December 28, 2013 (Oberhof, GER) – It only took Alex Harvey and Devon Kershaw 9 minutes to turn the tables on the Canadian team’s lacklustre start to the season as they stormed the 4.5km men’s Prologue FR at the Tour de Ski in Oberhof today with an outstanding historic 1-2 podium finish. In third was Norway’s Chris Jespersen.

It was truly a memorable day as it’s the first time ever that Canada has finished one-two at an elite international cross-country skiing event. Harvey will also join Kikkan Randall as only the second North American, and the first man, to wear the Tour de Ski leader’s jersey at tomorrow’s skate sprint.

It was the second World Cup victory for Harvey in addition to his FIS Nordic World Championship title with Kershaw in 2010 when they also became the first Canucks to stand on top of an xc podium at the FIS Nordic Worlds. The day also marked the second time that Harvey and Kershaw have shared the podium at a World Cup – the last time was in 2012 at the finals in Falun, Sweden when Harvey won the Prologue and Kershaw was 3rd. That year Kershaw finished second overall and won Canada’s first sprint gold World Cup medal.

“It feels so good to be back on the podium after a slower start to the season,” said 25-year-old Harvey to Trax post race. “The strategy was like any prologue to pace it a bit early on, build up a good speed and then push it in the final loop. I felt good and the body was able to go deep in the end. I felt like the course held up better than last year as well.

“My training has felt good, but I have not been able to confirm those good feelings during the races this year. To do that today is a huge relief for me and the entire program.”

“It is so good be on the podium today and especially to share it with a teammate. It is just awesome for the whole team. You need these results for the whole team, including the staff who are working so hard, because everyone needs to be rewarded,” he added – full interview here.

Kershaw, who set the best time that none could match until his teammate Harvey put down the hammer, was feeling more like his old self but even with all of his experience he finds the sport enigmatic at times.

“This is huge today,” said Kershaw, who finished second overall on the World Cup in 2012. “After a difficult season last year, and a vicious start this year, this came as a big surprise today. I’m still pretty shocked.” The was struggling to crack the top-half of the results this year so their stellar day was as a welcome reprieve.

“I have had good feelings in training, but they have been night and day when I have been racing,” continued Kershaw. “I had good feelings again this morning warming up. I said to myself that if these feelings don’t relay into racing today then I don’t understand this sport at all. This such a huge relief for all of us.”

“I love the Tour de Ski. I think it is the coolest event of the year that showcases so many different strengths,” added Kershaw. “This is my eighth time doing this and it is pretty special for me to win my 15th World Cup podium today. To do that with Alex and finishing one-two is amazing. That has never happened in Canadian cross-country skiing history.” full interview here.

Andy Newell lead the Americans in 20th while Ivan Babikov improved his personal best time in the Prologue by finishing 26th. He was followed by the USA’s Simi Hamilton in 42nd with Noah Hoffman finishing 82nd.

Sadly the fourth team member Lenny Valjas is heading home for rehab to his knee which is not going well following his operation in August.

“It’s best for Len to be in Canmore now and get the best care he can for Sochi. We thought about Davos as an option to minimize his travel time but the best option at this point is to access our first class facilities and trails at home to give him the best shot to compete at the Games,” said Head Coach Justin Wadsworth.

“Alex and Devon have proven what we always knew and did an amazing job today – it’s a big lift for the team and reassures us that we’re on the right track and can take this going forward to build on. Ivan and the girls also had a good day on the skis so we’re looking forward to staying on track,” he concluded – full interview here.

Full results here.

December 28, 2013 (Park City, Utah) – The official Nordic combined and cross-country competition uniforms for Sochi were unveiled Saturday at the 2014 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping in Park City. The uniforms were developed by the U.S. Ski Team’s longtime provider Bj Sport’s Bjørn Dæhlie brand with design input from American athletes. The uniforms are decorated in a stars and stripes theme to emulate the American flag. The Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, kick off on February 7, 2014.

“The Olympics are a special opportunity to represent your country and I wanted our suits to convey a real USA spirit. I am really excited to be racing in the stars and stripes in Sochi. The American team looks to really be in the mix for the first time in 40 years and we want to be noticed! Bj Sport has been great to work with in taking our ideas and integrating our USA spirit into their great technical clothing line.  We can be totally confident going into Sochi that we will have the technical gear we need to perform at our best,” commented Kikkan Randall

Bj Sport is an Oslo, Norway, based company started by eight-time Olympic cross country champion Bjørn Dæhlie, and is now owned by the Norwegian company Active Brands. The company is a technology and design leader in cross country ski clothing worldwide, with Dæhlie playing an active role in the company and its partnership with the U.S. Ski Team.

Help the Team

The U.S. Ski Team relies solely on the support of the American public. Click here to support the team.

December 28, 2013 (Oberhof, GER) – The USA’s Jessie Diggins in 5th and Sophie Caldwell in 9th delivered solid top-10 performances in the women’s 3km Prologue FR as the 8th annual Tour de Ski got underway in Oberhof, Germany amidst some controversy as Norway’s Norway’s Marit Bjoergen took the win.

The controversy surrounded the no-show of  Justyna Kowalcyzk (POL), the four-time defending Tour de Ski champ, who withdrew from the Tour in protest over the format changes, which saw the originally planned 9/15km CL Pursuit on Day 2 replaced with a skate sprint, as organizers in Oberhof battled with warm weather conditions.

Kowalcyzk is strongest in classic and felt her efforts to perform well again at the Tour were now compromised and the Polish camp decided to head to the mountains to train for the rest of the World Cup races and the Sochi Games. “Yes, we withdrew. We’ll go to training camp somewhere in the mountains, just looking for a good place,” said Sport.pl women’s coach Alexander Wierietelny – read more here.

While the anticipated match up between Kowalcyzk and Bjoergen is now on hold, perhaps making for a less exciting Tour this year, the battle for Tour supremacy looks like it’ll be with Therese Johaug also from Norway who finished 11th today. But Astrid Jacobsen, who was second on the podium today is perhaps a new challenger for the throne… read her inspiring recap of her training trip to Alaska in July here. Poland’s Sylwia Jaskowlec claimed the bronze.

Unphased by these events Diggins brought her race face to the line today and dialed in a solid performance putting her in the hot seat with a stellar run. She eventually finishe 5th on the day which was a far cry from her debut Tour last year and signals that the Afton, MN skier is feeling good.

Diggins Interview

“It was a great day for our team and about 100% better than last year when I was coming off of being sick and fell during my race. The conditions were challenging but I was really psyched with my Salomon boards and our techs just nailed it. My pacing went well and it’s really good to start the Tour off on a really good note,” Diggins told Trax post race.

“This year I’ve got more experience and knew the venue and how the Tour goes and what the body needs for nurtition and recovery is a huge help. The fact that Liz and Holly have done the Tour as well is a big help to Sophie and I… we’re definitely missing the other team members but we’re all keeping in touch and we still like one big family and team together,” she added.

For Caldwell it another superb result for the TdS neophyte but she’s taking it all in stride and continues to turn heads as she skis like a verteran at her first Tour de Ski.

“We had great skis today, mine felt really fast. I didn’t have much of a strategy going into today other than trying to ski relaxed and try to pace myself well. I think if you’re able to pace relatively well in a Prologue, you can set yourself up for a good race because it’s so easy to do the opposite.

“It’s a distance we don’t race often and it’s kind of in between a distance race and a sprint race so people are always going out and blowing up or finishing and feeling like they didn’t go hard enough. If you can finish feeling somewhere in between, chances are that you’ll have a decent race! My result today exceeded any expectations I had, so I’m really happy with my first Tour experience so far! It’s a fun atmosphere and things are about to start getting really busy,” Caldwell shared with Trax post-race.

For the Team Canada Dasha Gaiazova placed 37th and Perianne Jones was 47th as they begin their TdS journey not realizing that the men’s team would soon make history with Alex Harvey and Devon Kershaw going 1-2 in the men’s Prologue.

“It was a great day for our women,” commented US Head Coach Chris Grover. “And an awesome day for the Canadian men as well. The girls are on top of their game and the Prologue distance isn’t and easy one so it’s great to see such solid execution.”

Full results here.

December 27, 2013 (Oberhof, GER) – The 8th annual Tour de Ski starts tomorrow and SkiTrax caught up with Justin Wadsworth, the Head Coach of the Canadian XC Ski Team, for his take on the team’s lacklustre start to the season and outlook ahead. Canada has done well at the Tour over the years with Devon Kershaw coming 4th overall in 2012, Ivan Babikov posting the fastest time up Alpe Cermis in 2009, and Alex Harvey and Len Valjas both landing on the podium last year in Val di Fiemme, Italy in the 15km CL. In this interview Wadsworth talks about the health and fitness of the team, Valjas’ ongoing knee problems following his surgery in Aug., Perianne Jones re-joining the squad in Asiago, Harvey’s DSQ and missing the final in the Team Sprint in Asiago, and the team’s hopes to be in the medal hunt at the Tour…

Justin Wadsworth Interview

December 27, 2013 (Alaska) – This summer in July, Norwegian National team member, Astrid Jacobsen, hooked up with Kikkan Randall and the US XC Ski Team as a special guest of the NAWTA camp in Alaska. It was the second time the camp hosted an international skier – last year Aino-Kaisa Saarinen of Finland made the journey. The camp includes a week of dry land training, and a week of on-snow training on Eagle Glacier and Jacobsen shared her thoughts and insights with us on the camp, the US team, and how to become the fastest women skiers on the planet.

I am just a normal girl. A girl that likes to do things according to plan, likes to be liked, and does whatever is expected of me. I guess you can draw the picture… so please keep that in mind when you think about the fact that I skipped all of my summer plans and jumped on a plane – direction Alaska.

It was kind of an “out-of-the-box” experience for me. Of course my adventure over the big pond wasn’t made in a hurry. But the Norwegian National Team training and camp schedules are so excessive that usually there aren’t any openings to go anywhere other than home to clean your clothes, pay your bills and prepare for the next one.

When we finished the 2012/13 WC-season in Falun in March I talked with Liz [Stephen] and Kikkan [Randall] about meeting up during summer and training together. Like every year at the final WC, the atmosphere was relaxed and easy as all athletes saw the end of a long winter with tough competitions and massive travelling. It would not be the first time loose agreements and dreams were shared, without ever getting close to reality.

The events in Falun came and went, and after a 5-hour drive I was home in Oslo, diving into three months of full time med-school. The following month I was very close to finishing my skiing-career, as I felt it was time for me to do something new with my life. I felt I had done the WC-ski scene for so many years that it had turned more into more of a habit than a passion. At least I questioned my passion… that is who I am and being tough with myself. I am probably my hardest judge, always trying to be better, to evolve and develop, and do something meaningful. At that time skiing didn’t feel so important to me anymore.

But it was just another phase. I was still a skier, I just needed to learn something new. And this new learning didn’t have to be something academic such as the anatomy or fancy medical treatments. Suddenly I realized that I knew almost nothing about how other teams ran their programs or how or why my fellow WC-skiers kept their motivation up for training towards an Olympic season. I could feel a curious spirit within myself, which led to an email sent to Kikkan. I more or less invited myself to Alaska for summer training, including the NAWTA camp. The response was very welcoming, coming from a passionate and (I suspect) surprised Kikkan.

Why the US Ski team? I think many people consider the Norwegian team as the best in the world of cross-country skiing. Yes, we have the best results over the last years. You may wonder how a nation of only 5 million people can produce so many top-athletes. It comes down to traditions and culture. Snow, wintersports and especially cross-country skiing has long and strong roots within in Norway. A popular sport with strong role models has provided a good recruitment system and young, fast skiers keep popping up all over the country.

But why are Norwegians fast? We have a culture of training smart and in a playful environment with high quality starting at quite a young age. People in Norway just ski a lot, and they share new knowledge to ensure continuous development of the team. The best Norwegian skiers today are a product of all the top skiers we have had over the last decades. I had Bente Skari as a role model, she showed me the standard of what it means to be a top cross-country skier.

So, who showed Kikkan and Liz… and the US ski team? They have all had phenomenal progress over the last years, skiing at a higher and higher levels, even setting new standards in the sport in some areas. That was probably the biggest reason why I got on that plane, taking my first ever trip to the US. I was curious about how a group of girls could overcome much bigger obstacles than I ever had, to be fast skiers and earning more and more podiums on the WC.

Of course I had some ideas; seeing them support and encourage each other, smiling and crying together, thousands of miles away from home. I wondered how they had managed to make a new and nourishing culture helping relatively young girls blossom a continent away from their safe environment at home.

Arriving in Alaska directly from a massive camp with my own team was a risk concerning my own health and shape. But I was always confident that stepping into something unknown would give me a challenge and kick to my motivation that I would not be able to find at home. I admit that my coaches were skeptic of taking all that time between camps 10 time zones away from home, and being worried that I would be exhausted for the August camp. But, even if I am a “normal girl” that likes to be friends with everyone and do as I am told, I was confident that this adventure would give me more than I would lose. And when I decide anything, I am quite determined.

Three weeks is a long time. You can get so much done in three weeks. I just imagined how many books I could get through during the last three weeks before an exam…

But the three weeks I spent in Alaska went so fast, that I still wonder where all the days went. Dryland-training began in Anchorage with Kikkan and the APU team during the first days before the rest of the US women’s team flew in. The following 14 days saw 15 eager girls training, living, eating, sleeping and talking together. The actual training program was really close to what we do in our camps. Some differences can always to be found, like the strong focus the US team has on high speed and sprints in skating, putting specific training in the plan every week.

In this area I see that my own team is actually falling behind in the development of the sport. It is easy to see that Kikkan’s strong qualities have spread to the rest of the group. I took some of these aspects into my own training at home during fall, and maybe I will have developed in these areas by the time we hit February and the Olympic Games begin.

The plans are similar, the athletes are devoted and motivated, the coaches present directing young and fresh athletes, the atmosphere inspiring… including the respect for each individual and a strong role model. We have Marit Bjørgen, they have Kikkan Randall. I can find so many similarities between our teams, though there are also some differences which is perhaps the reason why the Norwegians still are a bit faster. I already mentioned the tradition and the big recruitment programs we have.

But, the group of athletes that makes up the US team today is for sure packed with so many qualities and dedication that they can evolve into the fastest skiers in the world. They have the motivation and the passion. They have the surroundings, at least Anchorage showed me great areas for rollerskiing, running, strength training, summer skiing and altitude training (Eagle Glacier). They have the devoted coaches that work day and night for their athletes, though on a very limited budget. They have the knowledge about physiology. And they have the dreams.

