January 01, 2013 – Canadian Men – told you the lactate monkey would be gone – those guys are starting to look like last year. I’ve now watched Valjas a number of times and it is like the pack goes to sleep and all of a sudden he explodes on them at the finish line. He is a very advanced skier mentally, strategically and tactically for such a young guy. He always seems to be in the right place at the right, like his leg split finish today and just being a few strides behind Cologna when he tripped himself and Lenny slid around him. Got quite the future in front of him.

Kikkan and the Ladies Team – Last year she was on the podium a total of 5 times – she is already at 7 podiums this year. So, much for that foot thing that happened – what foot thing?? Also, what was the beat down at the last part of the final sprint about – WOW, did she ever put a trip on the rest of the field – 8.8 seconds!!! That was huge! You other ladies I’m so impressed as the  whole skiing world is – keep pounding on those guys over there – no mercy.

Val Mustair Sprint Course – simply one of the best courses on the Tour – all sorts of terrain, steep skiable uphill that made a big difference, fast turny downhills that could cost you, and plenty of places to pass. Kudos to the designers.

Ida Sargent – after three races on the TdS and Ida being home, she is still 27th in the overall WC standings.

Talk to You Soon!