest of the way up and over the final hill and drove hard into the finish. The race was over in less than eight minutes. When the results came in, I took the win by 16 seconds and took the lead in the overall mini-tour standings. If only all races were just seven minutes!
Two down, three to go.
10km Classic mass-start
Right away the next day we contested a 10km classic mass-start race. The men raced first and by the time we raced, the sun was coming out and the temperature was just starting to change. I opted to go on some stiffer skis for better glide.
For this race there were four preems of $100 each up for grabs at intermediate points along the course. We would be racing 3 laps of 3.3km. From the gun, I found myself at the front of the pack and even though we started at a pretty relaxed pace, no one else wanted to lead. So I settled into a good rhythm over the first lap. As we approached the first preem line, I expected some racers to come up along side and sprint for the bonus. But no one challenged and I took it. Heading into the 2nd lap, I kept the pressure on over the flats and skied with quick tempo up the climbs. For the 2nd preem at 5km, again no one challenged and I took it.
By the end of the 2nd lap I had started to open up a small gap on a couple chasers. I was still feeling good and determined to keep the pace honest. When I hit the main climb however, the effort finally started to set in. The sun had come out so my skis no longer had solid kick, and I was definitely fighting off fatigue.
The chasers were coming hard but I managed to hang on to my lead and cross the finish line for the win. I immediately collapsed into the snow and lay there for a few minutes. Man it felt good!
Three down, two to go
There was one more rest day before the final two stages of the mini-tour, which I spent scoping out the hill climb course, hanging in town with friends and doing some shopping at the Lululemon showroom run by my good buddy Kate Whitcomb.
1.5km Classic Sprint
The Sun Valley I remembered from my first trip here 11 years ago finally showed up for the sprint with icy, frozen tracks in the morning and then turning to slow slush by early afternoon. To keep the tracks intact as long as possible, no one was allowed on course except for the coaches. So I did my warm-up without a course preview and didn’t really get a chance to completely test my skis before the start. I just had to trust our wax guys and go for it!
This time I was the first racer on course. The tracks were fast and icy. I double-poled aggressively around most of the course and then hit the climb. My skis were a little bit slick and I really had to pull with my arms to make it up and over. I almost lost my balance coming around the final turn, but made it safely to the finish. I was immediately frustrated with the way I had skied the uphill but it was good enough to head on to the quarterfinals as the top qualifier.
By the time the heats started two hours later, the icy tracks had turned to slush and it was faster to ski outside the tracks. I won both my quarterfinal and semifinals by always making a strong move on the uphill. The sun was beating down and it felt hot!
Just before the final, our wax team decided to make a last minute switch from klister skis to Zeros to try to improve the glide in the slow snow. I just had to cross my fingers that it would work!
I decided to try and take the lead from the gun and push the pace the whole way. Double-poling through the slush, I could feel the others on my tails. When I hit the climb I just started running as fast as I could go. I kept pushing all the way to the line and crossed in first. I turned around to see my roommate for the week, Chandra Crawford coming in right behind me. High five!
We then watched the men’s final and soaked up a little more sun. It finally felt like spring!
Four down, one to go!
4km Skate Hill Climb
And then finally it was down to the last race of the mini-tour, and of the season, the skate hill climb up Dollar Mountain. While I enjoyed a big lead over 2nd place, I still wanted to race all out and end the season knowing I gave it everything I had. We didn’t get to enjoy the sun like the previous day, but that might have been a good thing because the trail stayed relatively firm and fast. The men raced first.
My strategy for the race was to start off controlled, build momentum into the base of the main climb and then maintain tempo up the climb and over the final rolling bench at the top. I executed the plan well coming into the long grind and was surprised to still be feeling pretty strong halfway up. Approaching the last 50m of the saddle however, the full-body burn set in. It took extreme focus and internal coaxing to keep fighting the fatigue. Everyone was screaming and cheering and then at last the finish was in sight. Those last few meters weren’t particularly pretty, but I made it to the line and dropped down onto the snow. As I lay there, chest heaving, I could finally smile and enjoy the conclusion of the season.
The finish area was pure carnage as the bodies of spent skiers lay everywhere. My APU teammate, Kate Fitzgerald, had pushed herself so hard that she had to be escorted down on a sled! Chandra (who had skied the race in a Lady Gaga outfit) and I enjoyed some sweet tele turns to get back down the mountain. I realized that I am ready to ski downhill for a while!
The awards wrapped up just as the rain started to fall. A big thank you goes out to Rick Kappala and the SVSEF team for putting on some great races! The rest of the day was dedicated to celebrating – first with my APU team, and then with everyone – a wonderful and memorable season.
To cap off my stay in Sun Valley, I got to help lead a Fast and Female event on Sunday. We had 23 ambassadors (including 7 Olympians) leading 70 girls ages 7-19 through ski drills, dancing, yoga and inspirational stories. The sun was out, the stoke was high, and everyone left with a big smile. It was a great way to wrap up the season!
Now I’m on my way to Whistler with Chandra to participate in a Lululemon Ambassador Summit. It’s going to be a fun couple of days of inspiration and personal development before I head back to Alaska.
In the next few weeks there will be a lot of reflection and evaluation about the season, and of course planning for next year. But for now it’s time to kick back, relax and have fun!
It’s been really fun to be able to share this season with you. Thank you for all the encouragement and support! I wish you all a happy spring and cheers to going for broke again next year!
April 05, 2011 – I just returned from product development meetings in Switzerland. As a company, we meet a few times each year to look at opportunities to go in new directions and take advantage of opportunities. The World Cup race service team is there as well as the team of scientists. Additionally there are representatives from the major markets. There is always a great synergy and passion. There were follow ups on initiatives that were taken since the last meeting. Also, some new ideas. Most exciting are some new products that involve some new technologies (new raw materials that nobody else has). Good stuff!
Summer Storage Waxing
Here are Toko’s recommendations for storage waxing of skis. First, brush the base out with a copper brush. Then drip on a generous amount of System3 or LF Red. Iron it in making sure that there is enough wax to provide a thick layer on the base and that the iron is hot enough to ensure a good bond between the wax and the base. This ironing procedure is normal, but sometimes a person rushes through storage waxing and the wax is not really heated outside of that it becomes liquid. The ski bases often times don’t even become warm. This will result in air between the base and the ski and less protection.
Red is our choice for storage waxing as Blue is so hard that it is more difficult to make sure that there is no air between the ski and base and Yellow is so soft that it gets “eaten away” quicker. System3 Red is good, but LF Red is even better as its consistency is perfect. If waxing skis or a board with metal edges, slop the wax over the edges and cover them too.
A SUMMARY:
1. Brush skis out well with Copper Brush
2. Iron in System3 Red or LF Red making sure adequate wax is used and that the wax is heated in well.
See you on the Flip Side!
It was an epic season. The US had a super winter in terms of snow coverage. The industry posted some very good numbers. Toko USA had an all time record year (and the 4th in 4 years). The US had some solid results internationally in all disciplines. Gotta love it!
This is the final Toko newsletter for the season. Thanks for your interest! We’ll leave you alone until the late fall unless something remarkable happens.
March 30, 2011 (Auburn, NH) – Fischer Skis announced today that its skis and boots dominated the Nordic World Ski Championships in Oslo, Norway, and Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, held February 24 through March 6, 2011. The company beat its record figures from the Vancouver Winter Games to win 50 gold, 45 silver and 35 bronze medals, making Fischer more successful than ever before. Overall, 71% of the ski medals and 32% of the boot medals went to athletes who choose to compete on Fischer equipment.
U.S. Ski Team member and Fischer ski athlete Kikkan Randall finished third in the sprint rankings and tenth in the Overall World Cup. Her third place finish in the overall sprint was the best finish ever by a U.S. Nordic sprint athlete.
“Fischer has a long history of dominating the race circuit, and our performance at the 2011 World Championships proves that our commitment to innovation is second to none,” said Chris Hall, Nordic racing director, Fischer Skis U.S. “We are especially pleased with the success of our boots, which exceeded our expectations.”
“This World Cup season has been my most successful yet,” said Kikkan Randall. “I rely on the consistency that Fischer skis deliver to help me compete in every stage of the season, and I am already excited to see what we can accomplish together in the coming year.”
For a complete list of Fischer’s Nordic World Ski Championships medals and winners, please click HERE.
March 30, 2011 – Check out this video by Plum TV featuring shots of last weekend’s US XC Ski National Championships 30/50km Classic races in Sun Valley, Idaho, along with an in-depth description of the event and explanation of the USSA SuperTour by Travis Jones, Cross Country Olympic Development Coach for the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation.