But maybe they are missing a few things. In my opinion this team would benefit hugely from a strong classic-skier, helping the rest to reach a higher level, like Kikkan has done in high-speed skating. And within all the passion and dedication in this team, comes also the need for some discipline. In our team we are much more strict with intensity, controlling pulse and lactate both in L1 and L3 training. Especially when training at altitude.

The fact remains that it is still harder for us to go slow, than to go fast – we are always eager to take a new step. But sometimes it is best not to push the limits. When we do L3-intervals at home we never go together in a group because history has told us that someone will always push too hard when we ski in a pack. At the NAWTA Camp we did all intervals together in one big group, making the load of the workout completely different from athlete to athlete, depending on everyone’s level and shape that day. At this high level you don’t really have the time to miss the target and purpose of any single training session.

I think it is possible for the US women to be a big and strong team while maintaining the characteristics of the group, taking care of all the great energy that lies within all athletes, and still have some individuality in the training. To take the last, and the hardest step to the top, you can’t do everything together, eventhough that is what is most fun. Each athlete needs to find their own limits, training to go alone at their own speed. That will make a disciplined but happy skier, who is well aware of their strong and weaker sides.

I brought home so much inspiration from my trip overseas. I can’t even count how many people I met that were so welcoming and I have to send a big THANK YOU to Kikkan and her husband Jeff for taking me in for two weeks of their summer. I am also grateful that the US ski team and the APU club let me join their training, showing me around Anchorage and sharing everything that can possibly be shared at a ski camp.

I hope I can return the favour, hosting some of my new American friends here in Norway! The adventures in Alaska went so fast that I never really wanted to go home (which is first time ever!). Returning to my own team in August my shape was better than ever and my spirits were high. I don’t know what you fed me over there, but it worked. You have all inspired a normal girl to step out of her comfort-zone and be apart of your big dreams and love for the sport!

Let it be a great year and a memorable Olympics for us all!

Astrid

December 26, 2013 (Moscow, Russia) – With only two months before the Sochi Games begin eight Russian athletes, including six weightlifters and two female cyclists, have been handed doping suspensions reports the New York Times. The suspensions range from six months to ten years; the two cyclists, Elena Bocharinkova and Yana Bezrukova were suspended for two years retroactively from July 10, 2013. The Russian anti-doping agency, RUSADA, did not provide further details about the cyclists.

Meanwhile, Dick Pound, the former president of the World Anti-doping agency (WADA) has written an editorial piece challenging international authorities to find a way to effectively fight doping claiming many key stakeholders are deliberately ignoring the problem.

“All of the stakeholders in sport are fully aware of the high prevalence of doping and the dangers it presents, both to the health of athletes and to the integrity of competitions,” writes Pound. He believes that failure to address the issues jeopardizes sport at large as private sponsors are likely to walk away.

Pound, a Canadian, is widely seen as one of the strongest voices condemning doping; he was very critical of Lance Armstrong prior to the cyclist’s confession. He also previously served as VP of the International Olympic committee (IOC).

New York Times here.
Dick Pound Editorial here.

December 26, 2013 – Our CXC thermometer is growing, and we are getting closer to reaching our year-end goal of $40,000 by December 31, but we’re not there yet and there isn’t much time left.

Just how important is this milestone? Well consider this… with your help, we can introduce children of all backgrounds to a lifelong activity like Nordic skiing and use our sport as a tool to develop essential life values such as excellence, friendship and respect. These values will apply on the snowy playground behind the school, in a first ski race, in academics, back at home and in life. With the help of our sport we can and will grow leaders in our communities that value and promote a healthy lifestyle and joy of winter!

At CXC our goal is to have a complete pyramid of athlete development, whether the top of the pyramid is an Olympic dream or simply enjoying winter on skis. And we are close to our goal with your help. Our elite athletes are truly an inspiration for our children. 35 athletes have been part of the CXC Team since 2007 and all of them are giving back to the sport in their communities as true ambassadors of the sport.

Free gift of “SOCHI” mittens with your donation of $100 or more!

In this final update, I would like to share with you some notes we have received by e-mail and on our fundraising page:

“Very grateful for all that CXC has done for me and US skiing. Let’s get more people on skis and enjoying winter.” – Brian Gregg, Team Gregg and CXC Team alumni.

“Because of CXC Adaptive Program, I fulfilled a dream!” – Brian Stewart, veteran and Adaptive Birkie skier

“This program is amazing. Not just for skiing but for life. My results have brought me to levels where I can train with teams and Olympic athletes of different sports.” – CXC Academy member

“Our daughter came home and was really sad to be home which means she had a transformational experience. In the end it wasn’t about the results, she was not feeling great so didn’t ski to her potential but it didn’t matter, it was about the shared experience with other great kids and coaches. She met some great new friends and will have memories for a lifetime.” – parent of a junior skier from U16 (J2) NENSA Championships.

“It was truly a fantastic event. We had a great time and do look forward to the next event!!!  We are happy to be a part of these events!!  Thanks again!!” – volunteer from the 2013 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup in Cable , WI

This is a time filled with progress and excitement. Will you join us by making a gift before December 31 to help reach the $40,000 goal? Any amount does make a difference.

I sincerely hope you will – because a donation of any amount will help us meet this important goal and will help insure inspired lives for the future! We wish you all the joy the Holiday Season can bring.

All donations made before December 31st will be matched by our generous donor.

To donate click here.

Sincerely,
Yuriy Gusev
Executive & Athletic Director
Central Cross Country Ski Association
Community Olympic Development Program

December 23, 2013 (Park City, UT) – Top U.S. Nordic combined and ski jumping athletes are set to compete for spots on the U.S. Olympic Team this Saturday and Sunday when the 2014 U.S. Olympic Trials for Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined come to the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, site of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Among the top contenders will be Olympic nordic combined champion Billy Demong (Vermontville, NY) and World Champion ski jumper Lindsey Van (Park City, UT).

The winner of each event will be nominated for the U.S. Olympic Team. The events will air in a broadcast special on NBC with live coverage of ski jumping featuring the historic first-ever Olympic Trials for women and a fresh look at the U.S. Nordic Combined Ski Team that won four medals in Vancouver.

Highlights

– Top U.S. nordic combined and ski jumping athletes are set to compete for spots on the U.S. Olympic Team Dec. 28-29 when the 2014 U.S. Olympic Trials for Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined come to the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, site of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
– The event will be broadcast Sunday, Dec. 29 at 1:30 p.m. EST on NBC with a 90 minute special featuring live coverage from ski jumping and a next-day recap of nordic combined.
– In a winner-takes-all format, the champion of each event will receive a nomination to the 2014 U.S. Olympic Team.
– Women’s ski jumping will make its Olympic Trials debut with the winner becoming the first female ski jumper to qualify for the historic 2014 U.S. Olympic Team.

– The remainder of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Team in ski jumping and Nordic combined will be selected from existing World Cup and Continental Cup events. The announcement of the full 2014 Olympic Team nominations will be Jan. 22.
– World Champion Sarah Hendrickson (Park City, UT) will sit out the competition in order to continue recovering from a knee injury she sustained in August.
– The Nordic Festival, happening in conjunction with the trials, will help celebrate the events on Saturday by showcasing local business and Nordic organizations in a variety of booths, food and music. The USOC will also provide a Road to Sochi Interactive
– Fan Zone with winter sports activities, Olympic athlete autograph signings and live entertainment.
– The free festival will be open to the public and take place from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 28 in the Basin Rec Loop area across from the Kimball Junction Visitor Center and near the entrance to the Utah Olympic Park.
– Also on Saturday, the U.S. Ski Team will unveil the Olympic competition uniforms for the cross country and nordic combined teams.
– The U.S. Nordic Combined Ski Team, which also makes its base in Park City, won four medals in Vancouver including an historic first gold for Billy Demong (Vermontville, NY).
– The 2014 U.S. Olympic Trials are a partnership between the United States Olympic Committee, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and the Utah Sports Commission.

Quotes
Jessica Jerome
‹Competing in Olympic Trials in my hometown is something I have imagined for a long time. This is such a historical season already with the first chance for women to jump in the Games. Now to be able to compete with the nation’s top field to earn our nomination to the Team will turn one of our lifelong dreams into reality.

Billy Demong
I’m really looking forward to having a domestic event that will showcase our sport going into the Sochi Olympics, especially having it at the home of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. It really shows longevity and legacy here in Salt Lake City and Park City for the Olympics. Above all, I think it’s going to be really exciting to have an event here in the Olympic season with a lot of guys fired up to try to make the team as well as showcase the sport on NBC.

Schedule
All events at Utah Olympic Park

Saturday, Dec. 28 – 2014 U.S. Olympic Trials – Nordic Combined
– Nordic Combined Trial Jump – 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. MST
-Nordic Combined Competition Jump – 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. MST
-Nordic Combined 10k (4×2.5k) – 2:00 p.m. – 2:35 p.m. MST
-Nordic Combined Awards Ceremony – 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. MST

Sunday, Dec. 29 – 2014 U.S. Olympic Trials – Ski Jumping
-Men’s and Women’s Trial Jump – 11:10 a.m. – 11:38 a.m. MST
-Men’s and Women’s Competition Jump 1 – 11:50 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. MST
-Men’s and Women’s Competition Jump 2 – 12:36 p.m. – 12:52 p.m. MST
-Men’s and Women’s Awards Ceremony – 1:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. MST

BROADCAST
Sun. Dec. 29 1:30-3:00 p.m. EST – Nordic combined recap and LIVE ski jumping, NBC

December 22, 2013 (Hinterzarten, Germany) – Canada’s Taylor Henrich placed 8th on Day 2 followed by the USA’s Jessica Jerome in 9th as Japan’s Sara Takanashi easily won both events in Hinterzarten in the Black Forest. On Day 2 she nailed jumps of 96m and 98.5m and a total of 239.9 points with Irina Avvakumova (RUS) finishing second with 227.9 points, followed by Carina Vogt (GER) in third with 224.7 points. Henrich had jumps of 99.5m and 92.5m to finish the day with 214.8 points while Jerome had 96.5m and 94.0m jumps for 214.3. points.

On Day 1 Takanashi had jumps of 101m and 105m (266.8 points) while Daniela Iraschko-Stolz (AUT) finished second with 252.4 points, followed by Avvakumova (RUS) in third (247 points). World Champion Lindsey Van was 9th with 234.8 points  Jerome finished 1oth with  231.1 points and Henrich was 12th with 230.7 points.

Takanashi leads overall with 300 points followed by Iraschko-Stolz with 205 points and Avvakumova with 155 points. Henrich is 9th with 80 points followed by Jerome in 10th with 67 points and Van in 14th with 48 points.

In a big blow to the sport, Austria’s Jacqueline Seifriedsberger fell during training in Hinterzarten and suffered an ACL tear to her right knee. Seifriedsberger is the bronze medalist from the 2013 World Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy. Visa Team member Sarah Hendrickson, who won gold in Val di Fiemme, is home in Park City rehabbing from her August knee injury and is on track to be back on snow in January.

Day 1 results here.
Day 2 results here.

December 22, 2013 (Schonach, Germany) – On Day 1 at round #4 of the Nordic Combined World Cup in Schonach, Germany, Bryan Fletcher from Steamboat Springs, CO, the lone U.S. athlete racing, skied from 31st to finish 18th. Fletcher’s jump put him at 1:28 back for the start of the 10km cross-country ski portion, where he showed his strength by earning the 11th fastest time of the day behind winner Magnus Moan, 30, from Norway who bested his teammate Haavard Klemetsen. They were joined on the podium by Akito Watabe from Japan who beat out third Norwegian Jan Schmid in a sprint for the finish line and finished 5,1 seconds behind Moan.

Unfortunately on Day 2 the ski jumping competition had to be cancelled due to the stormy wind conditions. So, Friday’s PCR results were taken into account which meant Klemetsen started seven seconds ahead of Eric Frenzel (GER) and nine seconds ahead of Watabe.

Jason Lamy Chappuis (FRA) prevailed after a strong race in stormy, rainy weather, crossing the finish line 0.7 seconds ahead of local hero Johannes Rydzek. Third place went to Japan’s Watabe again who finished 1.1 seconds behind Lamy Chappuis.

The USA’s Fletcher had another strong day on the tracks making the top 10 as he finished 9th after starting 26th posting the third-fastest time of the day. Taylor Fletcher was just out of the points in 31st, Todd Lodwich was 44th and Brett Denny was 51st.

“Today was a solid day for me. I was able to stay on my feet in the race and move up quite a bit. There were some really tough conditions out there today. Really strong wind, rain and warm weather all played a factor in today. This made for some tough racing out there.

“Today I was much closer in the jumping, but the whole field was also compact. I tried to ski with people throughout the race but ended up alone for the majority of the first three laps, which wore me out a bit for the fourth. However I was able to make contact with the lead group and have enough energy to jockey for position.

“Despite my best efforts I just couldn’t quite make it to the podium. Nonetheless I am very happy to wrap the period up with another top-10 finish and go home on a positive note. I am now looking forward to Gold Cup on Saturday as well as a little time to recover at home,” commented Fletcher.

Frenzel will take the yellow bib of the overall World Cup leader home for Christmas, leading with 403 points. Watabe is in second with 341 points and Lamy Chappuis bumped Kokslien to sit third overall with 312 points.

Following the holiday break the Nordic Combined World Cup heads to a new World Cup venue in Chaikovskiy, Russia shortly after New Year from Jan. 3-6, 2014.

Day 1 results here
Day 2 results here.

December 21, 2013 (Asiago, Italy) – The USA’s Ida Sargent grabbed an impressive 10th place in the 1.25km CL Sprints in Asiago, Italy as Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) claimed her 29th individual World Cup win powering ahead of all challengers. Meanwhile Sargent’s teammate Sadie Bjornsen turned heads again today with a 5th place in the qualifications ending up 16th overall.

“Today was fun and a good confidence booster. I had felt like my fitness has been good but the results were not there so it feels great to sneak back into the top ten,” Sargent told Trax. “It will put me in a good place mentally for me this upcoming training block over Christmas.

“The course is relatively flat here so there was a lot of question over whether to use classic skis or skate skis and double pole. This happens frequently in men’s race but it was the first time I’ve seen a lot of women double pole. I went with classic skis and striding and felt like that was the best choice for me,” she added.

Behind Kowalczyk today was Finland’s Anne Kyllønen with her first world cup podium while Norway’s Maiken Caspersen Falla of scored her first World Cup podium this season in third.

Daria Gaiazova turned things around for the Canadian cross-country ski squad with a 14th-place finish, after qualifying 28th, as she finished third in her 1/4 final heat and did not advance. Chandra Crawford was 45th, while Perianne Jones, racing at her first World Cup this season, placed 54th.

