FasterSkier

Category: XCFeeds

A collection of live feeds from cross-country ski blogs around the web.

  • Hanover EC Pictures

    Here are some pictures that Herve P took at the Hanover Eastern Cup on Saturday. We had a good solid day with many top results and great efforts. After the race, the boys team went to Paddy’s for the night, while the girls headed over to Plymouth. Thanks to Margaret for a great dinner and to the boys for some fine entertainment playing Rock Band. Tyler got the team off to a great start when he cruised to a 30 second victory.
    Patrick O’B sporting the EC leaders bib…and…winning.
    Rachel.
    Paddy.
    Nick.
    Mac.
    Izzy.
    Issy.
    Heather.
    Heather.
    Hallie.
    Charlie.
    Cambria.
    Brooke.
    Bridger.
    Austin.

  • Madtown

    Ski racing has taken me to a lot of places.  However, it has never taken me to the center of national political and media attention.  When I was packing for the Madison SuperTour, aka Madison Winter Festival, on Wednesday night, I never would have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that the next three days would turn out the way they did.

    If you’ve been out of touch with the world for the last three days, you can catch up on recent events in Madison here.  Cork, Eric, & I left Hayward early Thursday morning.  After a couple of weeks in Hayward, we’d been looking forward to getting to Madison for some skiing and culture.  Along the drive, the radio stations were buzzing with reports of protests on the Capitol Square in Madison.  “Cool,” we thought, “that’s right where we’re going!”  Madtown was living up to its reputation already.

    Wisconsin State Capitol Building, Madison

    30,000 protesters, mostly state employees including teachers, police, firemen, and union workers attended the protest on Thursday.  Needless to say, there was an impressive turnout.  State Street is Madison’s pedestrian street linking the University to the Capital.  State Street was full with possibly the most friendly protest I could ever imagine, including teachers and families, despite some exaggerated media reports of “riots.”

    State Street

    there was lots of media coverage, both local and nation

    Of course, being on State Street, there’s also some great cuisine and we ate well all weekend, including this curry at Buraka, an East African restaurant in town.

    Unfortunately, we found out later that evening that the City of Madison pulled Winter Fest’s permit to hold the ski races on Saturday and Sunday.  In addition to the protests, the temperatures were above 50 degrees (see next blog post) meaning the area lakes and ski trails were all flooded.  Bottom line: no ski racing in Madison.  Bummer.

    In the end, over 60,000 people descended on the Capitol on Friday, including Jesse Jackson.  The above shot shows the course we were supposed to be skiing on the next day.  Personally, I think they should have held the races.  60,000 spectators and national media attention?  Promoting ski racing doesn’t get much better than that!

    Instead, I traveled to Green Bay on Saturday with the 15 foreign skiers from Switzerland, Russia, and Norway for the annual Stump Farm race packed with gear into the two CXC Team vans.

    "got any more room in there?"

    Needless to say, it was likely the strongest international field ever for the local Stump Farm invite.

    Unfortunately, we missed out on the big SuperTour purse in Madison.  Instead, I won a jar of pickles.  Some of the most savory pickles I have ever tasted!

    What was the most unexpected event of the weekend?  The VIP tour of Lambeau Field of course!

    Two weeks after the Packers won the Super Bowl, I was able to walk out onto the hallowed ground of Lambeau Field. It was like a pilgrimage to Mecca.

    I think I was the only person in the group to have any appreciation for what we were actually doing, but man, it was cool.

    the international field

    We even got to check out the locker room. . .

    . . .and see a replica of the minnesota vikings trophy case ;)

    We’ve now got another 15 Packer Backers from the international Packer Nation.

    Is that Peter Skinstad of Norway or Ryan Grant of Green Bay? I'm not sure. . .

    To break up the long drive home, we stopped at a snowmobile bar in Wisconsin for burgers and fries.

    After an eventful weekend, it was great to be back home in Hayward last night.  The Birkie trail was as fast as I’ve ever seen it this morning and I’m looking forward to the big Birkie week ahead.  Stay tuned. . .