March 29, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Hello to all ski lovers out there, it’s my first blog and I’ll try not to bore you too much with it….so enjoy it… 2010/2011 season is over now and I guess I’ll like to talk about all ups and downs and all the bad and (not so many) good decisions I’ve made in past few month, about “good living”, and rolling big of Canadian National Ski Team at the Tour de Ski, excitement and experience of World Champs in Oslo, Norway – keep reading and check out Babikov’s blog here.
FIRST HALF OF THE SEASON….slow…
Let’s start with beginning of the World Cup season in Gallivare, Sweden and (very depressing for me) Kuusamo, Finland. I’m one of those all dogs that need a good, and I mean very good amount of hours on snow, before I can ski fast. That’s why I usually skip these couple of early World Cups races of the season. I guess looking at youngsters such Devon and Alex, I’ve decided to give it a chance…turned out as an “Epic Fail”. Not only I didn’t race well but also screwed up my shape for the next races, just because there were not enough time for good training.
Than was “pretty good” 17th place (considering that “Epic Fail” from above) result for me in La Clusaz, France World Cup. I always like racing there, first of all, there some very serious climbing involved and a lot of it, and secondly it’s pretty high altitude, about 1600 meters above the sea level.
From there team moved to Davos, SUI for pre-Tour de Ski training camp. Svetlana and Sergey (my wife and son) visited me there for Christmas. Some great training + family time = I’m happy 🙂
THE TOUR DE SKI…. WORLD CHAMPS….WORLD CUP FINALS….faster, but still slow….
Can’t say that I expected better result than 9th place overall at the last year’s Tour de Ski, but this time it didn’t go my way at all. With some bad sprinting at the beginning and losing a ski during 20km Pursuit, but holding strong at the end, I finished it with 21st place in overall. Amazing job by Devon, winning a stage and medalling on couple more, as well as Alex by finishing pretty much all the stages in top 10. Well at least I had a chance to live a week like a Rock Star, riding a very nice tour bus between the stages. Yea Buddy…
Very tired and not satisfied with my season so far, I got back to Canmore, and put the pedal to the floor with training for the 2011 World Championship in Oslo. It’s very hard to describe that atmosphere we had there, just going to say that was The Best skiing time in my life. I’ve never seen people so fired up about ski racing. Just imagine about 200 000 people, camping for two weeks out on the trails, and cheering us every day, that’s a spirit of skiing in Norway. It’s made it even more special when Alex and Devon became World Champions in Team Sprint relay. I personally, had my best (World Championship) 15th place in 30km Pursuit and 17th at 50km skate. Again not the best but I’ll take it.
I found my shape in the end of the season, with 8th place at 20km Pursuit in Lahti, Finland, and having a couple solid “top 15” races at World Cup Finals in Falun, Sweden.
So it wasn’t my best season, but also not the worst one. It will just make me train way harder in upcoming summer. What doesn’t kill you, that makes you stronger, at least that what “they” say.
Also I’ll say “Big Respect” to my friend George Grey, and thank you for all those days we spent at the many camps and races. You had an awesome career. We’ll miss you teammate.
Now I’ll have couple is week to rest and recover, and then back to the battle. Very excited about two things for now, first – it’s a start of another soccer season, and second – my Wipeout Canada episode on TV on April 14th. But about that in my next blog.
P.S. Huge THANKS to my friend Sergey Yermolayev for this website….
March 29, 2011 (Quebec City, QC) – Listen to this heartwarming CBC interview with Alex Harvey, one of Canada’s top XC skiers on the history-making men’s National Ski Team. Harvey and Devon Kershaw are blazing the way for men’s XC skiing in Canada with two top-10’s in the overall 2011 FIS World Cup standings.
March 29, 2011 (Engadin, Switzerland) – I just returned home to Hayward after a week long adventure in St Moritz, Switzerland for the 2011 Engadin Ski Marathon. The crust cruising is at its finest right now and, after skiing all day, I am finally able to sit down and recap the events from Switzerland.
The 2011 Engadin was the inaugural CXC Masters Team Worldloppet trip. Originally, my plan was to compete in the Elite Wave and go for the win. That plan changed when I came down with appendicitis two days before the Birkie and ten days before leaving for Switzerland. Although it felt agonizingly slow at the time, my recovery was actually very swift and smooth thanks to the help of my friends and teammates (I had a cowbell in my room and, when I rang it, Caitlin (Compton) and Brian (Gregg) would bring me any food I requested-so long as it was liquid). The day before the trip, my doctor took out the stitches and gave me the go-ahead to fly to Switzerland. Instead of fighting for the win, I was fighting to simply make it through the airport with my luggage.
Now I was able to really enjoy the finer aspects of the trip and no worry as much about the racing. We ended up doing lots of easy skiing to check out the course, drank Rivella (the official sports drink of Switzerland) by the gallon–or liter, rather, while sitting out in the sun, and even spent an afternoon sledding in the Swiss Alps.
For the race itself, I followed the Toko wax recommendation and waxed up my best skis, along with the rest of the CXC Masters, with the straight-forward combination of an HF Red/Yellow mix, JetStream Red block, and topped it off with JetStream Red powder for good measure. The one thing I forgot was a riller, but the temps were supposed to stay cold and the snow dry.
On race morning, we toed the line. I had barely done any skiing, let alone intensity, in over two weeks since the surgery, so I decided to line up toward the back of the Elite Wave and start easy. Over 11,000 anxious skiers danced around in the gates while we waited for the gun to go off. Immediately after the start, I realized I was feeling great and decided to get up front with the leaders-passing about 500 people on the wide lake start and tucking into third place in the lead pack with the likes of Cristian Zorzi, Bjorn Lind, and Remo Fischer. The first 15km of the Engadin are totally flat as the trail goes across frozen lakes to the town of St Moritz and we were flying with a swift tailwind.
Before I left for the trip, I ran into Ben Husby at Junior Nationals on my home trails of Wirth Park in Minneapolis. When I told Ben I was going to the Engadin, he gave me some advice about “how to win the Engadin.” Specifically, “when you hit St Moritz, there will be a steep climb, wide enough for three lanes of skiers coming off the lakes. Make sure you are leading one of those lanes.” At the time, I thought, ‘Okay, Ben, I can barely ski right now, there’s no way I’ll be leading the Engadin at 15km next week.’
However, I surprised even myself (pretty hard to do) and found myself in third place going into the St Moritz climb! Sure enough, the skier in first went right, the skier in second went left and I found myself leading the middle train up the steep climb. Remo Fischer punched it over the top and I hopped in close behind him. We skied together down into the Expo Area at St Moritz and Remo kept the throttle wide open-we were flying! Shortly after St Moritz, he backed off the pace a little bit and I looked behind me, expecting to see hundreds of skiers over my shoulder. To my surprise, there was no one; I’d just made the two-man break off the front of the Engadin-thanks Ben!
I was feeling great. Unfortunately, as we got into the woods, the snow changed from dry and wind-blown, to wet and soggy. We soon hit a downhill and Remo pulled away effortlessly. I was in no-man’s-land doing my best to earn time back on the climbs, but on every descent, he’d pull away more. Soon, the pack we’d dropped had caught me and I was losing even more ground on the descents. I’m not sure how much of it was the fact that I hadn’t skied for the two weeks prior to the race (maybe that’s what got me into trouble-feeling so fresh) or how much was the fact that I had forgotten to add structure (my cold skis had a cold grind: faster than ever in the windblown snow, but way too much suction in the wet snow). At any rate, I slogged it out for the final 20km of the race and still finished much better than I’d expected going into the race. I was satisfied with the race and happy that I didn’t bust my gut in the process. Remo ended up capitalizing on our breakaway and winning by over two minutes.
In the Engadin, I learned an important lesson about the value of structure. Now that the weather is getting warm and the snow is getting soft, it is more important than ever to have the right structure. Go out and enjoy the spring crust cruising, but don’t forget to rill. And have fun!
Muffy Ritz Commentary from Masters WC I had a very successful Master’s up in Silver Star. Despite being very sick with bronchitis for the 2 weeks prior and even into the racing week, I somehow managed to ski myself into a Gold in the 10 km FS, a Gold in the Relay, and a silver in the 15 KM CL race. I have to make a very interesting remark about the TOKO wax. We ended up using Blue all the way- for every race ( LF Moly, HF Blue, Jet Stream Blue, blue structurite tool) It didn’t matter the temperature, blue always ran the fastest. The temps were very consistent throughout the week- with only about 5 degrees of warm-up during the days. Lows would be around 21 and highs around 26 degrees F. Every night or during the day, a little bit of new snow would fall. What would appear as a red/blue mix – according to the thermometer- blue was always faster. In the rockies, with new snow, blue seems to be the best choice despite the temps. However, if snow temps went upwards of 32- blue would probably not be the fastest choice. I think all winter long in Sun Valley and other nearby races, I never strayed from Moly, HF Blue, JS Blue all season!