The USA’s Kikkan Randall in 15th today relinquished her Sprint Cup leader’s bib to Kowalczyk as she dropped to 3rd overall behind Denise Herrmann (GER). She was happy for her teammates but wanted to see a better day come her way.

“I’m not happy with the result today, I wanted more. But I tried hard with what I had in the body today and it just wasn’t quite enough. The conditions were definitely challenging out there. It actually froze and was surprisingly firm when we started our ski testing this morning but the snow slowed down quickly after everyone had skied several laps.  The snow got really wet and slow and there was a lot of dirt in the track. The pole track also got quite punchy,” said Randall.

“My skis were solid today, enough kick when I hit it right and pretty good glide. It was a tough call on whether or not to try double-poling. I was actually surprised that so many women did try double-poling out there.  It actually worked better than I thought it would. Almost wished I would have tried it,” she continued.

“I was definitely looking for a faster qualification and to be fighting up front in the rounds.  In the Ruka classic sprint, I was skiing technically well and had good power and spark in my movements. Today I wasn’t able to lock into my best technique and my body felt a little heavy and slow. I’m hoping that today’s hard efforts will help spark me for the team sprint tomorrow. I know when I’m on I can compete for the podium in classic sprints now, today I just wasn’t on!

“Really great to see all my teammates ski so strong again today. It definitely helps my spirits when I didn’t advance past the quarterfinals to see that USA still had some strong chances,” added Randall.

Crawford was looking for more today and hopes she gets the nod on Sunday for the Team Sprint. “I was fired up for today because classic skiing, when I’m at my best, is an absolute blast… kicking and gliding out there on perfectly race waxed skis is a ton of fun. Seriously maximal effort and focus out there in this little park in Asiago but I am still not where I want to be for fitness and I turned in a pretty average classic sprint result for me. If I get the chance to represent Canada tomorrow (we are three girls) you’d better believe I will stick with the leaders or die trying tomorrow,” quipped Crawford.

For Jones it was a relief to be back on the World Cup circuit. “Despite the fact that today was terrible, I’m feeling pretty good. It was a little bit of an out-of-body experience racing out there today, I think a few more days to get adjusted would have been ideal.
My skis were great, I just never really was able to get into things out there. Didn’t really feel like myself. I’m really excited to be back on the world cup, and looking forward to the rest of the season,” commented Jones.

Sargent described how her day unfolded…. “Qualifying was decent for me and anytime I make it into the heats I’m happy with it. In the quarterfinal I had a horrible start. I was just asleep on the line and everyone else took off so fast and I was left way behind. I’m not sure what happened. But then I was able to move up on the next two hills and was in second going into the final stretch but Visnar who was on skate skis got me at the line. I needed it to be just a little shorter.

“But I was really excited to get a LL loser spot. I was in the first heat so I had to wait for a long time to see if I made it but I tried to just not think about it and go about getting ready for the next heat just in case. Then in the semifinal I had a horrible lane on the outside and got stuck with nowhere to go. So I tried to jump in behind Saarinan but I hit her tails and almost went down.

“I was able to catch back up quickly but then on the next corner Flugstad pushed me outside and I was again without a track and having to sprint to catch back up. On the next hill I just kind of ran out of gas so maybe I was tired or maybe I just wasted too much energy earlier on. It was a fun day and I had great skis the whole time. I’m looking forward to the first team sprint of the year tomorrow. I’m racing the first leg with Sophie while Sadie and Kikkan are racing together,” she concluded.

Qualifications here.
Finals here.

December 20, 2013 (Soldier Hollow, Utah) – Olympic champion Bill Demong (USA) took the victory at the last Contintental Cup taking place in Utah Olympic Park /Soldier Hollow. The American star crossed the finish line 23 seconds faster than yesterday’s winner Tomaz Druml. France’s Hugo Buffard claimed the third spot on the podium, finishing 41 seconds after Demong.

Demong, fresh off a season-best top 10 at a World Cup in Austria on Sunday, flew back specifically to ski in the Dec. 17-19 Continental Cup and earn an additional World Cup quota spot for the USA that is vital for the team’s Sochi preparation. He was successful in his quest.

The U.S. veteran had already been in the lead after the jumping leg with a 95.5-metre jump. With a total of 125.5 points, this meant a head start of 40 seconds over second-placed Harald Lemmerer from Austria. Fellow Austrian Philipp Orter followed in third with 113.5 points and 48 seconds behind. Tomaz Druml and Johannes Wasel were tied for fourth and followed Demong on the track 52 seconds later. Hugo Buffard had one minute and two seconds to make up on Demong after an intermediate rank eight, shared with his teammate Samuel Guy and Italy’s Guiseppe Michielli.

In the race, Demong was able to ski an undisputed victory into the finish, needing only the sixth fastest cross-country time to secure his second win and third podium of the weekend. Hot on his heels was yesterday’s winner Druml who pursued Demong over the whole race but didn’t fully manage to catch up. Buffard skied a courageous race from the intermediate eighth rank onto the podium.”This morning it was difficult because it was snowing. But I’m happy with my jump. It was hard for the race because the track was soft and wet – not very fast. But I had a good race. This is my first time in Soldier Hollow. It’s a nice place to be,” he concluded.

Lukas Runggaldier had another good result as fourth. Again, the Austrian team was the most successful one, placing another five athletes among the Top Ten with Druml on two, Lemmerer on six and Greiderer, Orter and Martin on eight, nine and ten.

For the overall, this means a lead for Demong with 280 points over Druml’s 240 and Runggaldier is in third with 190 points. The next Continental Cup competitions will take place in Hoeydalsmo,Norway on the 11th and 12th of January.

December 19, 2013 – In this edition of Talkin’ With The Gravy Train, host Peter Graves continues his conversation with NBC Sports nordic commentator Chad Salmela who joins him from Duluth, Minnesota. Salmela has become a regular fixture on the network, covering cross-country skiing, biathlon, and Nordic combined since the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino.

He was a member of the US Biathlon Team and also helped manage the sport during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Salmela is also beginning his eighth year as the Head Coach XC Ski at the College of Saint Scholastica, a private college in Duluth, where he has built a growingly competitive program.

In this interview Salmela discusses the ins and outs of network television coverage of Nordic skiing, what it’s like doing a “live call”, how he prepares for the Olympic Games, some of the favourites to watch during the upcoming 2014 Sochi Games and much more in an interesting conversation.

Chad Salmela – Part 2

December 18, 2013 (Canmore, Alta.) — Canada’s Mark Arendz got an early Christmas gift on Tuesday after winning the gold medal in para-biathlon at the IPC World Cup in Canmore, Alta.

Arendz, of Springton, P.E.I., backed up a silver-medal finish on Sunday’s middle distance race by blazing a golden trail on his home track at the Canmore Nordic Centre to clock a time of 43:11.2 in the men’s 15-kilometre standing race. Arendz missed just one shot in four rounds of shooting.

“It was a windy day so it made for some interesting shooting, but I’m very happy with it,” said Arendz. “It is nice to head into the break with a couple of medals.”

The 23-year-old Canuck originally thought he won silver for the second straight race, but he was elevated to the gold medal position on the podium after officials disqualified Russia’s Vladislav Lekomtcev for having his coach on the range providing instructions.

“That is a big no no in our sport but I was surprised when they announced me as the winner,” said Arendz. “It is a solid start to the season. I know I’m capable of winning, but I got a good wakeup call in the sprint race on the weekend. It is nice the results did come.”

Russia’s Aleksandr Pronkov was second at 45:14.5 (0+1+0+2). Norway’s Nils-Erik Ulset grabbed the bronze with a time of 48:18.5 (1+0+2+1).

More than 110 athletes representing 12 countries competed in six International Paralympic Committee World Cup races in Canmore, Alberta over the last week for the first time ever in the history of the sport.

Full results here.

December 15, 2013 (Davos, Switzerland) – The USA’s Kikkan Randall was in control until the final moment as Norway’s Marit Bjoergen snuck by her with a well-timed lunge to win the 1.5km FR women’s sprint in Davos by half a boot. Top qualifier Denise Herrmann (GER) scored her second career podium taking home the bronze.

Randall knew Bjoergen and the others were coming as she hit the straightaway to the finish where she rarely gets caught. “I accelerated hard out of the turn and did my best to keep the power up and my technique together.  I could tell Marit was coming up beside me and I had a little bobble about 10m before the finish that lost my advantage.  I tried to get it back with a good lunge but it wasn’t quite enough this time,” Randall told Trax post race.

The final played out the way Randall expected until she almost collided with a Swedish skier. “Yeah, I tried to come up the high side through the lap but Eriksson was just ahead and her line ran me into the V boards. Luckily I didn’t crash and I could change direction and still have a chance to get the lead before the hill. Unfortunately that move probably cost me a little bit for my next acceleration.

“While I really wanted to win here today this close finish is really good for my motivation and training focus from now until Sochi.  I doubt Bjoergen and I will line up again before then so I have to work hard and be ready to ski faster on the finish stretch next time,” she added.

Creating huge buzz in the US camp were Jessie Diggins and Sophie Caldwell who skied like veterans in their quarterfinals both winning and advancing to the semis. Diggins has been in the limelight several times but Caldwell is earning her spurs on the World Cup circuit, yet showed she’s plenty savvy and plenty fast too.

The pair landed in the same semi final heat and were in the mix and just when Diggins was making her move on the final time up the climb she suddenly went down and it was game over. Caldwell was behind and came in 5th to finish 9th overall while Diggins was 6th and ended up 12th overall.

We caught up with Caldwell for her take on her stellar day…

“The skate sprint course here is definitely a little easier and shorter than the classic course we did last year, but I still think it’s pretty tough. There is one V1 hill on the course, but we do two laps, so we go up it twice and then there is a long downhill, but it has two corners you have to work around and then a long very gradual up/flat through the stadium. My legs did not feel awesome today, I think probably something to do with the altitude, but I figured everyone else was feeling a little of the same thing! I tried not to blow up on my first lap because I did that last year and although my legs still flooded, I was able to keep it together enough to have a strong finish. I was pleasantly surprised when I came across the line in my qualifier,” explained Caldwell.

Despite a bad start in her quarterfinal she aced it moving up thru the ranks near the end of the second lap and acclerating in the finishing straight for a superb heat victory.

“I had a terrible start in my quarter final, I’m not sure what happened! I tried to stay relaxed and recognize that it was a two-lap course where I had plenty of time and space to move up. I tried to ski the corners really well and always hug the inside…so that’s where I did a lot of my passing. My legs didn’t feel great going up the hill, so I tried to push hard over the top and between the draft and fast skis, I didn’t have a problem keeping up on the downhill,” commented the Stratton Mountain skier.

The semi final didn’t play out the same way and Caldwell was caught behind as Diggins tried to take over the lead on the final climb but crashed… still a good day at the office for the SMS teammates.

“Our semi was tough and Jess had a little tumble on the hill which unfortunately took her out of the running, but we were just psyched to be there. It was pretty cool toeing the line next to my teammate and one of my best friends who I train next to all year round – I think that calmed my nerves a little. I didn’t have a terrible start, but it was nothing special and then I just struggled to make my way to the front of the pack after that. I was in last going up the final hill and didn’t get in the pack going down it, so I ended up in 5th,” added Caldwell.

Randall was stoked to see her teammates racing fast and smart. “Awesome to have the team ski so well today too.  It was a super tight qualification so it was awesome to get four girls in the top 30. Almost thought we might have more than one American in the final. Just a little more experience for those girls and they’ll be right in there.”

It was a tough day for Canadians Dasha Gaiazova in 42st and Chandra Crawford in 43rd as both hoped to advance and will have to focus on the Asiago classic sprints next weekend. For the remaining US skiers Holly Brooks just missed out qualifying in 33rd while Ida Sargent was 41st and Rosie Brennan was 61st.

Women’s Qualifications here.
Women’s Final here.

December 15, 2013 (Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France) – Canada’s Nathan Smith put together the race of his life today as he charged up eight spots to finish a career-best eighth (2 penalties) in the men’s  IBU World Cup 12.5km pursuit in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France.

Meanwhile Norway’s Johannes Thingnes Boe was turning heads as well as he made it a two-for-two weekend dominating the race with a final time of 31:43.7 (1 penalty). Germany’s Erik Lesser shot clean but ended up 37.5 seconds behind Boe in second while Russia’s Anton Shipulin (1 penalty) was able to overtake Sweden’s Carl Johan Bergman with about half a km to go to grab third place at 39.1 seconds behind the winner.

“I’m very happy with it. Since last year it has been a bit of an uphill battle for me, but going into the winter season, I knew I was doing well enough to get a chance on the World Cup,” said Smith post race. “I was uncertain if I could lay down enough top-30’s in such a short time span to get to the Olympics but I’m happy to have finalized my qualification for the Games.

Chris Lindsay, high-performance director, Biathon Canada was impressed with Smith’s performance commenting, “Nathan has showed tremendous focus this training season. He was not happy with the results from last season and he channeled that emotion into performance. He is meticulous, constantly challenging himself, and resolute in his desire to play the game at the highest level possible.”

The great weather meant great shooting for the USA’s Lowell Bailey as he also turned heads delivering a stellar day on the range with perfect shooting as he moved up from 35th to finish 15th, while teammate Tim Burke was just behind in 16th with two penalties, moving up from 28th.

“Thanks to the coaches, staff, and Rossignol for all the hard work this week,” said Bailey. “It’s nice to head into Christmas on a high note!”

“This was a great race to have before we take a break for the Holidays,” said Burke. “I felt strong on the skis today and the shooting came together, so I am happy with my performance. This was definitely the best that I have felt on the ski course all season. I think this is a great sign that I am headed in the right direction as we near Sochi!”

Jean-Philippe Le Guellec, of Shannon, Que., finished 33rd despite shooting clean to post a time of 34:02.7, while Regina’s Scott Perras missed five shots on the range and was 48th (35:12.9).

“It was a great performance today, and right in time before Christmas and a good reminder that everything is where it should be right now,” said Bernd Eisenbichler, US Biathlon High Performance director.

“Lowell had a perfect performance today, the day every biathlete dreams of when fast skiing and clean shooting come together on the same day,” said Max Cobb, US Biathlon CEO. “He showed that all his hard work has moved him forward. I think it’s the perfect way to wrap up the first World Cup period.

Full results here.

December 15, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – Russian athletes continued to show why they will be the ones to beat at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games by taking 15 out of 18 possible podium positions on the first day of biathlon competition at the IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup in Canmore, Canada.

After proving their metal in the cross country events earlier in the week, Russian athletes excelled in Saturday’s (14 December) calm conditions to win gold in all six events in the short course biathlon.

In the first race of the day – the men’s sitting 7.5km – the top three men all shot clean so the race came down to who had the fastest skis. Russia’s Irek Zaripov (21:54.4) won the contest ahead of Japan’s Kozo Kubo in second (22:03.3). Zaripov’s teammate Aliaksandr Davidovich was third (22:13.2).

The USA’s Daniel Cnossen was 9th and Andrew Soule was 11th with Travis Dodson claiming 13th. Jeremy Wagner was 15th, Sean Halsted was 16th, Aaron Pike was 17th, Augusto Jose Perez was 18th and David Poole was 19th – no Canadians competed.

Kubo was satisfied with his silver medal performance. “Canmore is a very good venue for competitions. Today’s course was very high speed with not too many difficult sections,” said Kubo who won two silver medals and a bronze at this year’s World Championships in Sweden.

The women’s sitting 6km was an all-Russian affair with thrillingly close finish.  Aided by no missed shots, Marta Zaynullina (22:20.8) took gold fractionally ahead of Svetlana Konovalove (22:21.4). One dropped shot by Nadezda Andreeva (23:04.2) meant she could only finish third. The USA’s Oksana Masters was seventh while teammate Beth Requist was 8th.

Russia took two podium places in both the men’s and women’s standing races. Azat Karachurin (19:17.1) took gold win the men’s 7.5km race, whilst his teammate Kirill Mikhaylow (19:56.4) won the bronze. Splitting them was Norway’s Nils-Erik Ulset (19:47.0) who claimed silver.

Canada’s Mark Arendz, 23, began his march to Sochi with a sixth-place finish in the men’s 7.5km race at the first-ever IPC World Cup in Canmore, Alta. The Springton, P.E.I. native, who finished first overall on the IPC World Cup biathlon standings last year, missed two shots in his rounds of shooting on the range in the men’s standing division. The USA’s Omar Bermejo was 12th followed by John Oman in 13th with Canada’s Louis Fortin in 14th.

“Tough day today. I didn’t feel as good on the course as I did in the two cross-country days this week,” said Arendz. “I just didn’t quite have the speed on the course and the two misses in shooting didn’t help. I really wanted the result today, and just put too much pressure on to get it. We’ll change things a bit for tomorrow and just put the focus on the shooting and hope for a better day.”

In the women’s 6km race, Russia’s Alena Kaufman (18:26.3) took gold with no dropped shots ahead of teammate Natalia Bratiuk (19:05.1) who would have finished closer had she not dropped a shot. Bronze went to Japan’s Momoko Dekijima (20.10.0). Canada’s C. Bisson finished 6th.

In both the men’s and women’s VI category all six podium finishes went to Russia despite gusty winds making for tricky shooting conditions.

Nikolay Polukhin (19:34.9), a winner of four world titles earlier this year, took gold in the men’s 7.5km. Despite missing one target, he still had enough quality to take gold ahead of Vladimir Uldaltcov (19:56.1) who was aided in securing silver by clean shooting. Stanislav Chokhlaev (20:22.2) relied on his skiing ability with three missed targets to grab the bronze.

The USA’s J Adicoff with guide Reid Pletcher was 8th while K. Burton with guide Greg Rawlings was 1oth.

There was a small shock in the women’s 6.5km when nine-time world champion Mikhalina Lysova (19:16.7) could only manage silver despite shooting clean. Gold went to Iuliia Budaleeva (18:134.7) who missed one shot but still finished with the fastest time. Elena Remizova ( 20.45.3) relied on her skiing ability to land third place as her shooting was off today with five penalties. The USA’s S. Chesire with guide Jesse Crandall was 6th.

Competition continues on Sunday with the middle distance biathlon events.

Full results here.

December 14, 2013 (Davos, Switzerland) – Maurice Manificat took no prisoners on his way to victory for France today in fast snow conditions as won the men’s 30km FR interval start race in Davos at round #3 of the FIS XC World Cup. Claiming his first World Cup podium was Norway’s Chris Andre Jespersen with superb skiing to finish only 3.3s behind Manificat.

Jespersen’s teammate and World Cup leader, Martin Johnsrud Sundby, settled for third despite a stellar first half that saw him leading at the halfway point but he could not sustain the pace as Manificat proved to be the strongest man today. Sundby continues to lead overall.

“It was a tough race. I was thinking of two years ago when I did not push hard enough towards the end and lost victory in the last lap. Today, tried to save some energy to the last 7.5 km and I was afraid to open too hard. I tried to ski fast in the flat sections. It feels great to win today,” Manificat told FIS XC.

The USA’s Noah Hoffman placed 25th in the points, and was modestly happy with his day, claiming a tough course and good but not great energy affected his performance.

“The race today was tough… 30km individual is not an easy discipline, although I like it, and I wish we got to do more of them. My energy was pretty good, but not great today. I think also I am ready for a little bit of training, so I’m glad I have the opportunity between now and the start of the Tour de Ski.

“I had some good groups to ski with out there, but I ended up leading the train more often than not. Magnificat started two minutes behind me. He and Vylegzhanin almost caught me, but never made contact to help me. The course here in Davos is challenging, as it is very gradual, but I do believe I can be good here one day. I’m happy to be in the points, and looking forward to the Tour de Ski,” the Hoff told Trax post race.

Canada’s Ivan Babikov, who generally excels at this event, placing as high as 6th in the past was a disappointing 47th and didn’t have the legs or the energy despite planning for this race in the lead up to the Tour de Ski.

“It wasn’t a good day for me. Right off the start I was losing a lot of time, body just didn’t feel good, didn’t have any power and didn’t feel like I was skiing smooth enough,” admitted Babikov. “Of course I hoped for a better result as the 30km individual is one of my favourite races. But it’s over now and I need to focus on the upcoming Tour de Ski.”

Canadian Head Coach Justin Wadworth was also disappointed and quick to take the blame for his star distance skier’s lacklustre day. “We underestimated his form and didn’t train him well during this week. Looking back I see what we needed to do as Ivan came into the race today flat,” said Wadworth in a phone interview.

“I told Ivan I was sorry that we didn’t prepare him better during the final week as we knew this was a race where he can shine and it was on our radar. He’s in good shape and I know he would have had a better performance today if we’d worked his training better this week,” added Wadworth.

As for Alex Harvey, Devon Kershaw and Len Valjas not racing today Wadsworth said the statistics show that if you contest the 30km you can pretty well count on not qualifying in the sprint. “There can be exceptions to this but we feel we have more opportunity to earn points and/or podiums in the sprints so we made a choice this weekend and will see how things play out tomorrow,” he added.

As for Valjas’ knee the prognosis could be better – while he’s improving there’s still a ways to go before he’ll be comfortable at every start line. “We’re keeping a close eye on him. It may never be pain free but we need to ensure that he keeps moving in the right direction and do our best to avoid any set backs.” Otherwise all team members are healthy and ready to be in the hunt on Sunday.

Full results here.

December 14, 2013 (Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France) – Nathan Smith became the latest Canadian biathlete to secure a ticket to the Sochi 2014 Olympics as he nailed a 16th-place finish in the Men’s 10km Sprint at the IBU World Cup in France on Saturday as Norway’s Johannes Thinges Boe, 20, shot clean to win his first ever World Cup.

The Czech Republic’s Ondrej Moravec also shot clean to claim the silver medal at 32.9s while local favourite, Martin Fourcade, was 37.1s behind Boe, landing third on the podium for the bronze. The French star looked strong early on but faltered with a penalty and then lost a ski pole. Boe, younger brother of Norwegian star Tarjei and a former World Junior champ, was one of six skiers out of the top 10 who shot clean today and skied fast as well for a convincing win.

“This is a huge relief as this result was pretty last minute,” said the 28-year-old Smith from Calgary, who matched his career-best 16th in the men’s 20-kilometre individual competition at the World Cup season-opener in Oestersund, Sweden this past November.

“Today was the best ski time I’ve had yet at World Cup level, and a solid 9/10 in shooting.  Unfortunately my shooting speed was a lot slower than normal. I really had to slow things down and fight for every shot.  Thankfully my skiing made up for this so in the end it was still an excellent result that I’m very happy about,” added Smith in a team release. Without a top-30 result this weekend he would have had to race the domestic trial races back in Canmore next week.

The USA’s Tim Burke placed 28th (2 penalties) at 1:22.1s with Canada’s Scott Peras just out of the points in 31st (1 penalty). Lowell Bailey (USA) placed 35th (2 penalties), Jean-Philippe Le Guellec was 49th (2 penalties), the USA’s Leif Nordgren as 83rd (3 penalties) and Jeremy Teela (USA) also suffered 3 penalties finishing 87th.

“Most of my race went very well, but I was definitely disappointed with my standing shooting today,” said Burke. “The range approach here is quite easy, so two penalties is way too many for this venue. On the other hand, I most likely would have made it to the podium today with clean shooting, so this is always a good sign. The times were very close today so that should make for an exciting pursuit tomorrow!”

Chris Lindsay, high-performance director, Biathon Canada, was praised Smith for his patience and performance. “Nathan showed tremendous focus this training season. He was not happy with the results from last season and he channeled that emotion into performance. He is meticulous, constantly challenging himself, and resolute in his desire to play the game at the highest level possible,” he commented.

Meanwhile the younger Boe did not expect a victory this early in his career. “I thought maybe I could win or be on the podium in an individual competition, but not a sprint and by more than 30 seconds. This morning my legs felt a bit tired and I did not feel very strong. I have not raced for a couple of weeks. But I guess the results show that I was very strong…It is cool to beat Martin here,” he told Biathlonworld.com.

Full results here.

With files from Biathlon Canada.

December 13, 2013 (Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France) – Team USA’s men posted an eighth place finish in today’s 4×7.5-kilometer relay at World Cup 3. The squad – Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, NY) Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY), Jeremy Teela (Heber City, UT), and Leif Nordgren (Marine, MN) – crossed the finish at 1:15:59/0+11, 1:58.1 back from Russia (Tcherezov, Loginov, Garanichev, Shipulin) winning today’s relay with a time of 1:14:01.8/0+5, edging out Germany (Lesser, Birnbacher, Peiffer, Schempp) finishing second (1:14:02.1/0+5). Austria (Sumann, Mesotitsch, Landertinger, Eder) took third (1:14:28.6/0+7).

Bailey raced the opening leg for Team USA, cleaning prone and using two extra shots in standing, tagging off to Burke with Team USA in second place. Burke took two extra shots in both prone and standing stages, tagging to Teela with the team in sixth place. With two extra shots in prone, and shooting five for five in standing, Teela tagged Nordgren with the team in eighth place. Taking two extra shots in prone, and one in standing, Nordgren sprinted to the finish, battling Switzerland for a seventh place finish. At the finish Team USA finished eighth, just 0.2 out of seventh place.

“It was a little rough entering the range,” said Bailey. “I fell and lost a bit of time on the last uphill before the range entrance. We had great skis today and I was able to get back up into the lead group by standing. With a couple of extra rounds, I was still a bit off the lead when I left standing, but I felt good on the last loop and was able to make up some time before I tagged Tim. Le Grand Bornand is a great venue and I’m looking forward to the next two races!”

“Today was a solid relay for us with an eighth place,” said Burke. “We were happy to improve on our 10th place from last week but we are definitely capable of more. I would say that we all had decent races but no one really had a great race and that is what we need for a better place. Overall though, I would say that everyone is getting stronger with each race series and that is a good sign!”

Complete results from the men’s relay are available here.

World Cup 3 competition continues tomorrow with the sprint events beginning at 4:30am(EST) for the women, and 7:15am (EST) for the men. Watch both races live here.

December 13, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – Canada’s Brian McKeever will head into the critical Olympic and Paralympic qualifying block of his season with back-to-back gold medals in his pocket from the first-ever IPC World Cup on his home track in Canmore, Alta.

McKeever, 34, led the world’s best down the Nordic highways of the Canmore Nordic Centre where he clocked a golden time of 54:55.4 in the men’s 20-kilometre classic-ski race, which is serving as one of his final tune-up races for the Canadian Olympic trials in the new year.

“It was a good day. I think the key thing is that we develop a game plan and it is working,” said the 10-time Paralympic medallist. “My fitness is there and I am feeling great with where things are at right now.”

Competing without his guide Eric Carleton for the second straight race who was out with illness, McKeever took on many of the world’s best para-skiers on Thursday including the powerful Russian team.

Stanislav Chokhlaev and his guide Maksim Pirogov, of Russia, skied to the silver medal with a time of 55:22.8, while Russia’s Vladimir Udaltcov and Rusian Bogachev teamed up to win the bronze medal after punching the clock at 58:12.8.

“It was a good tight race today to the finish,” said McKeever. “I was coming into the final corner and a guy fell on me which spun me around. That happens when you have a bunch of blind guys skiing. I’m happy I had opened it up a bit though.”

In his quest to qualify once again for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, McKeever will continue his trail to Sochi by competing in the Haywood NorAms in Rossland, B.C. this weekend as a final preparation race before Cross Country Canada holds its Olympic Trials at the Canmore Nordic Centre, January 8-12, 2014.

Norwegian Mariann Marthinsen secured her third cross country victory at the IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup yesterday with a win in the women’s long distance sitting class (33:17.3).

Marthinsen, 29, graciously gave credit to her wax team for her final win, giving her a clean sweep across all distances on the technically challenging course in Canmore, Canada:

“I had really fast skis today, the wax team did a great job. I really did not expect to do so well this week.”

A cross country specialist, Marthinsen gets a well-deserved break as some of her other competitors move onto the biathlon races which begin on Saturday (14 December), as skiers look towards the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in March.

Italy’s Francesca Porcellato was equally as delighted with her silver in 33:39.6, her second of the competition.

“I am so happy. I had fast skis and we had nice perfect weather”.

Marta Zaynullina of Russia was fast enough at 33:52.7 for third.

Canada’s Colette Bourgonje, who performs best at longer distances but settled for fifth today said: “My skis were awesome. I just did not have my usual snap. I felt a bit tired, but I gave it my all”.

In the women’s long distance classic visually impaired race it was once again a Russian top three with 27-year-old Elena Remizova and guide Natalia Yakamova winning in 57:58.9. Iuliia Budaleeva and Tatiana Maltseva came in second (59:45.6), and Elvira Kalabina and Irina Sitnikova in third (1:05:21.9).

The Russian men equaled their teammates’ dominance in the long distance sitting. 30-year-old Irek Zaripov won gold over the course in 38:06.3. He was followed by Roman Petushkov in 38:31.2 and Aliaksandr Davidovich at 38:40.8. Chis Klebl, of Canmore, Alta., finished seventh in the men’s 13.3 kilometre sit-ski.

After a second and third place finish in day one and two, Russian 21-year-old Rushan Minnegulov finally stepped onto the top of the podium in the men’s 20km classic standing with a time of 53:52.2. Only 5.3 seconds behind at 53:56.9 was compatriot Vladislav Lekomtcev, winner from the sprint on Tuesday (10 December).