Thanks to the Toko Tech Team of their efforts and wax tips at the Masters.
March 28, 2011 – This morning, when I was busy speculating on just how much a 30km might possibly hurt, I got a text from my family wishing me and the team luck and saying “Kenzie says 35km was a blast.” Kenzie is my 14-year-old sister. And she raced 35km before I’ve even raced 30! So THAT threw all my plans of complaining out the window…and got me motivated to suck it up and get tough. And it was a beautiful day, which always helps!
I went into the race with these goals in mind:
1. DON’T break a pole. And don’t fall down.
2. If you do fall, fall where nobody can see you.
3. Don’t give yourself a gatorade facial again. Take at least one feed the RIGHT way. (In Oslo I managed to disgrace myself in front of coaches from around the world my first dropping a feed, and then slooshing the next one all over, yet still not getting a drop in my mouth. Sooooo embarrassing).
And believe it or not, I managed to accomplish all three (although I got ridiculously close to going down face first on the largest downhill a few times). And I’ve decided I need to start figuring out which feeds to take when during a distance race, because my stomach was doing some curious flip-flops in that last lap. But hey, it’s all a learning experience, right?
And wow, did I learn a lot today. It was such an honor to ski with more experienced girls who know how to pace and navigate a pack without wasting energy. After the second lap, I was in a small group with Kikkan, Maria, Morgan and Holly. During the third lap, we lost Holly and Morgan, and I tried my hardest to hang onto Kikkan and Maria but the long climb at the end of the lap was more than I could handle. So I skied the final lap alone, always within sight of Kikkan and Maria but never quite able to bridge the gap. On that final hill, I knew Morgan was putting in a huge effort to catch me and I was totally dying, but our coaches (Gus and Cork) gave the CXC girls such fantastic skis that I knew I just had to make it over the top with a tiny gap and I could stay in 3rd place. Although I’m not going to comment on my technique in the last few km of the race because if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
One of these days I’ll remember to bring a camera to the race, but for now I think the words “sunny”, “picturesque mountains” and “totally enthusiastic cheering crowd” ought to do it!
March 25, 2011 (Sun Valley, ID) – Welcome to the 2011 US Championship 50km and 30 km races and to the 2011 USSA SuperTour Finals in Sun Valley, ID, March 26-April 2. Below, you will find essential information about the 2011 USSA Distance National Championships and SuperTour Finals in Sun Valley, ID. Racing kicks off on Saturday, March 26 with the Men’s 50k CL U.S. Championship. Check out everything you need to know about the event below.
SCHEDULE:
2011 US Championship 50/30 km / SuperTour Finals Schedule HERE.
MAPS:
Local Maps:
– Ketchum / Sun Valley Overview Map HERE.
– Downtown Ketchum Map / Coaches Meetings HERE.
Course Maps:
– US National Championship 50/30km CL (7.2km Loop) HERE.
– SuperTour Finals Men’s 3.3km Prologue FR HERE / SuperTour Finals Women’s 2.8km Prologue FR HERE
– SuperTour Finals Men’s 5km loop for 15km CL HERE / SuperTour Finals Women’s 3.3km loop for 10km CL HERE.
– SuperTour Finals Sprint CL HERE.
– Image of SuperTour Finals Hill Climb FR HERE.
Stadium Maps:
– SuperTour Finals Prologue FR Stadium HERE.
– US National Championship 50/30km CL / SuperTour Finals Mass Start CL Stadium HERE.
– SuperTour Finals Sprint CL Stadium HERE.
CURRENT 2011 USSA SUPERTOUR STANDINGS:
– Current USSA SuperTour Standings HERE.
CURRENT MINI-TOUR STANDINGS:
– Check back…
PRIZE MONEY GUIDELINES:
– 2011 US Championship 50/30 km / SuperTour Finals Prize Money HERE.
SCORING GUIDELINES:
– 2011 US Championship 50/30 km / SuperTour Finals Scoring Guidelines HERE.
FAST AND FEMALE:
– Fast and Female Registration HERE.
– Fast and Female Poster HERE / Fast and Female Press Release HERE.
LODGING INFORMATION:
Official Lodging Partner is Sun Valley Company – contact them at 800.786.8259 and mention the SuperTour Finals for discounted rates.
March 24, 2011 (Ottawa, ON) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced today that Beckie Scott has been appointed as Canada’s Chef de Mission for the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games (WYOG) in Innsbruck, Austria.
“I am absolutely thrilled and incredibly honoured to have been asked to be the Chef de Mission of the Canadian team competing in Innsbruck 2012,” Scott said. “The first winter edition of the Youth Olympic Games will be sensational and I can’t imagine a greater experience for young competitive athletes. I really look forward to guiding, assisting and sharing this memorable event with our team.”
Scott is a three-time Olympian, a double medallist and one of Canada’s best cross-country skiers ever. She made history at the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games by winning a gold medal in pursuit. In so doing, she became the first North American woman to win an Olympic medal (of any kind) in cross-country skiing. Four years later, Scott took to the podium again, teaming with Sara Renner to win the silver medal in team sprint.
“Beckie is the ideal candidate for these inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games,” said Caroline Assalian, the COC’s Executive Managing Director, Sport and NSF Relations. “She has intimate knowledge of these Games from her work on the IOC Coordination Commission for Innsbruck 2012. More importantly, the WYOG are about inspiring youth and living the Olympic Values. Beckie has demonstrated her commitment to those values. She believes in the Youth Olympic movement which is why she has decided to make the Canadian Youth Olympic Team a priority.”
During the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, Scott was elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission for an eight-year term. She is also a member of the IOC’s Coordination for the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games – as well as the Coordination of the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games.
As a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Athlete Committee, Scott is a passionate and influential lobbyist in this area. Among her many initiatives was an athletes’ petition that requested an independent drug-testing body for all World Cup and Olympic competitions.
She was also a part of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games as a board member for the organizing committee, VANOC. In 2006, Scott became a member of the COC’s Executive Committee as well as the Athletes’ Council, consequent to her election as an IOC member. She also serves on the board of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
As Chef de Mission, Scott will take on the role of official representative and spokesperson of the Canadian Youth Olympic Team, and be a key member of the overall leadership team for Canada’s participation in the Winter Youth Olympic Games. Her leadership and Olympic experience are invaluable assets to the delegation. Scott’s knowledge of sport and the Olympic Movement will be of utmost importance in the interaction with stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.
The inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games will take place from January 13 – 22, 2012 in Innsbruck, Austria, site of the 1964 and 1976 Olympic Winter Games.
March 24, 2011 – The general feedback on the 2011 World Championship in Oslo was that it was the biggest most spectacular World Championship ever held. Over 100,000 spectators were in the stands or out around the track each day for the last weekend of competition, and even the qualification race the day before the first official World Championship medal event had a bigger crowd than most World Cup events in central Europe. Seven Australian athletes competed – Esther Bottomley, Ben Sim, Callum Watson, Ewan Watson, Nick Grimmer, Mark van der Ploeg and Chris Darlington. The competition highlights for the Australian Team were Esther Bottomley’s 44th place in the Sprint Freestyle, the 19th place of Ben Sim and Callum Watson in the Team Sprint, and the 10km qualification race in which Mark van der Ploeg and Ewan Watson finished 4th and 6th. The lowlight was the overlapping of the men’s relay team before Mark van der Ploeg had a chance to start to the final leg. Waxing conditions were the most challenging the team has experienced probably since the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, not with grip waxing as can often be the case but from the glide perspective. The overall summary: Great atmosphere, incredible event, some solid results, it would have nice to have some faster skis and higher results in a couple of the distance events.
Most of the team athletes are now back in Australia, with the exception of Esther Bottomley who finished a very creditable 14th in the Engadin Ski Marathon two weeks ago and plans to race the Swiss Championship next weekend.
More details from the World Championship can be viewed on the AUS XC Website HERE.