Finnish star Ilkka Tuomisto rounded out the podium in 56:19.2. Pablo Robledo, Argentina’s lone entry into the World Cup and his country’s first winter para-Nordic skier finished a respectable 11th.

Two Russian women completed the long distance classic standing race – Russia’s Alena Kaufman was first at 1:01:16.1 followed by Natalia Bratiuk in 1:03:53.2.

Over 100 athletes from 12 countries have competed in the first IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup of the season in Canmore, Canada. The cross country events are followed by the biathlon World Cup races which start on Saturday, 14 December at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Pictures of both competitions will be available on the International Paralympic Committee’s Flickr and video highlights will be available everyday at ParalympicSport.TV.

Updates will also be posted to IPC Nordic Skiing’s Twitter and Facebook.

Results here.

December 12, 2013 (Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France) – The Biathlon Canada Women’s Team scored a stunning 4th place at the IBU World Cup women’s 4x6km relay in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France in great conditions on Thursday, for a career-best performance with a time of 1:08:03.6 at 1:35 behind Germany who topped the podium.

It was a remarkable day for Rosanna Crawford, of Canmore, Alta., Megan Imrie, of Falcon Lake, Man., Megan Heinicke, of Prince George, B.C., and Zina Kocher, of Red Deer, Alta., who used nine spare rounds as they chalked up the best-ever result for a Canadian women’s biathlon squad just two months away from the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

Kocher, a two-time Olympian, is the only woman on the current national squad to win a World Cup medal claiming the bronze medal in Oestersund, Sweden in 2006.

“I couldn’t be more proud of all of us finally pulling together what we knew was possible,” said Kocher. “To perform together as a team is an incredible satisfying and rewarding experience. It’s not the same as performing as an individual. This joint successful effort has brought us all together to be stronger and more confident than ever before.”

Imrie and Rosanna Crawford both enjoyed some of their best results at the opening two races this season in Ostersund, Sweden and Hochfilzen, Austria.

“I am so proud of these girls,” said the 27-year-old Imrie. “I have witnessed each and every one of them train through blood, sweat and tears to the breaking point. We are fit. We are hungry for results and this isn’t the last you have seen of us.”

“We’ve known this type of result is within our grasp for so long so it feels great to finally get it,” added Crawford. “Our whole support system has really helped us get here, coaches, wax techs and everyone behind us!”

The result secured the 25-year-old Megan Heinicke’s ticket to Russia where she’ll now join Imrie, Crawford and the 31-year-old Zina Kocher on the women’s team.

Meanwhile Team USA had a strong day as well racing to a second-consecutive eighth place finish as Susan Dunklee (Barton, VT), Sara Studebaker (Boise, ID), Hannah Dreissigacker (Morrisville, VT), and Annelies Cook (Saranac Lake, NY) posted a time of 1:09:11.9, using six extra shots on the range.

The Canadian team was in third place at the end of the second leg behind Norway with Germany in front as early leader Switzerland faded quickly. France was in fourth but it was the Ukraine’s Valj Semerenko, who’s clean shooting allowed them to overtake the Canadians and sit in third at the final exchange.

Germany’s Laura Dahlmeier shot clean on the final leg to claim the gold as Norway’s Tora Berger could not contain the Ukraine’s Olena Pidhrushna who also cleaned. Berger fought back with strong skiing losing the silver to Pidhrushna by only half a second.

Kocher anchored the Canadian team and used four spare rounds but was able to hold off a charging Marie Laura Brunet from France who shot clean as she tried to save face at home.

Dunklee, who led off for Team USA, used one spared round before handing off to Studebaker in eighth. Studebaker needed four spares tagging Dreissigacker in 12th. Dreissigacker posted the best performances of her career with the 5th-best leg time, moving the team up to 10th, shooting clean in both stages. Cook anchored the team to an eighth place finish with just one extra shot needed in standing.

“I’m really psyched with today,” said Dreissigacker.  “It was my second time ever shooting clean in a race, and definitely my first time cleaning in a world cup! It’s a pretty exhilarating feeling. Annelies and I were warming up together and the warm-up loop goes right by the race course in several places, so we had a great time cheering Susan as she led the field off of the start.  I know we were all really excited to have bib 8 today, after our good relay in Hochfilzen, and now we proved that 8th can be our new norm!”

“I am happy that we were able to match our relay performance from Sunday because I didn’t get to race that one,” said Cook. “Watching Susan take the lead right from the start and look so relaxed was pretty awesome. I was proud of all the girls, and being the last leg I could just race and do my own thing.”

The four Canadian women have come a long way since taking off their clothes four years ago to produce a nude calendar, Bold Beautiful Biathlon, in an effort to raise money in support of their journey to the international podium. Since that time each of the athletes have produced career-best results, and head into the 2014 Olympic Winter Games deeper and stronger than ever.

Results (brief)

1. Germany, 1:06:27.8
2. Ukraine, 1:06:51.1
3. Norway, 1:06:51.6
4. Canada – 1:08:03.6 [Rosanna Crawford (AB), Zina Kocher (AB), Megan Imrie (MB), Megan Heinicke (BC)]
5. France, 1:08:11.6.

8. USA – 1:09:11.9 [Susan Dunklee (VT), Sara Studebaker (ID), Hannah Dreissigacker (VT), and Annelies Cook (NY)]

Full results here.

December 12, 2013 – Canadian Ski Team technician Joel Jaques takes us on a tour of the squad’s new wax truck in this interesting behind-the-scenes video. In the work area, the truck includes six work stations, each with its own ventilation, plus access to the “Cube,” a huge storage container that houses all of the team’s skis. In the French version of the tour, technician Yves Bilodeau is our guide.

 English Tour

French Tour

December 12, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – Today, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced its plan to inject $37 million over the next four years directly into high performance sport through Own the Podium (OTP), Canada’s independent technical agency. At an event held at the Air Canada Centre, the record-level investment gathered Olympians, sport executives, government officials, marketing partners and young athletes at centre ice to celebrate the continued financial support of Canada’s sports system.

“We are so proud to be boosting the funding and support for Canadian high performance sport,” said Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee. “At the COC, we know it takes a village to raise a champion, and we’re so appreciative of the outstanding support we receive from our private-sector partners. They have great faith in high performance sport and in the idea that sport has the capacity to change lives. It’s their support that makes this investment possible.”

“Canadians love hearing our national anthem and seeing the Canadian flag raised above the Olympic and Paralympic podiums,” said Anne Merklinger, Chief Executive Officer, Own the Podium. “A culture focused on excellence and podium performance is now fully entrenched within Canada’s athletes and coaches. This commitment reinforces the Canadian Olympic Committee’s and Government of Canada’s leadership in partnering with Own the Podium to deliver the critical resources athletes require to be fully prepared to climb onto the podium at major international competitions.”

The funding announced today will go toward both summer and winter sport for the next four years.

“Congratulations to the Canadian Olympic Committee on their continued commitment to Canada’s high-performance athletes,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “Our Government is committed to high-performance sport in Canada, and we are very pleased to partner with the COC to maintain Own the Podium as an innovative high-performance initiative that will continue to produce podium finishes for Canadian athletes.”

“As an Olympic champion with a continued desire for more international success, I know how critical it is to have the proper resources and support available,” said Rosie MacLennan, London 2012 Olympic gold medallist. “Today is a great day for sport in Canada. This funding will ensure that Canadian athletes can continue to train, compete and reach the top.”

“Canada’s Own the Podium initiative is world leading, experiencing great success and is having direct impact on Canadian athletes,” added Aubut.

With OTP’s successful foundation rooted in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Canadian athletes won 26 medals overall and a record-setting 14 gold medals. This February, in Sochi, Canada’s goal is to improve on the medal count from 2010 and contend for the top spot in terms of most medals won overall.

The Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games will take place February 7- 23, 2014.

December 11, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to announce the leaders of the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup Contest after the second round of the 2013/14 Viessmann XC FIS World Cup season in Lillehammer, Norway. World Cup action heated up as USA’s women’s sprint squad raced onto the podium for a bronze medal (read our coverage here).

Competition in the contest also cranked up as leaders after the first round, The A team, fell to third place in the standings with 309 points, while UK Nordics assumed the lead with 327 points and Kong Sverre moved into second spot with a total of 319 points.

View the full contest standings after Lillehammer HERE.

These are the only FIS Fantasy Nordic contests of their kind worldwide so don’t miss your chance to enjoy fabulous top level xc ski racing and the chance to win fabulous prizes.

Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Fischer, Nipika Mountain Resort, Rudy Project, Salomon, Marwe, Halti, Bjorn Daehlie, Exer-Genie, Madshus, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, and Buff.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2013/14 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 13/14 Speedmax Skate or Classic Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,200)
* 2nd Prize – Nipika Mountain Resort – 2 nights lodging in fully equipped cabin incl. all amenities (value $675)
* 3rd Prize – Rudy Project Sunglasses For Sport Agon + For Life Spinhawk (value $450)
* 4th Prize – Salomon S-Lab Skate or Classic boots ($450sk/$299cl)
* 5th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349)
* 6th Prize – Halti Nokka XC Outfit (value $325)
* 7th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 8th Prize – Exer-Genie XC Trainer (value $229)
* 9th Prize –Madshus K it w/Ski Bag, Waist Belt Bag, Headware (value $130)
* 10th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski (value $25)

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).

December 11, 2013 – The first races of the new Continental Cup season were held as part of the U.S. Super Tour on Thanksgiving Day, 23^rd November 2013, with two distance competitions in West Yellowstone. The series then continued in Bozeman, Montana, with freestyle and classic sprints, and 10/15km classic distance races.

Three U.S. Super Tour events are left in the 2013/14 calendar in Aspen, Madison and Tahoe. The series will conclude with the traditional stage-competition finals in mid April that will feature classic prologue, 10/15 km mass start free, free technique sprint, hill climb competition and classic mass start competitions.

NorAm Cup

The 2013 NorAm Cup commenced at the Canmore Nordic Centre on 1^st December and will travel on to the Sovereign Lake Nordic Center in Vernon, BC. for two distance competitions.  Host to the 2005 FIS World Cup and the 2011 Masters World Cup, Sovereign Lake has staged a NorAm for over 15 years.

After a break for the Canadian World Cups and Christmas, the NorAm circuit moves to the Lappe Nordic Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario, for Canada’s World Junior and World U-23 Trials. The club in Northern Ontario has a strong Finnish heritage and was used as a Cross-Country training site for the 1995 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. The newly homologated trails will challenge the best skiers in Canada in sprint, skiathlon and interval start competitions.

The NorAm Cup remains in the east for two additional NorAm events in late January at Highlands Nordic, just north of Toronto, and the Nakkertok north of Ottawa.

The final event of the series returns to Alberta for the Haywood NorAm Western Canadian Championships. First built for the Canada Winter Games in 1995 and upgraded recently for the Arctic Winter Games, the Wapiti Organising Committee is looking forward to joining the NorAm circuit for the first time.

OPA Cup

The Continental Cup series within the Alpine countries (OPA Cup) will start in the middle of December. It will travel through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Slovenia and Italy with the first competitions in Goms (SUI).

This season, the OPA Cup will feature two mini-Tours. The first will be held in Rogla (SLO) from 15^th – 17^th February 2014. The three-day competition programme includes a free technique prologue, 5/10 km classic and 10/15 km free technique pursuit.

The OPA Cup will conclude from 15^th – 17^th March 2014 in Toblach (ITA) with an OPA Finals stage event. The finals will consist of free technique prologue, 5/10 km classic and 10/15 km skiathlon.

Scandinavian Cup

The Scandinavian Cup has always been a strong platform for young and promising athletes from the Scandinavian countries. Last year’s ladies overall winner Martine Ek Hagen is the shooting star of Norwegian Cross-Country Skiing and has followed the example of Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg and Heidi Weng who previously won the series.

On the men’s side, John Kristian Dahl topped the overall podium last year. The series starts the weekend before Christmas, on 14^th – 16^th December, in Sjusjoen (NOR), just above Lillehammer. The Cup will consist of four events in four countries, Norway, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. The series will culminate in Inari (FIN) on 22^nd – 24^th February 2014.

Slavic Cup

The 2013/14 season will again consist of six weekends with 12 competitions for each gender. Slovakian venue Strbske Pleso is back on the calendar after a hiatus. At an altitude of 1350 m, it is an ideal location for Cross-Country Skiing and hosted the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 1970. It also hosted the Winter Universiade in 1987, EYOWF (European Youth Olympic Winter Festival) in 1999 and FIS Junior World Ski Championships in 2000.

Last season, the Organisers of Zakopane (POL) and Gerlachov (SVK) used the facilities to carry out Slavic Cup competitions. The Slovakian Ski Association initiated re-homologation of the competition courses and the coming season will take place on official courses.

Eastern Europe Cup

The Eastern Europe Cup kicked off last week with the first competitions of the new season held in Vershina Tea. Two distance races and two sprint competitions were on the programme from 20^th -24^th November. The EEC continues in Krasnogorsk at Christmas.

Far East Cup

The Far East Cup 2013/14 will take place in three venues. Sapporo, Otoineppu in Japan and the Alpensia resort in Korea.

The Sapporo facility was used for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2007. Otoineppu is a small village town with the population of 1,000, and it is northernmost FIS homologated facility in Japan. Alpensia Resort, Korea, is a large resort area 250 km from Seoul  and the stadium and courses will be used for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Balkan Cup

The Balkan Cup 2013/2014 will consist of 12 men and 12 ladies competitions at six different Balkan venues: Pigadia/GRE, Zlatibor/SRB, Mavrovo/MKD, Dvorista-Pale/BIH, Cheile Gradistei-Fundata/ROU and Kandilli-Erzurum/TUR. The series kicks off in Pigadia (GRE) on 12^th – 13^th January 2013.

December 11, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – Current world cross country champions Mikhalina Lysova, Roman Petushkov and Vladislav Lekomtcev have continued their great form in sprint classic races on day two of the 2013 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup in Canmore, Canada.

Russia’s Lysova, 21, who picked up her second world title in the discipline at the 2013 IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships in Solleftea, Sweden, added to a bronze medal from the first day of competition in Canmore in the middle distance visually impaired with guide Alexey Ivanov.

Canada’s Mark Arendz had a strong start in the sprints. The 23-year-old, of Springton, P.E.I., led the world’s best around the rolling classic-ski sprint track at the Canmore Nordic Centre until the final climb where his podium hopes were dashed, and the 2010 Paralympian was forced to settle for fifth place in the men’s standing division.