National Rollerski Event, Canberra, April 23-24
On the Easter weekend of April 23-24 Ski Australia is organising some rollerski events in Canberra. While there are still some details to be sorted out with ACT Roads and the land managers, the preliminary schedule of events is as follows:
Saturday April 23
– 10:00 am – 3.3km Uphill Classic Time Trial – Mt Stromlo Road
– 2:00 pm – Freestyle Criterium – Canberra Institute of Technology, Bruce Saturday April 24
– 10:00 am – 3.3km Uphill Freestyle Event – Mt Stromlo Road
More details will be available soon on the AUS XC Website.
March 23, 2011 (Toblach, Italy) – Check out this fantastic video coverage of Devon Kershaw’s (CAN) first World Cup victory during Stage 5 of the 2011 Tour de Ski in Toblach, Italy. He beat out the world’s best sprinters with the ultimate breakthrough performance that paved the way for a historic season in Canadian men’s XC skiing, including a gold medal in the Team Sprint with teammate Alex Harvey at the Nordic World Championships, at the famous Holmenkollen in Oslo, Norway.
March 23, 2011 – Check out these video highlights of one of the greatest moments in Canadian XC ski racing history – Pierre Harvey’s first World Cup win in 1987 in Falun, Sweden. Harvey’s amazing feat is even more significant as we fast-forward to the present where his son, Alex, and his Canadian teammates, have continued Pierre’s legacy, enjoying a break-out season, winning multiple medals on the FIS World Cup and World Championships circuit.
March 23, 2011 – You’ve supported us all winter long by participating in NENSA events and sharing your love of skiing with those around you, now is your chance to contribute to NENSA financially, to help provide us with the platform to get even better as we move forward.
Make a Donation and check on our drive’s progress HERE.
Create Your Own Fundraising Page for NENSA to encourage your friends to contribute HERE.
We’ve had a wonderful winter. We’ve set records for membership again this year, with growth of at least 5% (numbers are still coming in!) had great snow throughout the region once it got started, and enjoyed wonderful events at fantastic venues all winter long. Now is our chance to say thank you for being a part of it and to ask you to support both the current work of NENSA and build a strong foundation for its future growth.
What does the future hold? Short-term, I envision full funding for New England qualifiers to J1, World Junior, and U23 trip. I also see further expansion of our successful ski lease program that helps get kids and families on skis for the first time. And, yes, it means continual improvement of our core programs like the TD Bank Eastern Cup Series, BKL Festival, Championship events, Gaining the Edge Clinics, Kids Ski Days, and more… Longer term, a strong financial foundation gives us the strength to spot and seize opportunities for new programs and avenues to enhance our mission. In summary, the Annual Fund Drive is important and your contribution matters!
What will it take to reach our goals? A big part of it is the continuous support of our major sponsors like TD Bank, LL Bean, and Trapp Family Lodge, but in recent years our Annual Fund has grown… and grown… and is now a critical component of our success. Donate $5 or donate $500 if you can… NENSA is doing well, we are strong, but we need your continued support to continue to serve the xc skiing community.
March 22, 2011 – Check out this video by Andrew Casey (Aurora Nordic) from the NL Provincial Championships in Labrador City, featuring Marty Whalen, Luke and Noah Taylor, Emma Holmes, Allie Crowley, Natalie Chambers-Hughes (Aurora Nordic), Peter Boland from Corner Brook (Blow Me Down Ski Club) and Andrew Casey. A few other skiers make cameos throughout the video from Menihek Nordic. Everyone really enjoyed themselves at the races and all look forward to going back to Lab. City and the trails at Menihek Nordic to race, train and hit up Koch’s Delight once again. Good times and fun all around.
March 22, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Brian McKeever will lean on childhood ski friend, Erik Carleton, to guide him to the top of the podium at the IPC Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon World Championships in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, March 30 to April 10, Cross Country Canada announced today.
With Robin McKeever, who has guided Brian to 10 Paralympic medals including seven gold and three at the 2010 Games in Vancouver-Whistler, forced to the sidelines with a torn ACL, the legendary brother tandem tapped on the shoulder of the 33-year-old Carleton to carry the torch and lead the visually-impaired Brian in the cross-country skiing events at the 2011 World Championships.
“I was surprised and shocked when the McKeevers first asked me, but this is a great opportunity for me and one that I could never turn down,” said Carleton. “It is an honour to race with Brian. He and Robin have done so much for Para-Nordic sport, and I just hope to do whatever I can tohelp continue to build on what they have already accomplished.”
While Robin will return to guide his brother along the road to the 2014 Games, the elder McKeever was also named coach of Canada’s Para-Nordic Team this fall.
“Erik is a very talented, and dedicated athlete and a great friend who I know will do everything he can to ensure we have the opportunity to hear the Canadian anthem being played at the World Championships,” said Brian McKeever who has never worked with another guide other than his older brother since he began competing in Para-Nordic skiing prior to the 2002 Paralympics. “This is obviously a new beginning, but our goals will not change. We are focused on gold, and I’m excited to be heading to Russia knowing I have a great friend and hard-working athlete guiding me to the podium.”
Carleton and the younger McKeever are longtime friends who were introduced to skiing at the same time when they signed up at the same time for a Jackrabbit ski program in Calgary. The two began racing together at the age of 13, and the friends became roommates when they moved to Canmore after eventually qualifying for the National Development Team.
While McKeever’s accomplishments are well documented having won everything on the table in Para-Nordic sport including earning a spot on Canada’s 2010 Olympic Team, Carleton has had numerous top-10’s as recently as this season while mucking it out on the Haywood NorAm Series throughout hiscareer. A part-time database administrator with a degree in computer science from the University of Calgary, Carleton’s best results as a senior racer came at the 2000 National Championships when he won two bronze medals.
“This is a new experience for me racing internationally so I’m nervous about maintaining my form through the travel and time zone changes, but I am also extremely excited,” said Carleton. “Brian and Robin are connected in a way that I will never be able to replace, but I am confident I can ski a pace that will help Brian perform at his best and reach his goals.”
The newly-formed McKeever-Carleton duo will lead a high-powered Canadian contingent into the showcase event on the 2011 IPC calendar. The Canadian squad will include a group of six athletes who have combined to win medals at the Paralympics, World Championships or World Cups.
Six-time Paralympic medallist, Colette Bourgonje will be the lone athlete entered in the women’s sit-ski category. Saskatoon’s Bourgonje, who has competed in six Paralympics in both winter and summer sport, captured a silver and bronze medal at the Vancouver-Whistler Paralympics. Chris Klebl, of Canmore, Alta., who sits fourth overall in the men’s sitting class, has a World Cup bronze medal to his credit this year.
Rising young star, Mark Arendz of Springton, P.E.I., who has enjoyed a dream season in 2011 where he finished second overall in the IPC Biathlon World Cup standings in the men’s standing division will be gunning for his first World Championship medal. With a goal of following the legendary path set by Brian McKeever, the 21-year-old Paralympian shocked the world by winning three gold medals, two silver and two bronze medals this year.
Jody Barber, of Smithers, B.C., who has five IPC World Cup medals to her credit, rounds out the Canadian squad. Barber, who is a 2010 Paralympian and also an accomplished Para-Triathlete where she won a bronze medal for Canada at the 2010 Triathlon World Championships, will compete in the women’s standing category in cross-country skiing.
The Canadian contingent will depart for the IPC World Championships on March 23 where they will take part in a training camp prior to the weeklong competition, which kicks off March 30, 2011.
March 21, 2011 (Falun, Sweden) – If you missed the action at this past weekend’s 2011 FIS Viessmann WCup finale in Falun, Sweden check out this great photo gallery of some of the sport’s top skiers as the season’s final champions were crowned following the 10/15km Handicap start pursuit race. Norway’s Marit Bjoergen and Petter Northug won the final mini tour while Dario Cologna (SUI) and Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) were crowned the overall season champions – read more here and here.
March 21, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to present the standings for the international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup 2010/11 Contest after the Pursuit in Falun, Sweden. Team Maffe is holding onto the contest lead through the final WCup mini-tour so far with a total of 1,941 points. The same four (4) teams – STAR TEAM, Perugina Ski Team, SKIN-T, and rgsnow – stayed in their seemingly unbreakable deadlock tie for second with 1,913 points each, while poiss team defended third spot with 1,892 points.
For the complete standings after the Falun Pursuit click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2010/11 Contest Prizes
*1st Prize –Fischer 10/11 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – Trapp Family Lodge – 2 nights lodging in a Deluxe Room w/breakfast (value $600)
* 3rd Prize – One Way Diamond Storm World Cup Poles w/tubes (value $430)
* 4th Prize – SkiGo Clothing package (value $340) * 5th Prize – Swenor Classic roller skis (value $310)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 9th Prize – Bliz Pursuit Sunglasses and Visor (value $90) * 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski and Oslo Nordic Worlds
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors: Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, One Way, SkiGo, Swenor, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Concept2, Auclair, Bliz Active and Buff Headware.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
March 21, 2011 (Oslo, Norway) – Check out this great photo gallery of the action, drama, and emotion at Sunday’s Mass Start event, the final IBU World Cup of the season, in Oslo, Norway. Darya Domracheva (BLR) won the women’s 10km race – more here – while Emil Hegle Svendsen (NOR) took top honours in the men’s competition – more here.
March 21, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Here are some more great photos from Saturday’s Junior and Juvenile races at the 2011 Haywood Ski Nationals in Canmore, AB.
March 20, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to present the standings from the international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup 2010/11 Contest after the Prologue in Falun, Sweden. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) and Ilia Chernousov (RUS) were the big winners on the snow, while team Maffe is holding onto the contest lead with 1,841 points. Four (4) teams remain locked in a tie for second: STAR TEAM, Perugina Ski Team, SKIN-T, and rgsnow – each with 1,817 points. Poiss team is still in third with 1,791 points.
Stay tuned as the WCup wraps up this weekend in Falun, Sweden.
For the complete standings after the Falun Prologue click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2010/11 Contest Prizes
*1st Prize –Fischer 10/11 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – Trapp Family Lodge – 2 nights lodging in a Deluxe Room w/breakfast (value $600)
* 3rd Prize – One Way Diamond Storm World Cup Poles w/tubes (value $430)
* 4th Prize – SkiGo Clothing package (value $340) * 5th Prize – Swenor Classic roller skis (value $310)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 9th Prize – Bliz Pursuit Sunglasses and Visor (value $90) * 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski and Oslo Nordic Worlds
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors: Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, One Way, SkiGo, Swenor, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Concept2, Auclair, Bliz Active and Buff Headware.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
March 19, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to present the standings after Stockholm, Sweden from the international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup 2010/11 Contest where Petra Majdic (SLO) and Emil Joensson (SWE) sealed the overall titles. Team Maffe is still in the lead with 1,765 points, while the battle for second continues between four (4) teams: STAR TEAM, Perugina Ski Team, SKIN-T, and rgsnow – each trailing by 11 points at 1,744. Poiss team is in third with 1,714 points.
Stay tuned as the WCup wraps up this weekend in Falun, Sweden.
For the complete standings after Stockholm click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2010/11 Contest Prizes
*1st Prize –Fischer 10/11 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – Trapp Family Lodge – 2 nights lodging in a Deluxe Room w/breakfast (value $600)
* 3rd Prize – One Way Diamond Storm World Cup Poles w/tubes (value $430)
* 4th Prize – SkiGo Clothing package (value $340) * 5th Prize – Swenor Classic roller skis (value $310)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 9th Prize – Bliz Pursuit Sunglasses and Visor (value $90) * 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski and Oslo Nordic Worlds
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors: Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, One Way, SkiGo, Swenor, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Concept2, Auclair, Bliz Active and Buff Headware.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
March 18, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – Here are the standings from the international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup 2010/11 Contest that continued last weekend with the tenth round of the Viessmann XC FIS WCup in Lahti, Finland. Team Maffe is in the lead with 1,667 points, while the battle for second rages between four (4) teams: STAR TEAM, Perugina Ski Team, SKIN-T, and rgsnow – each trailing by 13 points at 1,654. Poiss team is in third with 1,646 points.
Look for the standings after the Stockholm Sprints (Mar. 16) soon and stay tuned as the WCup wraps up this weekend in Falun, Sweden.
For the complete standings after Lahti click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2010/11 Contest Prizes
*1st Prize –Fischer 10/11 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – Trapp Family Lodge – 2 nights lodging in a Deluxe Room w/breakfast (value $600)
* 3rd Prize – One Way Diamond Storm World Cup Poles w/tubes (value $430)
* 4th Prize – SkiGo Clothing package (value $340) * 5th Prize – Swenor Classic roller skis (value $310)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 9th Prize – Bliz Pursuit Sunglasses and Visor (value $90) * 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski and Oslo Nordic Worlds
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors: Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, One Way, SkiGo, Swenor, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Concept2, Auclair, Bliz Active and Buff Headware.
SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).
March 18, 2011 – New scientific studies have found that chemicals from ski wax can build up in the blood, causing potential health risks, according to an article recently published at scientificamerican.com. The studies tested wax technicians of World Cup ski teams and found they had high levels of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in their blood. PFCs may lead to cardiovascular disease, liver damage, hormone disruption, and cancer.
March 18, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – The Juvenile and Junior categories competed in the 1km Teck Classic Sprints yesterday at the 2011 Haywood Ski Nationals with Quebec’s Emilie Stewart-Jones of Nakkertok winning the Juvenile Girls race and Angus Foster of Big Thunder taking top spot in the Juvenile Boys competition. Alexia Rancourt of Mont Ste. Anne won the Junior Girls title with Julien Locke of Black Jack snapping up the victory in the Junior Boys race. Today is a rest day at the Nordic Centre before racing wraps up tomorrow with the mass start long distance skating events.
March 17, 2011 (Stockholm, Sweden) – Here are some great photos from yesterday’s Royal Palace Sprint in Stockholm won by Petra Majdic (SLO) and Emil Joensson (NOR). With their victories, Joensson and Majdic sewed up the respective men’s and women’s 2011 World Cup Sprint titles, as the series now heads into the final weekend in Falun, Sweden. The USA’s Kikkan Randall claimed third overall in the women’s Sprint Series – read more here on the women’s race and here for the men’s race.
March 17, 2011 – Lowell Bailey is a two-time Olympian, and the top-ranked US biathlete in this year’s overall World Cup standings in 37th. The Lake Placid native is in the midst of a career-best year, which includes a personal best 9th place finish in the Fort Kent Mass Start, as well as a 12th place effort in the Antholz Sprints. He was also part of the team’s historic 6th place relay finish at the IBU World Championships in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia. The 29 year-old University of Vermont graduate has accrued four top-20 finishes so far this season with one final World Cup remaining in Oslo, Sweden. Bailey, who has been a member of the National team since 2001, talked to SkiTrax about this year’s World Cup circuit, also touching on the direction he hopes to see US Biathlon take in building towards the 2014 Sochi Olympics
This has quite possibly been the best season of your World Cup career – what do you attribute your success to?
Lowell Bailey: It has been a good season so far. Perhaps the biggest change was that I was able to stay relatively healthy throughout the training and racing season. Last season, I was hit with Swine Flu at the beginning of the race season, and a mixture of other minor ailments throughout the year. Secondly, after last season, my coaches and I decided to make a few adjustments to my training plan. Generally speaking, I did more low-intensity endurance sessions at the beginning of the year and added more intensity later in the training season.
The US relay team finished 6th place at the IBU World Championships…what does this say about the future of US Biathlon?
LB: I think we’ve all known that we could perform at this level – it was just a matter of executing. It’s a really important step for the team. We proved that we can compete with the best teams in the world. We were in medal contention throughout the entire race. With a few less extra rounds, we will be on the podium.
As a veteran on the US team, what advice have you given to the younger athletes such as Leif Nordgren, who has had a breakout season at the World Champs?
LB: Biathlon is such a competitive sport now. The level of competition is higher than I have ever seen it. As such, the difference between 10th and 60th place is often only a matter of one or two missed shots. In order to have success over the long term, you have to be patient. Simple as that.
Where do you hope to see US Biathlon by the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi?
LB: On the podium!
You’re a two-time Olympian – what do you hope to accomplish that you haven’t already?
LB: Simply put – to reach the World Cup podium.
How do you plan to achieve your goal?
LB: I want to improve my shooting consistency. I made a big step this year, but I also missed a lot of significant opportunities because of poor shooting – most notably, moving up to 18th midway through the World Champs Pursuit, only to fall back to 42nd after missing 6 targets over the last two shooting stages. Every athlete has good days and bad days on the shooting range. I want to do everything over the next three years to maximize those good days!
How long do you plan to stay in the sport of biathlon?
LB: Right now, my short-term focus is to finish the season on a high note at the WC final in Oslo. I am motivated for next year and Sochi is definitely in my sights. However, I’ve found that if I put too much focus on the distant future, I lose the grip on the present.
Thanks for your time and all the best in Oslo.