“It was a solid result and it shows my fitness is there, but I just ran out of gas on that final climb and the guys closed the gap on me,” said Arendz. “I have to be happy today. My focus is on the biathlon races and these solid results in cross-country will help prepare myself for those events coming up.”

Russians Elena Remizova and Iulia Budaleeva could not keep up with the 21-year-old who finished ahead of silver medallist Remizova and Monday’s (10 December) middle distance winner Budaleeva.

In the men’s sprint classic sitting, 35-year-old Russian Petushkov looks to be the favourite to win at his home Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi in March, after returning to winning form following a disappointing seventh-place finish in the middle distance event on the first day.

While it seems like all his trails are paved with gold Petushkov takes nothing for granted:

“I never look for the easy way. All races are hard.”

World champion Petushkov led Irek Zaripov and 2013 World Championships bronze medallist Grigory Murygin. Murygin added the bronze to his gold from Monday.

France’s firth placed entry Romaine Rosique joked about the wildlife on the course:

“It was a bit like skiing in a zoo today. There were elk just inside the forest.”

Officials were also seen chasing deer off the trail with sit-skiers fast approaching.

Leading the response to the Russian surge was Norwegian Mariann Marthinsen, doubling up on her middle distance gold with a win in the women’s sprint classic sitting.

Marthinsen, 29, was a prolific swimmer, winning a world title in the short course World Championships in 2009 and a string of silver and bronze medals dating back to 2006. The 29-year old beat Italian Francesca Porcellato who finished in second and Russia’s Svetlana Konovalova in third.

Two American summer sport athletes making their snow-covered debut performed well. Rower Oksana Masters just missed out another podium in fourth place, whilst wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden improved on her 11th place finish from day one in seventh.

Canada’s Stephanie Dixon, of Whitehorse, also qualified for the heats. In just her first season of Para-Nordic racing, Dixon was eliminated in the opening round and placed eighth. Tanya Quesnel, of Sudbury, Ont., was 12th.

The men’s visually impaired sprint races saw another set of Russians block out the podium, with Oleg Ponomarev completing the 1.25km course in first. Ponomarev and guide Andrei Romanov were unable to finish Monday’s middle distance 10km but went the distance in the sprint.

Ponomarev lead fellow Russians Vladimir Udaltcov and guide Ruslan Bogachev in second and Nicolay Polukhin with his guide Andrew Tokarev in third.

Canadian world champion Brian McKeever did not start the race, following the illness of guide Erik Carleton.

Russian Alena Kaufman was once again too hard to beat in the women’s standing class, claiming her second gold of the competition. Natalia Bratiuk of Russia thought she had a lock on second when Japan’s Ota Shoko drove from behind in the last few metres for second and Bratiuk had to settle for third.

Brittany Hudak was the top Canadian woman in her first IPC World Cup. The Prince Albert, Sask. resident, who has been competing domestically over the last year, finished fourth.

Russia’s Vladislav Lekomtcev and Fin Ilkka Tuomisto both skipped Monday’s opener but came on strong on Tuesday with first and second place finishes, respectively, in the men’s standing class race.

Finland’s only competitor in these events, Tuomisto was pleased with his day’s work:

“I am feeling very good. I won a medal in this race at Vancouver and I am looking for the same in Sochi.”

Thursday is his favourite race, the long distance classic. Meanwhile Rushan Minnegulov of Russia completed the men’s standing podium.

Cross-country competitions at the 2013 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup conclude on Thursday (12 December) with the long distance events, following a training day on Wednesday (11 December).

Over 100 athletes from 12 countries will then compete in the biathlon events from 14-17 December.

Pictures are available on Flickr here and video highlights will be available everyday on YouTube here. Updates will also be posted to Twitter here and Facebook here.

Results here.

December 10, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – Russia’s Grigory Murygin, Sergey Lapkin and Alena Kaufman dominated the first day of 2013 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup in Canmore, Canada, winning three out of five cross-country events.

Murygin, 18, who made his international debut just two years ago, stormed to gold in 30:46.9 ahead of teammates Aliaksandr Davidovich (31:00.4) and Irek Zaripov (31.16.4). Reigning World Champion Roman Petushkov could only manage a seventh-place finish, whilst Murygin’s biggest rival Kozo Kubo of Japan completed the 10km in sixth.

Under crystal blue skies and on a challenging course at the Canmore Nordic Centre, Russian Alena Kaufman saw off Japan’s Shoko Ota who wins her first podium in the women’s middle distance standing in 15:12.2. Ota, who finished in 16:19.8 said:

“I very much enjoyed the race. I had to work hard the whole time but there is still time to work on aerobic capacity before Sochi.”

Japan’s Momoko Dekijima made a promising start to pick up bronze (17:10.7).

The last gold of the day for Russia came in the men’s middle distance standing, with Sergey Lapkin (27:10.7) just edging compatriot Rushan Minnegulov (27:11.2) and Vladimir Kononov (27:29.1).

Chis Klebl of Canmore finished fifth in the men’s 10-kilometre sit-ski race.

Canada’s 34-year old Brian McKeever managed to convert the home advantage into gold on the 10km course, winning in 25:21.1, despite having to ski without guide Erik Carleton in the men’s middle distance visually impaired event.

“I thought I may have went out too hard so I eased up a bit in the middle, but tried to really hammer it home,” said McKeever. “It felt pretty good today. The fitness is there. The course had some really nice features so I’m happy.”

“It was a good, hard, fun course. We don’t often get to ski the biathlon trails and they are very different from the cross country trails.

“It’s certainly not as fast,” said McKeever, “but it is way more important that Erik stays healthy for the rest of the season.” Home track advantage was key for McKeever on Monday as his guide, Erik Carleton, was ill and unable to race.

“The wind was pretty strong in some sections so it would have been nice to have Erik there to pull me around a bit,” McKeever told CCC. “Knowing the trail helped me a lot today, and Mark Arendz guided me around in the warm-up so it all worked out. This is a really solid field and everyone is focused on Sochi. I’m happy with how things went.”

Russian Stanislav Chokhlaev added to his country’s medal haul for the day with a silver (25:45.2) ahead of teammate and International Paralympic Committee One to Watch Nikolay Polukhin (27:02.0).

Canada’s Mark Arendz, of Springton, P.E.I., also suited up in the men’s standing division. The 23-year-old biathlon specialist put down a solid effort in the cross-country ski discipline with a fifth-place finish at 27:47.9 against a deep field at the IPC World Cup season opener.

London 2012 rowing bronze medallist Oksana Masters proved she is a force to be reckoned with in her season debut, picking up a bronze in the women’s middle distance sitting.

Eight-time Canadian Paralympic medallist, Colette Bourgonje, narrowly missed the podium in the women’s five-kilometre sit-ski race. The Saskatoon resident placed fourth at 22:02.7. The women’s sit-ski event was won by Norway’s Mariann Marthinsen who set the time to beat at 20:54.3.

American Masters covered the 5km total course distance in 21:48.6, behind second placed Russian Marta Zaynullina (21:29.2) and Norway’s 29-year old Mariann Marthinsen (20:54.3), representing an impressive performance for the Scandinavians.

Tatyana McFadden switched to winter sport just weeks after winning her latest wheelchair marathon major in New York, USA, bringing her total to four for 2013. McFadden finished in 11th place.

Cross country events at the 2013 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup continue until Thursday (12 December). On Tuesday (10 December) skiers head out for the sprint events.

Nearly 100 athletes from 12 countries in total will compete in the cross country and biathlon competitions, which begin on Saturday (14 December).

More pictures are available here and video highlights will be available everyday here. Updates will also be posted to Facebook and Twitter.

Results here.

December 09, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – This holiday season, give the gift that skiing fans on your list can enjoy all year long – a subscription to SkiTrax! North America’s Nordic Skiing mag will keep the xc skier you love in the loop with features, gear reviews, race coverage, and columns that cover the fabulous world of Nordic skiing. Plus, when you purchase the first gift subscription at regular price, you will save $5 on each additional 1-year gift subscription. The purchaser (a.k.a. YOU!) can also be the recipient of any gift subscription.

To order your SkiTrax gift subscriptions, click here.

December 08, 2013 (Lillehammer, Norway) – The US Women’s team claimed a bitter-sweet bronze following a valiant bid for silver by Jessie Diggins on the final leg of the 4x5km relay in tough snowy conditions. A mishap in the final 2km allowed Finland’s Krista Lahteenmaki to take second behind Norway’s Marit Bjoergen who easily captured the gold on home turf with a 1:13 margin. The USA’s second team – a first for the Americans to run with two squads – also had a solid day driving for a top-10 finish but ended up 12th as snow fell throughout the race which made for challenging skiing. (full audio interview at bottom).

Fresh falling snow and minus 10 degrees temperatures greeted the skiers on the start line as the Kikkan Randall began the first classic leg for the Americans and lead for most of it handing off to Sadie Bjornsen in third as Heidi Weng took over as the lap ended with Norway II’s Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg catching them both at the transition. Randall was on fire today and kept pace with Weng as the USA 2’s Sophie Caldwell also had a strong run racing with the leaders as she tagged Ida Sargent in 6th.

“We learned some lessons last season with our 3rd place in Gallivare, Sweden. It was an historic day but at the next relay in La Clusaz, France we were struggling. We know that on a good day we can be in the fight for the podium, but we can’t take anything for granted,” Randall told Trax post-race.

“I was a bit anxious starting the classic today in tricky conditions but I was psyched and had the team energy behind me. I had a good start and took the lead and when Weng attacked I still had good energy to stay with her. I was confident that if I tagged off to Sadie and did my job that things would go well.

“Conditions were difficult but it made for a fun day in epic conditions. I had such tremendous confidence in our girls and it was so good to see our second team in the hunt as well. Every leg of the relay the girls skiied really gutsy and with better luck today we would have been fighting for the silver… just knowing that is awesome,” she continued.

Caldwell’s first relay with the team was a coup that put them in the running as well in 6th place. “My skis were great! I kicked up everything and they were fast. I also like the powdery conditions for classic skiing, so I was happy! I was very satisfied with my race. It was exciting to be towards the front and to be able to ski with the leaders. It was a short race and I felt great. I just tried to work myself into a good position and then follow people stride-for-stride and hang on for as long as possible,” she commented.

On the second classic leg Norway’s Therese Johaug motored away building a commanding lead of almost 40s while Bjornsen battled Finland’s Anne Kylloenen as she held her own for most of the leg. The race was on for the silver with Kylloenen edging past Bjornsen to take a small lead on the second lap but the Alaska skier closed it down by the time they tagged off only one second apart.

“I haven’t skied a second leg in years. I am usually the one going out first. It was exciting because Kikkan put me right in there. I knew Johaug would go hard so I tried to just work with that Finnish girl [Kylloenen]. With such variable conditions you have to collect your mind to stay in the race…but the conditions were the same for everyone. It was great to be in the hunt for a medal…we were right where we belong and it was fun to find a way to make it work and beat the weather,” shared Bjornsen.

Behind Ida Sargent skied a very strong leg as well losing a bit of ground tagging off to Holly Brooks in 7th. “It was a fun day out there. Awesome to have two teams with eight girls racing hard and for the first team to get the bronze! I think I had a solid leg and I felt better than yesterday,” Sargent told Trax.

“It was snowing super hard and one track was skied in while the other one was full of snow so it was really hard to pass. I got caught in the back when some moves were made early on and then I wasted a lot of energy later on trying to ski through the powder so there were a few frustrating parts of the race but it was really fun to be in the mix with those girls. My skis were good.  It was super soft and powdery out there with all the new falling snow and the hills are really steep so you had to ski light and stay on your toes but our techs did a great job getting skis that would work out there,” she added.

Kristin Stoermer Steira continued Norway’s onslaught as Liz Stephen found herself up against Finland’s Kerttu Niskanen. Lurking behind was Sweden’s Charlotte Kalla who is having a very strong start to the season and was making up ground fast. Stephen attacked but couldn’t drop Niskanen who settled in behind the E. Montpellier, Vermont skier and then decided it was her turn to attack.

As the lap ended Stephen seemed to be running out of gas and almost took a fall in the stadium but she regained her footing and handed off to Diggins as more drama soon unfolded. Meanwhile the USA II’s Brooks was struggling to keep pace in the tough conditions and tagged Rosie Brennan in 10th. The APU skier did her best and ended up 12th on the day out of 18 teams which augurs well for the US squad down the road.

As Marit Bjoergen raced ahead to victory Diggins chased down Krista Lahteenmaki (FIN) as the two engaged in a see-saw battle for the silver. With fans on the edge of their seats Diggins attacked and had the edge on Lahteenmaki as they hit the final downhill and the silver medal looked like it was within her grasp. But destiny had other plans as Diggins ski caught some powder and she went down – Lahteenmaki pounced.

We found out later that Diggins lost her pole and was graciously handed one by the Norwegians as she recovered with enough time to claim the bronze, matching the US squad’s best relay performance to date as she collapsed at the finish.

“When I got the tag, there was only 10 seconds between me and the Finnish girl ahead. She was so reachable but I wanted to make sure that I didn’t go out too hard and blow up… but I also knew Sweden and Norway were behind me. I was able to close down the gap on Finland and felt good,” explained Diggins in a post-race interview with Trax.

“On the long climb, I made a move over the top to drop the Finnish girl and I got in the tracks and settled into my tuck and thought I was doing really good. And then suddenly my tip caught some powder and I crashed really hard. Finland went by and I had to ski the rest of the downhill with one pole. It seemed that one-pole skiing is becoming my thing.

“I was able to get a new pole from Norway which was really sweet. Luckily the gap was big enough and I was able to stay in third which we are psyched about this early in the season. Bad luck happens and that sucks but it is good to know the shape is there. We were fighting the entire time, we never gave up. It was a little bad luck… but that’s racing,” she concluded.

Full Interview with Randall, Bjornsen, Stephen, Diggins

Full results here.
Detailed results here.

December 08, 2013 (Lillehammer, Norway) – Russia has stamped it’s first major victory over Norway this season with a dramatic and stunning win in the men’s 4×7.5 km relay in tough snowy conditions, outfoxing the host country’s top three squads at home in Lillehammer.

Russian anchor Maxim Vylegzhanin was surrounded by a sea of red but kept his cool as he turned the tables on Norway’s top guns including Petter Northug, attacking on the final climb as he distanced himself from his rivals on the final downhill into the stadium to secure the victory for Russia. Finn Haagen Krogh of Norway II claimed second with Northug of Norway I in third, followed by Tore Asle Gjerndalen of Norway III in fourth.

Alexander Legkov (RUS), who set the stage on the penultimate leg, was a key protagonist as he pushed the Norwegians to their limit with a blistering pace that none could follow except Norway I’s Martin Johnrud Sundby and Norway II’s Sjur Roethe. Behind Sweden, France, Germany and the Czech Republic were grappling with the onslaught as they scrambled to recover.