LB: Right
March 17, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – When two-time Olympic cross-country skier George Grey hits the start line for Saturday’s 50-kilometre skate-ski race at the Haywood Ski Nationals, it will be his final competitive trip around the famed Canmore Nordic Centre.
After racing on the World Cup for nearly a decade against the top athletes on the globe, and competing in the Torino and Vancouver Olympics along with five World Championships, the 31-year-old Grey, of Rossland, B.C., has decided to retire.
“For me the timing just felt right,” said Grey, who started skiing when he was four years old, and racing at age seven. “In the last two years I felt like I accomplished many of my career goals and reached a performance level that was as high as I could attain. I am now looking forward to being a husband, father, and to new challenges and experiences in life.”
“I reached a peak in 2010 and thought maybe, just maybe, if I skied one more year I could contend for a medal in 2011 at the World Championships. To be able to hang in for one more season and experience the World Championships in Norway, and see Devon and Alex become World Champions, was an incredibly memorable final season.”
With Canada’s Beckie Scott having just broken through to win Canada’s first Olympic medal in the sport, Grey emerged onto the National Ski Team in 2002 with a group of bright-eyed, energetic young men from across the country poised and determined to follow Scott’s trail to the international podium.
Devon Kershaw was the first to find his way onto the podium. Kershaw became the first male in more than a decade to mount the international podium in 2006, and it didn’t take long for the others to follow suit. Four years later, Grey enjoyed a breakthrough moment of his own with his most memorable races coming at Whistler Olympic Park. The veteran teamed up with National Ski Team rookie, Alex Harvey, in 2009 to win a World Cup bronze medal in the sprint relay at the Olympic Test Event in Whistler. His best Olympic and individual career finish was eighth during the pursuit competition in 2010 when all three Canadian men finished in the top-10, and all four in the top-20.
“Getting my hands on just one medal was such an incredible high for me, and sharing it with such a talented athlete and friend in Alex made it even sweeter,” said Grey, whose best individual result outside the Olympics was a ninth-place finish at the Tour de Ski prologue in 2009. “My fondest memory has to be the 30-kilometre pursuit race with Ivan (Babikov), Alex (Harvey), and Devon (Kershaw) skiing right at the front of the pack with me. We were showing the world that we had finally arrived, and what we were capable of as a team. It was a career best for me, and to do it at a home Olympics with three of my buddies was amazing.”
After 10 years of blood, sweat and tears, Grey leaves the sport with the Canadian men’s squad amongst the best in the world.
“When I joined the Canadian men’s team we were described as ‘Canada’s most anonymous athletes,’ he said. “Now our team has World Championship medallists, World Cup medallists, Tour de Ski medallists. We have delivered a solid team. I know Canada is in good hands and there is loads of great talent coming up the system so I will sleep well.”
While racing was such a small part of his career, it was the countless hours of training with his friends and teammates that taught him to be patient, driven, tough and most importantly, goal-oriented along the journey.
“I get nostalgic thinking about all the hard training days that I endured with teammates at my side,” said Grey, who cites five-to-six hours of roller skiing in the pouring rain, nearly 50 kilometres of running and stomping their way up to glaciers as some of the most grueling training moments. “Only with your closest teammates is it possible to repeat training days like this every other week. My team and I have shed more sweat and spit on mountains than most would ever think possible.”
With the last goal remaining in his career to ski to the top of the podium on Saturday at the Haywood Ski Nationals, Grey would like to stay within sport if there is an opportunity to do so in the future, while also studying in the securities industry.
“The 2010 Olympics were sensational. The World Champs this year in Norway were staggering, but I am more than happy to wave a warm good-bye and smile at all the precious memories that I have accumulated. Thank you to everyone for your incredible support. My father always told me it is the process and not the outcome. I have fully realized that now, and I will never forget those who have helped me along this incredible ride.”
March 17, 2011 (Clark, CO) – On March 19, the U.S. National Marathon and Ultra-marathon Championships takes place in Clark, Colo. The seventh annual North Routt Coureur des Bois offers participants the choice of a 45-kilometre loop or a 90-kilometre loop in either classic or skate techniques.
Both races go through Steamboat Lake State Park, Routt National Forest and the National Continental Divide Trail. The North Routt Coureur des Bois is the only time these trails are open to skiing.
The 45-kilometre loop takes place on rolling, technical trails with close to 3,000 feet of vertical climbing. There are four feed stations on the course and a good mix of challenging climbs and descents.
The 90-kilometre loop is considered to be highly challenging with several long, solitary stretches. The total climbing is more than 6,500 feet. Racers choosing the 90-kilometre option will be required to carry appropriate food, water, clothing and gear, in case of emergency. There are feed stations approximately every 15 kilometres along the route.
Both courses are expertly marked and groomed in addition to having contingency courses set up in case of either poor or excessive snow conditions.
March 17, 2011 (Burlington, VT) – Forty-five adventurous skiers from throughout New England and New York stood on the starting line at Trapp Family Lodge for the 4th Annual Catamount Trail Backcountry Challenge Race and Tour on March 13th.
As the valley residents were experiencing rain in the lower elevations, these hardy backcountry participants were treated to lightly falling snow and up to five inches of fresh cover in the elevated mountainous areas. Unlike other Nordic ski races and tours, the participants were totally self sufficient on this remote backcountry trail. The 17km course in one of the most famous and well used sections of the Catamount Trail, generally skied from South to North. Race and Tour participants skied it in reverse fashion, which entailed a 2300 ft vertical climb and a 1300 ft hair raising descent off Bolton Mountain to the Bolton Valley Nordic Center below.
The touring division was given a head start before the competitive skiers raced off the start line 90 minutes later. While the touring division was able to enjoy the incredible scenery on their leisurely tour up and over Bolton Mountain, the racers were giving 100% of their effort to reach the finish line in the shortest possible time.
In the hotly contested field of elite racers, it was Eli Enman of Huntington Vermont who broke free of the main pack early in the race to set a new course record of 1:30:30, improving on his winning time and record from the 2010 race. Olympian Marc Gilbertson of Hyde Park and Eric Tremble of Jericho raced head to head down the mountain with Gilbertson making up ten seconds in the last kilometer to place second while Tremble nailed down the third position in 1:34:50.
The women’s race developed into a similar scenario as the men’s competition with Kate Crawford of Essex breaking free from the pack early in the race and setting a new course record in 2:05:22. The second and third positions were up for grab as Brie and Tyne Pike-Sprenger of West Dover, Vermont raced head to head throughout the entire race. Brie’s alpine racing experience paid off in the final descent, edging out her sister Tyne by two seconds to take second in a time of 2:13:13.
Following their heroic efforts over the grueling course, all participants were treated to a meal and over $2000 in donated raffle prizes and awards. Sponsors included Outdoor Gear Exchange, Rossignol Ski Company, Darn Tough Socks, Seventh Generation, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Silverwear Jewery. A special thanks goes out Trapp Family Lodge, Bolton Valley Resort, and the Bolton Valley Ski Patrol for making this Catamount Trail Association event so successful. Proceeds from this event will help protect the 300-mile Catamount Trail.
March 15, 2011 (Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia) – Sara Studebaker has had a breakout season during this year’s World Cup circuit. The 2010 Olympian, who scored top-20 finishes at both the Presque Isle WCup and the IBU World Championships, entered the season as the top ranked US woman and the 26 year old has shown she’s a force to be reckoned with.
The Dartmouth College graduate, who has been training with the US Biathlon team since 2007, was the only US woman to qualify for the pursuit race at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, and has since been developing her skills towards what she hopes will produce top results in the coming seasons. SkiTrax caught up with the Boise, Idaho native at the IBU Worlds in Russia just before the final event, the women’s relay, to talk about her success on this year’s circuit, and what we can expect from her and the United States down the road.
You’ve had some impressive results this World Cup season including a 17th place finish in the Individual 15km at the IBU Worlds. What do you attribute your success to and has it changed your overall perspective?
Sara Studebaker: I think my success this year has been the result of several years of hard work and training. It takes time to develop as an athlete, and especially with biathlon you need experience at the high level before you can do well consistently. This year has been much more relaxed for me and I’ve felt comfortable competing at the World Cup level and I think that allowed me to really take a step forward. My successes haven’t really changed my perspective so much as verified things for me. I always believed that with hard work I could be in the mix of things, and seeing how this year has gone just gives me confidence that I can get to that top level.
Nine of your career top 10 World Cup finishes have come this year – what’s different this season?