“It is a great day and great victory for us. This season is the most important and I am happy we showed such a great performance in the relay today. Maxim did a great move towards the end. I hope in Sochi we will perform in the same way,” commented Legkov. Their classic men Dimitry Japarov and Alexander Bessmertnykh also earned praise for their strong skiing that kept Russia near the front from the get-go.

Fresh falling snow throughout the race made for tough conditions and the selection came early for many teams as Russia and Norway quickly asserted themselves putting the chasers on their heels as they attempted to stay in the mix. Andy Newell led off for the USA and was going well for most of his leg but couldn’t hold the pace yet remained in the top 10 when he handed off to Kris Freeman.

“Today didn’t go as well as I expected. I was stoked with the soft conditions because I like skiing in stuff like that and started well. I actually got stuck out of the track at about 1km and knew I wasn’t going to get back in line so I hammered to the front and lead the pack up the big climb on the first lap. But I ended up freezing myself like I did in Kuusamo completely numbing my hands and fore arms by the second lap… that was really uncomfortable and I need to figure out what’s going on there.

“I got strung out in the last few k’s which was really disappointing. In general it wasn’t a great day for the men, I think we all lost about 1 minute per leg which is definitely not where we want to be, but as the scrambler I take responsibility. It’s my job to get us off to a good start and set the tone for the relay. I know we can do much better next time,” said Newell by email.

Team Canada started with Len Valjas, who sat out of yesterday’s race so as not to stress his knee that was operated on back in Aug. but Valjas admitted that while his knee felt good his form is not there yet and given the conditions it was a day of catch up for the team.

“Conditions were tough today but our wax techs gave us really good skis. As expected my shape is not where I would like it to be.
My knee felt good today, cornering is still a problem but today it was just my fitness that cost me. I really want to train hard, but the knee is really finicky.

“I need to give it lots of rest after strength or intensity. It’s feeling a bit worn out after the first two rounds of World Cups. So for Davos, I will only race the sprint. I am confident with my sprinting ability and look forward to getting in the points before Christmas,” he commented.

Valjas handed off to Alex Harvey, who is normally the team’s anchor, but swapped positions with Devon Kershaw not to stress his left leg which was operated on back in 2008 to correct a circulation problem and doesn’t favour offset skating. Harvey clawed back some time as did Ivan Babikov who led off the first skating leg for the team. Kershaw brought them home in 14th at the end of a tough day at the office.

For Team USA Freeman, Noah Hoffman and Simi Hamilton gave it their best but it was not in the cards today as Hamilton crossed the line in 17th and both teams set their sights on Davos.

“It was a tough day indeed. I felt OK but not great,” the Hoff told SkiTrax. “It’s tough to race completely alone. I focused on skiing the race like an individual start. Historically I have struggled in soft skating conditions yet I think I have made improvement in this area. I’m looking forward to testing my skating again next week.”

The expected rivalry between powerhouse Norway and Russia, the new kid on the block, has delivered a dynamite race with a classic victory for the underdog. The next relay is in Sochi so it seems the edge goes to the host team but Norway can never be counted out as the anticipation builds to the Olympic matchup.

Full results here.
Detailed results here.

December 08, 2013 (Lillehammer, Norway) – Canada’s Taylor Henrich placed a strong 10th behind Japanese super-star, Sara Takanashi, who took the victory at the women’s ski jumping World Cup opener in Lillehammer, Norway against the largest field of women ever. Takanashi won with jumps on 102m and 96.5m and a total of 286.0 points.

The USA’s Jessica Jerome jumped into 19th-place to secure the top spot for the U.S. Ski Team. Austria’s Daniela Iraschko-Stolz with 270.0 points was second tied with 14 year old German youngster, Gianina Ernst.

Over 70 women from 14 countries competed in Saturday’s historic event, which opened the 2014 Olympic season and the lead up to the first time women’s ski jumping will be included in the Olympic Winter Games.

Full results here.

December 08, 2013 (Hochfilzen, Austria) – Hochfilzen has been good to Norway’s Synnøve Solemdal who claimed her second career victory at the venue in the women’s 10km Pursuit on Sunday with one penalty and a time of 30:16.2. Juliya Dzhyma (Ukr), who shot clean, was with Solemdal on the final standing session but could not contain her rival and settled for second place at 11.5 seconds back. Behind Krystyna Palka of Poland, who also shot clean, was able to overtake Veronika Vitkova of Czech Republic before the final standing session as the two battled for the bronze with Palka earning the second podium of her career.

Canada’s Rosanna Crawford landed in the points finishing 26th suffering four penalties at 2:18.6 behind the winner with teammate Megan Imrie in 45th at 3:42.7 with five penalties. Veteran Zina Kocher had a tough day on the range missing 10 targets to finish 57th. No American women qualified to race.

In the men’s 12.5-kilometer Pursuit the USA’s Tim Burke lead the North American charge racing to 21st with two penalties at 1:32.3 behind Martin Fourcade (FRA) who suffered one miss on his way to claiming World Cup win #27 with a time of 34:15.6.

Fourcade was able to dispense with Sprint winner Lars Berger (NOR), who was leading for the first half but faltered with five penalties on the standing sessions. Fourcade shot clean on the final time standing to claim the win as top Norwegian Emil Hegle Svendsen, who also only had one penalty, was able to outpace his rivals for the silver with teammate Tarjei Boe claiming third with two misses.

Following Burke was Canada’s Nathan Smith in 27th with one penalty as Lowell Bailey (USA) finished 30th at 1:52.3 with four penalties. Canada’s Jean-Philippe Le Guellec was just outside the points in 32nd with 4 misses as teammate Brendan Green finished 43rd with three penalties.

“I feel like my performance today was better than the actual result,” said Burke. “With only two penalties, I expected to move up further today but I guess everyone was performing well. I think my ski shape is getting better with every race so I am looking forward to next week’s races in France!”

Women’s results here.
Men’s results here.

December 07, 2013 (Lillehammer, Norway) – Canada’s Alex Harvey was the top North American finisher with a solid 16th-place finish in the men’s 15km CL individual start in the new Lillehammer on a windy, cold (-10C) day as Norway’s Paal Golberg scored his first WCup win today in front of a home crowd.

Golberg’s took the victory by 14.2s ahead of second-placed Alexey Poltroranin (KAZ) and his teammate Didrik Toenseth (NOR) in third. Swedish aces Marcus Hellner and Johan Olsson were 4th and 5th respectively.

Harvey was the lone North American in the points which augurs well for his progression but in fact he was a bit surprised that he did so well as he found that the course didn’t really suit his classic strengths.

“I’m happy with my result as it was a pretty intimidating course that didn’t play to my strengths – all striding and climbing with no flats other than 200m in the stadium – so given all of that and the early season I feel pretty good to bounce back from Kuusamo… and I’m happy with my day.”

“My skis were good…it was minus 6 so I don’t think anyone had bad skis but noone had amazing fast skis either so it was a pretty fair game for everybody.”

Head Coach Justin Wadsworth added that Harvey’s good result was even more encouraging given that Olympic spots are on the line so lots of skiers are hungry.

Fellow Canucks and teammates Ivan Babikov (CAN), Devon Kershaw (CAN), and Jesse Cockney (CAN) finished 35th, 56th, and 68th, respectively. The US team skiers were also out of the points with Noah Hoffman in 41st while Kris Freeman and Michael Sinnott (USA) placed 75th and 81st respectively.

Len Valjas took a break to rest up for Sunday’s relay as he’ll be leading off with Harvey second followed by Babikov 3rd and Kershaw the team’s anchor. “It’s going to be tough and the course favours offset skating which isn’t great for my leg,” said Harvey, “And with my classic result today we decided to switch things around as I normally race the last leg.”

For the Americans it’s Andy Newell leading off followed by Kris Freeman and then Noah Hoffman takes over with Simi Hamilton skiing the last leg for the red, white and blue.

Results

1. Paal Golberg (NOR) 35:00.0
2. Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ) +14.2
3. Didrik Toenseth (NOR) +15.5
4. Marcus Hellner (SWE) +20.2
5. Johan Olsson (SWE) +21.4
16. Alex Harvey (CAN) +50.2
35. Ivan Babikov (CAN) +1:23.6
41. Noah Hoffman (USA) +1:31.9
56. Devon Kershaw (CAN) +2:03.7
68. Jesse Cockney (CAN) +2:44.2
75. Kris Freeman (USA) +3:33.3
81. Michael Sinnott (USA) +5:06.0

Complete results are available HERE.

December 07, 2013 (Lillehammer, Norway) – The USA’s Sadie Bjornsen continues to outperform matching her career-best 7th place in the women’s 10km CL individual start today at round 2 of the FIS XC World Cup in Lillehammer, Norway in cold (-10) windy conditions. Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) asserted her authority claiming the victory by 12.4s over Charlotte Kalla (SWE) who is also showing consistent good form early in the season for another podium result. Norwegian legend Marit Bjørgen settled for third with teammate Therese Johaug in 4th and Russian Yulia Tchekaleva in 5th. The USA’s Kikkan Randall had a solid day in 18th as Jessie Diggins also landed in the points placing 30th followed by Ida Sargent in 39th. No Canadians competed.

Bjornsen enjoyed a stint in the race leader’s chair as well which added some lustre to her day. “It’s exciting to have another consistent result the same as last weekend and it was fun to watch the race from the leader’s chair. You never know what’s going to happen each weekend but when you can do it twice it’s always more rewarding. Each race you become more comfortable and I had great skis. It was cold and windy out there but once you got going it was fine and the course was challenging – lot’s of up and down and you’re definitely working every second. I mentioned to my Mom that Kuusamo was the toughest course I’d done but now it’s Lillehammer,” Bjornsen told Trax post race – full interview to follow.

For Randall it was another good day at the office. “Yep, another solid day here in Lillehammer. It was a tough course for sure but it actually skied pretty well. Lots of different sections and fun downhills to keep your attention! My skis were great today and the conditions were just about as perfect as it gets for classic skiing, nice hard track and easy to get strong kick.

“I felt like I had good energy out there but wasn’t able to ski as technically well as I wanted. I skied an even pace but I still can’t quite seem to find that real aggressive race gear. I was hoping for a little better today but it was still a solid race. I think this will be the perfect preparation for the relay tomorrow. Out teams haven’t been confirmed quite yet but I think I’ll be skiing a classic leg on our first team,” Randall told SkiTrax. The USA will be fielding two women’s teams – a first – and all eight girls will be racing.

Diggins had great skis and feels her classic is improving and of course she was excited with her teammate’s performance. “I am so proud of Sadie for today’s gutsy race! It was a hard course out there, with great trails that flowed up and down and around with wide grooming and great fans lining the sides.

“I had great skis, and I was so excited to feel like there were some spots out there today where I was skiing with much better technique than last year! I didn’t pace my race very well and flooded my legs a bit in the second lap, so I definitely lost time and if I had to do it again I know what I’d fix, but overall I’m happy to get in the points in a classic race with the Norwegian nation’s cup field racing!

As for tomorrow’s relay Diggins is dialed. “Of course, I love relays so much that I am really REALLY pumped for tomorrow. I’m excited to skate the anchor leg and I think this course will be a good one for transitions, which I really like,” she commented.

Bjornsen is looking forward to tomorrow’s relay, “It’s going to be really exciting and I’m looking forward to it… all the girls agree it’s the most exciting race of them all.” The final line up for both US relay teams will be decided later today.

Check out Bjornsen’s FIS XC pre-race interview here.

Results

1. Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) 13:33.7
2. Charlotte Kalla (SWE) 12.4
3. Marit Bjørgen (NOR) 25.6
4. Therese Johaug (NOR) 39.0
5. Yulia Tchekaleva (RUS) 1:03.1
6. Heidi Weng (NOR) 1:06.8
7. Sadie Bjornsen (USA) 1:18.3
18. Kikkan Randall (USA) 1:50.4
30. Jessie Diggins (USA) 2:33.4
39. Ida Sargent (USA) 2:53.5

Full results HERE

December 06, 2013 (Hochfilzen, Austria) – Canada’s Jean-Philippe Le Guellec, 28, finished a strong 13th with one penalty in the men’s 10km sprint on Friday amidst strong winds and moderate snow, at 55s behind winner Lars Berger (NOR) who took the win at round #2 of the IBU World Cup in Hochfilzen, Austria with a time of 25:02.0 (0+2). Last year in Hochfilzen Le Guellec was 10th after his historic first World Cup win in Oestersund the previous weekend.

The USA’s Lowell Bailey was just behind Le Guellec shooting clean in 16th while teammate Tim Burke placed 24th also suffering two misses like Berger who lead from the start and could not be reeled in by World Cup leader Martin Fourcade (FRA) in second at 13.6s with clean shooting. Legendary Norwegian, Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, landed third on the podium just behind Fourcade at 15.3s.

Canada’s Brendan Green also made his return to the World Cup after a year off with injury where he placed 31st at 26:41.9 (1+1) while Calgary’s Nathan Smith was 48th with a time of 27:13.4 (0+1). The USA’s Jeremy Teela finished 65th (27:39.8/+2), and Sean Doherty finished 99th (29:51.3/+5). Leif Nordgren did not start due to illness.

In the women’s 7.5km Sprint Switzerland’s Selina Gasparin (SUI) braved tough conditions including strong winds and light snow to claim her career-first World Cup victory with one penalty in 23:16.9. Canada’s Rosanna Crawford led the North American charge celebrating one of her best ever World Cup results, finishing in 24:04.0 after missing two shots – her best World Cup result is 12th.

Veronika Vitkova (CZE), who shot clean, took second finishing at 1.2 seconds back, while Irina Starykh (RUS) also cleaned all targets earning her first World Cup podium taking third at 2.1 seconds back.

“In biathlon there is always that “what if” scenario that you try not to think about, but today my what if I had shot clean – it would have meant a great day,” said Crawford, who was also 17th at last year’s World Championships. “Our skis were amazing today. The wax techs really nailed it today, and it was a good day for our women’s team as a whole.”

Canada’s Zina Kocher also missed a shot in each of her two stops at the range to finish 25th with a time of 24:19.7 while Megan Imrie was 35th at 24:40.9 (0+2). The USA’s Lanny Barnes finished 65th (25:33.2/+1), Susan Dunklee (Barton, VT) was 66th (25:34.7/+4) and Megan Heinicke rounded out the Canadian contingent in 70th at 25:40.4 (1+3). Following her was American Hannah Dreissigacker in 71st (25:41.4/+4) with Annelies Cook finishing 79th (25:55.4/+4).

Women’s results here.
Men’s results here.

and Rosanna Crawford led the charge on a successful day for the Canadians at the Biathlon World Cup in Hochfilzen, Austria on Friday.