SS: I think the atmosphere is just more relaxed for me. Of course, the stress of the Olympics was tough last year, but it was also my first season on the World Cup and it can be stressful just being in such a new and crazy situation all season. I think that after having a couple of good results, rather than feeling pressure, I felt confident that I could continue to perform. It’s really been fun to see how all the training is paying off, and it makes me look forward to the next few years as we head towards Sochi.
With success do you feel more pressure to maintain a higher level of performance?
SS: Not right now. I think this year has been such a break-out season for me that it’s just been more enjoyable to see my results and look forward to the next races. I hope that I’ll always be able to have the perspective that keeps pressure off, but I know it will get tougher as I get better. For me, I just have to remember that this is biathlon, and anything can happen. You have great days and hopefully those days come more often – but even the best have bad days, and that’s ok.
This is your first IBU World Championships – what were your expectations going in and have you achieved them so far?
SS: After the US World Cups I definitely had higher expectations for myself. I knew that if I had a good race I could be in the top 20. The sprint race was really a tough one for me, and I had to really focus and re-group after that [she placed 48th]. Having a decent pursuit [Studebaker finished 38th] and getting back into World Cup points was really good for me mentally and I was able to stay relaxed for the individual, despite the conditions, and have a great race. Even though I had hoped to do better in the sprint, having such a good Individual on such a tough day was really exciting for me and has certainly made my World Champs so far!
What do you expect from the US foursome at the upcoming relay event on Sunday?
SS: I think we have a really solid women’s team and that we can have a great relay. We’re not quite at the level yet where we can expect to do great all the time, but we’re getting there and I think if we all have a decent day we can have a good result. Right now it’s a lot about experience for us, and hopefully by Sochi we can be right in the mix of things. Of course it’s really motivating to see the men’s team have such a great result here [the US men finished 6th] – it really shows us what is possible!
What do you hope to accomplish going forward after these World Championship races?
SS: This season in general has been an amazing learning experience. I got to race in my first World Cup Mass Start in Fort Kent, and being right in the mix of things in a few pursuits really gave me the opportunity to see the level of the women I’m chasing. I know I still have a lot of work to do before I can stand on that podium, but it’s possible, and I’m really excited about that potential.
How far away do you think the US Biathlon team women are from medaling at a World Cup…?
SS: Our goal for sure is to be in contention in 2014. With several top-20 and top-30 finishes this year from our team I think we’re not too far from that goal. It’s definitely going to require a lot of work, but I think we’re all motivated and excited to make that happen.
Thanks for your time, all the best on Sunday and good luck with the rest of the season.
SS: Thanks
The US Women’s Relay team finished 14th overall out of 20 teams on Sunday – read more HERE.
March 15, 2011 (Midway, UT) – On Saturday, I started my last Junior National race. And it was my favorite – a relay! Five years ago, in Soldier’s Hollow, I raced my first Junior National relay ever, on a team with Libby Ellis and Lynn Duijndam. Libby scrambled, Lynn went second and I anchored. We started a lot of traditions that year, including racing in facepaint and glitter for the relay.
Every year since then, we’ve continued “bedazzling” ourselves come race day. Now I had an opportunity to close out JO’s with Libby scrambling again, and Elizabeth Simak skiing 2nd leg. And you know what? I still got nervous, just like the first time!
The conditions were quite tricky on Saturday, as the tracks were slower yet still glazed, and the outside of the track was icy and fast. We went on klister, and we had just enough kick for 3km but still had to work hard to close the wax pocket down. Because it was so icy, we stayed out of the track as much as possible and did a TON of double-poling.
Libby and Elizabeth did a fantastic job keeping us in the top 3, and staying within contact of the leaders. Because we started right alongside the J1 teams, it was sometimes hard to figure out which place you were in while racing. So we just hammered.
When I got the tag off from Simak, we were within sight of the leader – just far enough to have a fun chase. I started a little frantically, pretty much abandoning technique as I scrambled around the icy corners. How embarrassing. But once I got going, I calmed down (slightly) and got into a rhythm. The hometown crowd cheering was fantastic, and it helped enormously on the long grinding climb.
I was super excited to have such a great team; one that really topped off a great JO experience. And I don’t just mean my relay team – all the athletes, coaches, wax techs, family and friends that made this possible. Thanks guys!
The awards banquet was really well done (thanks to all the volunteers and organizers) but the best part was sharing it with my family and grandparents who came to cheer.
March 14, 2011 (Sovereign Lake, BC) – Sovereign Lake’s annual 30km freestyle loppet became an international competition as Petr Pavol of the Czech Republic finished in first place. Renowned competitors such as US Olympians Leslie Hall and Laura McCabe, who had participated in the Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup but were ready for more racing, competed in the loppet as well.
“He was looking forward to take part in this race as a finish or culmination of his results from the masters,” said a translator for Pavol. At the MWC2011 Pavol scored two golds and one bronze.
“He was really disappointed that he didn’t medal in the marathon race on the first day of racing so he was insisted on taking part in this one… he was trying to be first.” Pavol finished his race in a time of 1 hour and 22 minutes.
For Pavol skiing in Canada at Sovereign Lake was a memorable experience. When asked of his impression of the ski area he smiled and commented, “Skiing at Sovereign Lake is the best skiing in my life. Really, really.”
Pavol had new competition in the Sovereign Lake Loppet, as second place went to local skier David Harbocian who wasn’t old enough to race as a master skier in the previous week of racing.
“We had a pack of five to eight people at the start, then we went down Silver Queen, some Czech racer decided to attack so I went with him for a few minutes and he decided to drop me,” said Harbocian.
“There were a couple of sections where you would turn a corner and get a blast of head wind,” added Harboacian. “Racing was great, so was the temperature… and the snow was fast.”
Harbocian took the first place result in the men’s 18-29 age category in the 30km race with a time of 1:25. The fastest women’s time was American Olympian Hall with a time of 1:31.
In the men’s 15km race the men’s fastest time went to Jon Sader who finished in 49 minutes. In the women’s category, Theresa Korobanik layed down the fastest race with a time of 1:02.
Gareth Williams topped the 7km field finishing in 23:58 and Dana Allen lead the women 30:50. Ian Oliphant and Keeya Corbett were first in the kids aged 7-9. Mitchell Bond and Sofie Steinruck were the quickest skiers in the six and under category.
March 13, 2011 (Lahti, Finland) – Norway’s Marit Bjoergen was back on form on Sunday looking unbeatable again as she took the women’s 1.4km Classic sprint victory at the FIS World Cup in Lahti on Sunday.
On the flip side World Cup Sprint leader, American Kikkan Randall, had to deal with a topsy-turvey day as she qualified strong in 5th just behind Bjoergen only to meet disaster in her quarter final finishing 5th and was out early in the match.
It was a lucky loser day in the final as top qualifier, Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen (NOR), and Petra Majdic (SLO) both landed on the podium after advancing to the final as lucky losers. Jacobsen and Majdic were 3rd and 4th in the semi won by Bjoergen in a photo-finish over Follis. In final they both advanced one spot as Jacobsen claimed the silver and Majdic the bronze.
Majdic out-skied Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) for the final podium spot as Charlotte Kalla (SWE) ended up fifth and Arianna Follis (Italy) 6th. With her 60-point podium score the Slovenian star wrestled the Sprint leader’s jersey from Randall now third overall behind Follis in second.
The final series outcome will be decided on a shorter classic sprint in Stockholm, Sweden on Mar. 16.
The Lahti sprint course is one of the toughest on the circuit starting with a grueling uphill climb followed by a bit of downhill relief leading to a second smaller climb and then a fast dowhill with a challenging final right hand turn dropping skiers into the chute into the stadium to the finish. It was on this corner that the course delivered an unusual number of crashes throughout the day – moreso in the men’s race.
Randall, who began slipping after a strong start in the quarterfinal, could not keep pace and fell back to finish fifth. She wasn’t the only one who had difficulties with the tough snow conditions and demanding course as others like Bjoergen and Kowalczyk both experienced some slippage.
“It was a real bummer after a strong qualification,” said Randall in a phone interview with SkiTrax. “My skis were fine thru the qualification and start of the quarter final and I was in contention but soon after they slicked up – I was slipping with less glide than the others as well and lost ground. We think that perhaps my skis picked up some ice along the way that slowed them down.”
Randall concurred that the Lahti course is long and tough. “It’s precarious in some parts and perhaps has the most sustained sprint climb I’ve experienced. The qualification times were over 3:30 that tells you something.”
Four other North Americans did not qualify including Holly Brooks (USA) in 34th, Daria Gaiazova (CAN) in 48th, Chandra Crawford (CAN) in 55th and Perianne Jones (CAN) in 56th.
“Tough day today,” said Canadian Head Coach Justin Wadsworth in a brief email to SkiTrax. “Chandra and Dasha will head back to Canmore for XC Ski Nationals.”
dDespite the lackluster results for North America the day had some positives.
“Holly Brooks almost qualified for the rounds and Kikkan blazed her qualifier as if classic sprinting had been her strongest event. And perhaps it will be,” US Coach Matt Whitcomb told SkiTrax post-race.
“Kikkan struggled in her quarterfinal, finishing 5th. While her skis were great in the qualifier, they were not as competitive in the heats. The wax was the same as we used for Andy [Newell] who had great skis – both athlete and tech liked them in testing, but they didn’t roll as well as expected when the gun went off.
“It is classical racing in variable conditions. We own the choices we made and were confident in them, and own that it didn’t go as planned. When you miss by a little on the World Cup, you’re missing by a little against the best teams in the world.”
With only 29 points separating Randall from the Sprint jersey she’s keen to get another crack at it in Stockholm. “It felt good wearing it today and I’m looking forward to having the chance to take it back,” added Randall, who sits 10th in the overall WCup standings.
The US team heads to Stockholm on Monday and begins their final preparation for the remaining four WCup events in the series.
May 05, 2011 (Munich, Germany) – A group around 20 highly engaged FIS Cross-Country TV experts, commentators, representatives of the international TV rights holder Infront Sports & Media and FIS timing and data partner Swiss Timing, along with staff from both FIS and FIS Marketing AG gathered in Munich (GER) on Tuesday and Wednesday, 3rd – 4th May, to review the FIS Cross-Country World Cup season from the perspective of TV production. The focus was on further improvements for the upcoming season with special attention being paid to TV production of the different competition formats, the World Cup calendar and integration of the TV experts.
![(l-r:) Dario Cologna (SUI), Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Cologna-Kowalczyk-170311mf161.2.jpg)
![Bjoergen takes Falun mini tour. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bjoergen200311mf584.3.jpg)
![Final WCup Sprint podium (l-r) Follis 2nd, Majdic 1st, Randall 3rd. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sprint-Pod-200311mf539.21.jpg)
![Devon Kershaw (CAN) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Kershaw200311mf609.3.jpg)
![Goodbye Petra… Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Goodbye-Petra-200311mf585.jpg)
![Petter Northug (NOR) wins. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Northug200311mf620.3.jpg)
![Team Norway’s wax truck. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Johaug-Wax-130311al482.2.jpg)
![Alex Harvey (CAN) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Harvey200311mf613.2.jpg)
![15km men handicap start podium (l-r): Finn Hagen Kroch (NOR), Petter Northug (NOR), Dario Cologna (SUI) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Podium200311mf629.2.jpg)
![Emil Joensson (SWE) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Joensson170311mf198.21.jpg)
![Dario Cologna (SUI) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Cologna200311mf623.2.jpg)
![Kikkan Randall on the famous Mordarbakken climb. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Randall-200311mf577.3.jpg)
![USA’s Kris Freeman [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Freeman190311mf353.2.jpg)
![Marit Bjoergen (NOR) wins the 10km women handicap start race. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bjoergen200311mf584.2.jpg)
![Johaug 3rd overall… [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Johaug200311mf587.3.jpg)
![Finn Hagen Kroch (NOR) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Krough200311mf622.3.jpg)
![Petra Majdic (SLO) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Majdic200311mf635.2.jpg)
![Team Norway’s wax truck. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Northug-Wax-130311al481.2.jpg)
![Petter Northug (NOR) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Northug200311mf594.2.jpg)
![Canada’s Babikov… [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Babikov-190311mf338.3.jpg)
![Emil Joensson (SWE) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Joensson200311mf595.2.jpg)
![Petra Majdic (SLO) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Majdic200311mf634.2.jpg)
![Kikkan Randall (USA) exhausted. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Randall200311mf571.2.jpg)
![Perianne Jones (CAN) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Jones200311mf582.2.jpg)
![(l-r): Kristoffersen (NOR), Fessel (GER), Randall (USA) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Randall-200311mf577.2.jpg)
![Petra Majdic (SLO) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Majdic170311mf187.2.jpg)
![Marit Bjoergen (NOR) wins the 10km women handicap start race. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bjoergen200311mf583.2.jpg)
![Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Kowalczyk200311mf585.2.jpg)
![Petra Majdic (SLO) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Majdic-200311mf569.2.jpg)
![Charlotte Kalla (SWE) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Kalla200311mf589.2.jpg)
![Women’s mass start action. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Maekaeraeinen200311cm409.2.jpg)
![Tarjei Boe (NOR) on the attack. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Boe-200311cm231.2.jpg)
![Emil Hegle Svendsen (NOR) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Svendsen-200311cm235.31.jpg)
![Sara Studebaker (USA) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Studebaker170311cm149.31.jpg)
![Magdalena Neuner (GER) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Neuner180311cm011.2.jpg)
![Andrei Makoveev (RUS) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ustyugov-200311cm229.3.jpg)
![Svetlana Sleptsova (RUS) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sleptsova200311cm396.2.jpg)
![Kaisa Maekaeraeinen (FIN) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Maekaeraeinen200311cm023.2.jpg)
![Kaisa Maekaeraeinen (FIN) in the lead. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Maekaeraeinen200311cm002.2.jpg)
![Helena Ekholm (SWE) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ekholm180311cm018.2.jpg)
![Sara Studebaker (USA) [P] USBA](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/sara.21.jpg)
![Darya Domracheva (BLR) thanks the crowd. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Domracheva200311cm011.2.jpg)
![Evgeniya Sedova (RUS) and Anna Bogaly-Titovets (RUS). [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bogaly-Titovets-200311cm401.2.jpg)
![Haley Johnson (USA) [P] USBA](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/haley.21.jpg)
![Darya Domracheva (BLR) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Domracheva200311cm033.2.jpg)
![Anna Bogaly-Titovets (RUS) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bogaly200311cm007.2.jpg)
![Tarjei Boe (NOR) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Boe200311cm238.2.jpg)
![Tarjei Boe (NOR) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Boe200311cm035.2.jpg)
![Tarjei Boe (NOR) and Emil Hegle Svendsen (NOR) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Boe-Svendsen-200311cm245.2.jpg)
![Emil Hegle Svendsen (NOR) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bjorndalen-200311cm239.2.jpg)
![Tora Berger (NOR) in the lead. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Berger-200311cm004.2.jpg)
![Kikkan Randall – 3rd overall. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Randall160311mf013.3.jpg)
![Emil Joensson (SWE) wins. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Joensson160311mf069.2.jpg)
![Alex Harvey (CAN) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Harvey160311mf046.2.jpg)
![Petra Majdic (SLO) wins. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Majdic160311mf066.2.jpg)
![Andrew Newell (USA) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Newell2-160311mf126.2.jpg)
![Petter Northug (NOR) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Northug160311mf060.2.jpg)
![Perianne Jones (CAN) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Perianne-jones-130311al061.2.jpg)
![(l-r) Randall, Brun-Lie and Kylloenen (FIN) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Randall-160311mf090.2.jpg)
![(l-r): Majdic (SLO) leads Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR). [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Majdic-160311mf131.2.jpg)
![Marit Bjoergen (NOR) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Bjoergen160311mf021.2.jpg)
![(l-r): Belov, di Centa, Northug, Newell. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Newell-Northug-160311mf128.2.jpg)
![Petra Majdic (SLO) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Majdic160311mf071.2.jpg)
![(l-r): di Centa, Northug, Newell, Brandsdal. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Northug-Newell-160311mf126.2.jpg)
![Devon Kershaw (CAN) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Kershaw160311mf107.2.jpg)
![(l-r): Cologna, Harvey, Kershaw, Eriksson [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Harvey-Kershaw-160311mf125.2.jpg)
![Kris Freeman (USA) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Freeman160311mf059.2.jpg)
![(l-r): Northug 2nd, Joensson 1st, Hattestad 3rd. [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/M-Podium-160311mf074.2.jpg)
![Petra Majdic (SLO) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Majdic-160311mf065.2.jpg)
![Emil Joensson (SWE) [P] Nordic Focus](https://skitrax.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Joensson160311mf070.2.jpg)
March 13, 2011 (Lahti, Finland) – Norway’s Marit Bjoergen was back on form on Sunday looking unbeatable again as she took the women’s 1.4km Classic sprint victory at the FIS World Cup in Lahti on Sunday.