The 28-year-old Le Guellec sprinted to 13th place in the men’s 10-kilometre sprint event,

December 06, 2013 – In this edition of Talkin’ With the Gravy Train, host Peter Graves talks with Mike Jaquet, the Chief Marketing Officer of the US Ski and Snowboard Association for a live conversation about the recent exciting USSA announcement regarding securing the media rights to the U.S. Alpine and Nordic World Championships broadcasts in 2015 and 2017 – read more here. The joint venture is the first time a National Ski Association has entered into a broadcast partnership at this level with a global rights holder like EUROVISION. Jaquet, a former executive for the CBS Sports network, gives us the inside scoop about this great television contract for the USA and how it will lead to more coverage of Nordic skiing in the future. A graduate of the University of Colorado, Jaquet was a member of the school’s Nordic ski team and he spoke with Graves from Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Interview with Mike Jaquet

December 05, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – SkiTrax caught up with Canadian XC skier and 2006 Olympian Amanda Ammar in Canmore to get the scoop on her training and season plans. Ammar won the women’s NorAm overall championship last year season, but chose not to race in Europe, explaining that staying closer to home would better suit her prep. The 2013/14 NorAm season gets underway this weekend Dec. 7-8 at Sovereign Lake, BC. Ammar also revealed she’s dealing with an injury, but is still able to log quality training as she gears up for the Olympic trials in her quest to qualify for the Sochi 2014 Games: “I’ve just come to the conclusion that I have to win [trials],” said Ammar.

December 02, 2013 (Kuusamo, Finland) – SkiTrax caught up with USST skiers Kikkan Randall, Noah Hoffman, Liz Stephen, and Jessie Diggins, as well as Coach Chris Grover and got their take on the FIS World Cup kick-off in Kuusamo, Finland. Randall and Noah “The Hoff” Hoffman both made history as she earned her first Classic Sprint podium, while Hoffman made a huge performance gain over last year claiming the fastest time in the men’s 15km FR Pursuit for his first quasi WCup victory while placing 9th in the mini tour.

Noah Hoffman

Kikkan Randall

Liz Stephen

Jessie Diggins

Chris Grover

November 30, 2013 (West Yellowstone, MO) – Caitlin Gregg (Team Gregg/Madshus) delivered another decisive victory in the women’s 10km FR race on day two of the USSA SuperTour in West Yellowstone on Saturday. Gregg was a comfortable 1:21.4 ahead of her nearest rival, Caitlin Patterson (Craftsbury GRP) as she decimated the field. Kate Fitzgerald was third at 1:45.8 behind the winner.

Brian Gregg (Team Gregg/Madshus) settled for second behind winner Mads Stroem (University of Colorado) from Norway. Sylvan Ellefson (SSC Vail – Team HomeGrown) claimed the final podium spot.

More photos here

Junior Masters 5km results HERE.
Women’s results HERE.
Men’s results HERE.

November 30, 2013 (Kuusamo, Finland) – Following today’s races at round 2 of the Ruka Triple in Kuusamo, Finland we caught up American Sadie Bjornsen who had another top 10 result placing a career-best 7th in the women’s 5km CL individual start, Canada’s Ivan Babikov was the top North American man placing 21st in the men’s 10km CL, the USA’s Holly Brooks shares her thoughts on being named to the US Women’s “A” Team + Alex Harvey and Kikkan Randall sent us comments on today’s races…

Sadie Bjornsen

Ivan Babikov

Holly Brooks

Alex Harvey – 30th in Men’s 10km CL
The race was ok for me, I felt decent the whole way but I started a bit too slow in the first 2km. The track was getting faster every five minutes and I felt like I would glide further down the hills in my 2nd lap, which is unusual. I think the guys with a late start got a bit of an advantage today. These are also the first races for me…we chose to go for better training conditions in Davos so we had to sacrifice some early races. We are thinking that it will pay off down the road. So considering all that I’m satisfied with a top 30 today.

Kikkan Randall – 15th Women’s 5km CL
Another solid day for me although I was hoping for a little better. My energy was good and the skis were kicking really well. I think I started off a little too conservative and gave up time in the first half of the race. The second half was better. We don’t race 5km events too often, so it was fun to make one hard lap. Super cool to see Sadie have another fantastic performance. I think we’re all pretty excited for the relay in Lillehammer next week!

Today’s race sets me up well for tomorrow. I am looking forward to have a skating race on the final day!!  I love these mini-tour formats and I like head-to-head racing, so tomorrow will be fun to go chase after some girls!

November 30, 2013 (Ostersund, Sweden) – The US Biathnlon team’s Tim Burke landed on the podium in third today’s 10km sprint in Ostersund with clean shooting at 31.3 seconds behind winner Martin Fourcade (FRA) who made it 2-for-2 in Sweden with one penalty. Local favourite Fredrick Lindstroem (SWE), who also shot clean, finished second despite a fall in the last kilometer of the race which likely cost him the win.

Burke from Paul Smiths, NY was leading through the early stages of the race, was not able to hold off Fourcade and Lindstrom but Fourcade fumbled with a penalty in standing while Lindström shot clean to take the lead. When Lindstroem fell with just over 1km to go Fourcade was ready and scored his second victory in Ostersund.

“I am very happy with my performance today, especially the shooting,” said Burke. “My goal going into the race today was to be aggressive on the shooting range and I was able to carry that through. I was actually a little surprised to make it to the podium today with how I felt skiing. I felt like I started the race strong, but it was really tough for me in the last lap. I definitely still need some more races to reach my racing shape, so considering that I am thrilled with how things turned out. Now I am looking forward to an exciting pursuit tomorrow!”

Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, NY) finished 14th with one penalty followed by Canada’s Scott Perras from Regina in 34th also suffering one penalty. Further back was Leif Nordgren (Marine, MN) in 41st (1+0), Calgary’s Nathan Smith was 45th (1+0), Jean-Philippe Le Guellec, of Shannon, Que., was 69th (2+2), Jeremy Teela (Heber City, UT) was 87th (0+4), and Sean Doherty (Center Conway, NH) finished 89th (1+2).

“I’m happy with the race today,” said Bailey, “Of course, I would have like to hit that last prone shot, but there are always a lot of “what if’s” in biathlon. I’m happy that my ski speed improved from the first race and I’m in a good position for the pursuit tomorrow.”

Full results here.

With files from US Biathlon and Biathlon Canada

November 30, 2013 (Kuusamo, Finland) – Canada’s Ivan Babikov lead the North American charge on day 2 of the Ruka Triple in Kuusamo placing 21st in the men’s 10km CL individual start as Lukas Bauer (CZE) showed his form besting Norway’s Eldar Roenning by a 3s-margin for the victory with Russia’s Dmitriy Japarov taking third. Bauer and Germany’s Tim Tscharnke were the only non-Norwegian or Russian skiers in the top 10 indicating the powerhouse battle that seems to be shaping up this Olympic season.

Team USA’s Noah Hoffman also delivered a respectable 28th landing in the points as did Alex Harvey for Canada in 30th while veteran American Kris Freeman was 57th followed by Canadian stud Devon Kershaw in 65th. Sprinter Andy Newell (USA) placed 77th with teammate Simi Hamilton 79th as rookie Canadian Jesse Cockney was 92nd followed by his teammate Len Valjas, who tested out his knee again, finishing 110th. The USA’s Mike Sinnott was 114th.

Roenning leads the mini series with Japarov 2nd and Paal Goldberg (NOR) in third. Harvey leads the North American men in 27th overall.

Full results HERE.
Overall standings HERE.

November 30, 2013 (Kuusamo, Finland) – American Sadie Bjornsen had another dynamite day claiming a career-best 7th place in the women’s 5km CL individual start at round 2 of the Ruka Triple in Kuusamo as Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) took her second straight victory. Marit Bjørgen (NOR) asserted herself landing second on the podium with teammate Therese Johaug in 3rd. Kikkan Randall was also in the points in 15th followed by Ida Sargent in 35th, Jessie Diggins in 40th, Sophie Caldwell in 47th, Holly Brooks 53rd, Liz Stephen 56th, Rosie Brennan 67th and Canada’s Dasha Gaiazova in 90th. With her victory Kowalczyk has extended her lead in the overall mini-tour standings – Randall is 3rd, Bjornsen is 13th and Sargent is 21st.

Results

1. Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) 13:33.7
2. Marit Bjørgen (NOR) 13:36.7
3. Therese Johaug (NOR) 13:48.3
4. Yulia Tchekaleva (RUS) 13:52.1
5. Charlotte Kalla (SWE) 13:52.4
6. Krista Lahteenmaki(FIN) 14:00.0
7. Sadie Bjornsen (USA) 14:02.7
8. Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen (NOR) 14:07.6
9. Heidi Weng (NOR) 14:13.0
10. Masako Ishida (JPN) 14:15.9

Full results HERE.
Overall standings HERE.

November 29, 2013 (West Yellowstone, MO) – Top women’s qualifier Caitlin Gregg (Team Gregg/Madshus) was unstoppable logging the fastest time in the qualifications and dusting the fields in her heats to take the victory in the women’s 1.3km FR Sprint today in West Yellowstone, MO as the 2014 USSA SuperTour gets underway. Jennie Bender (Bridger Ski Foundation) claimed second while APU’s Becca Rorabaugh was third.

In the men’s race it was Sweden’s Emil Johansson (IK Jarl Rattvik) taking the win over Reese Hanneman (APUNSC) in second with top qualifier Ryan Scott (Ski and Snowboard) in third.

More photos here

Women’s Qualifications Here
Women’s Qualifications Here

Women’s Heats and Final Here
Men’s Heats and Final Here

November 29, 2013 (Kuusamo, Finland) – SkiTrax caught up with Kikkan Randall following her first Classic Sprint podium today in the women’s 1.4km CL Sprint final in Kuusamo at round #1 of the at the FIS World Cup for her take on this milestone in her stellar career – full results and race report here.

November 24, 2013 (Beitostølen, Norway) – Defending Sprint Cup champ, American Kikkan Randall, wasted no time showing her form as the US team took home their first FIS podium this weekend with Randall winning the women’s 1km Sprint FR in Beitostølen, Norway. Team USA had a strong day qualifying five skiers lead by Randall in 7th, Jessie Diggins in 8th, Sophie Caldwell in 9th, Ida Sargent in 13th and Sadie Bjornsen in 14th.

Randall was the only US skier to advance making a strong move on the major climb on the course to move into the lead in the final and held it all the way to the finish line ahead of a pair of Slovenian skiers Vesna Fabjan (2nd) and Katja Visnar (3rd).  The fastest qualifier of the day Celine Brun-Lie (NOR) fell in the finals but managed to still cross the line in 5th. Top Norwegian Marit Bjoergen ended up 4th on the day.

“It feels really good. This weekend is really just a warm up to get us ready for the World Cup next weekend. But it’s great to see that the sprinting legs are still strong. The team did really well with five girls qualifying…everyone is feeling great and psyched,” Randall told Trax post-race while driving to Oslo.

We wondered how her previously injured foot has been doing and Randall gives it two thumbs up. “My foot’s been good since last season. I had a little bit of Achilles trouble this summer problems but we’ve got it to a really good spot and it’s all feeling great.” – check back for our full interview with Randall.

In the men’s race the USA’s Andy Newell qualified 4th and delivered fast skiing to capitalize as a Lucky Loser twice, and advanced to the men’s final where he finished 6th. Sondra Turvoll Fossli of Norway, the day’s fastest qualifier easily moved through the heats to the final where he proved too strong for the rest of the field. Finn Hågen Krogh crossed the line in second place just ahead of teammate Eirik Brandsdal for third.

Simi Hamilton qualified 15th but did not advance past his quarterfinal round while veteran Torin Koos was 32nd and did not advance to the heats.

With files from FIS XC.

Women’s Q here.
Women’s heats here.
Women’s final here.

Men’s Q here.
Men’s heats here.
Men’s final here.

November 22, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – With one week to go before the kick-off of the 2013/14 Viessmann XC FIS World Cup season, we’re stoked to announce that we have well over 100 teams entered for our annual SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup Contest for contestants around the world vying for over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs.

To be eligible to win please register your team of four (4) men, and four (4) women including two (2) Outlaw Skiers – one (1) male and one (1) female not in the top 15 of the FIS World Cup overall rankings.

Points will be awarded following each World Cup based on each skier’s performance and published regularly at skitrax.com so you can see how your score compares to other international players and the actual FIS standings. Earn bonus TdS or Sochi 2014 points, and other bonus points – all information, skier menus and contest rules are available when you register your team.

These are the only FIS Fantasy Nordic contests of their kind worldwide so don’t miss your chance to enjoy fabulous top level xc ski racing and the chance to win fabulous prizes.

The deadline to register or revise your team is Thursday, Nov. 28, at 10pm EST, the day before the Viessmann XC FIS World Cup season kicks off in Kuusamo, Finland –  good luck to all contestants.

Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Fischer, Nipika Mountain Resort, Rudy Project, Salomon, Marwe, Halti, Bjorn Daehlie, Exer-Genie, Madshus, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, and Buff.

To register click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2013/14 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 13/14 Speedmax Skate or Classic Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,200)
* 2nd Prize – Nipika Mountain Resort – 2 nights lodging in fully equipped cabin incl. all amenities (value $675)
* 3rd Prize – Rudy Project Sunglasses For Sport Agon + For Life Spinhawk (value $450)
* 4th Prize – Salomon S-Lab Skate or Classic boots ($450sk/$299cl)
* 5th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349)
* 6th Prize – Halti Nokka XC Outfit (value $325)
* 7th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 8th Prize – Exer-Genie XC Trainer (value $229)
* 9th Prize –Madshus K it w/Ski Bag, Waist Belt Bag, Headware (value $130)
* 10th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski (value $25)

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).

November 20, 2013 – In this edition of Talkin’ with the Gravy Train, host Peter Graves chats with Noah Hoffman, now a six-year member of the US Ski Team about the upcoming season. By the time this interview airs “The Hoff” will be with his team putting the finishing touches on a very big and important season in Europe.

Hoffman, an Aspen, Colorado resident, is passionate about the sport and his improvement and is clearly becoming a serious international contender in distance skiing. His top-10 finish in a World Cup in Canmore last December and his top-15 result at last season’s World Championships served as proof positive of his growing prowess.

In this interview, Hoffman covers a lot of ground, from his outlook on this Olympic season, his surgery on a torn labrum in his left shoulder at the end of the World Cup season and his recovery, and how he stays motivated.

Further, he talks about his steady progress in the sport and of the trails in Sochi and how challenging they will be. We think you’ll enjoy this conversation that took place recently with the “Hoff”.

Interview with Noah Hoffman