  • Race Snapshot: Drammen Freestyle Sprint

    I’d say someone has this freestyle sprinting thing dialed in pretty well, wouldn’t you? And what a race from Alex Harvey, much better sprint race for him. I have the heat times again, so an analysis of those will be in the works for tomorrow…

    Related posts:

    1. <Race Snapshot: Davos WC Sprint
    2. <Tour de Ski Freestyle Sprint Recap
    3. <Race Snapshot: Liberec Freestyle Sprint


  • North American Skiing’s Best-Ever Day

    Today’s freestyle sprints at Drammen have to rank up as the best-ever day for North American cross-country skiing: Canadian Alex Harvey took second behind only Emil Jönsson and ahead of Petter Northug in the men’s race, and American Kikkan Randall won the women’s race, which included an out-of-the-running Marit Bjørgen. And both results sheets had plenty of other good results. On the men’s side,

  • North American Skiing’s Best-Ever Day

    Today’s freestyle sprints at Drammen have to rank up as the best-ever day for North American cross-country skiing: Canadian Alex Harvey took second behind only Emil Jönsson and ahead of Petter Northug in the men’s race, and American Kikkan Randall won the women’s race, which included an out-of-the-running Marit Bjørgen. And both results sheets had plenty of other good results. On the men’s side,

  • North American Skiing’s Best-Ever Day

    Today’s freestyle sprints at Drammen have to rank up as the best-ever day for North American cross-country skiing: Canadian Alex Harvey took second behind only Emil Jönsson and ahead of Petter Northug in the men’s race, and American Kikkan Randall won the women’s race, which included an out-of-the-running Marit Bjørgen. And both results sheets had plenty of other good results. On the men’s side,

  • North American Skiing’s Best-Ever Day

    Today’s freestyle sprints at Drammen have to rank up as the best-ever day for North American cross-country skiing: Canadian Alex Harvey took second behind only Emil Jönsson and ahead of Petter Northug in the men’s race, and American Kikkan Randall won the women’s race, which included an out-of-the-running Marit Bjørgen. And both results sheets had plenty of other good results. On the men’s side,

  • Drammen Sprints

    The freestyle sprints at Konnerud are already under way, but I’ll post the predictions I made yesterday anyhow. With the best Russian men missing, we’re not getting a true picture of that field, but the women’s field is as full of fast racers as it will be next Thursday, when the freestyle sprints will happen at Holmenkollen.

  • Drammen Sprints

    The freestyle sprints at Konnerud are already under way, but I’ll post the predictions I made yesterday anyhow. With the best Russian men missing, we’re not getting a true picture of that field, but the women’s field is as full of fast racers as it will be next Thursday, when the freestyle sprints will happen at Holmenkollen.

  • Drammen Sprints

    The freestyle sprints at Konnerud are already under way, but I’ll post the predictions I made yesterday anyhow. With the best Russian men missing, we’re not getting a true picture of that field, but the women’s field is as full of fast racers as it will be next Thursday, when the freestyle sprints will happen at Holmenkollen.

  • Drammen Sprints

    The freestyle sprints at Konnerud are already under way, but I’ll post the predictions I made yesterday anyhow. With the best Russian men missing, we’re not getting a true picture of that field, but the women’s field is as full of fast racers as it will be next Thursday, when the freestyle sprints will happen at Holmenkollen.

  • Ouch!

    I am back in Italy now after a really tough tour at home.  I had hoped for big results in the US World Cups but it was not to be.  In the end, I had to be happy that I … Continue reading →

  • Ouch!

    I am back in Italy now after a really tough tour at home.  I had hoped for big results in the US World Cups but it was not to be.  In the end, I had to be happy that I … Continue reading →

  • Ouch!

    I am back in Italy now after a really tough tour at home.  I had hoped for big results in the US World Cups but it was not to be.  In the end, I had to be happy that I … Continue reading →

  • SuperTour ski races canceled; Madison Winter Festival downsized due to protests

    Yuriy Gusev had worked hard on this event.  Here is a local article from the Journal Sentinel discribing the unfortunate situation. 

    By Tom Held of the Journal Sentinel

    Feb. 18, 2011

    A stripped-down version of the Madison Winter Festival will match up with the Hoofers Winter Carnival on the UW-Madison Memorial Union Terrace Friday night, but much of the festival has been lost to the protests on the Capitol Square.  The only event salvaged from the Winter Fest melt-down will be the Jeep Downtown Throwdown, a snowboard rail jam competition.  Organizers had expected 40,000 to 60,000 competitors and spectators for the 7th annual Winter Festival, expanded to include a 5K run, a cyclo-cross-style bike race, sledding, skating and other winter activities.

    The thaw wasn’t a problem. Organizers had 90 truckloads of snow ready to spread around the Capitol Square to create the 1/2-kilometer race course for elite and amateur cross-country skiers.

    Authorities pulled the permits, however, because of the ongoing protests over a budget repair bill that would strip collective bargaining rights from public workers. Tens of thousands have surrounded the capitol for much of the week and more demonstrations are expected on Saturday.

    “State and city pulled away our permit so we cannot have any events this weekend on the square,” said Yuriy Gusev, founder and director of the Winter Festival. ”We might have some events at the other location but all races are canceled.

    “It was a long day and we looked in every possible option but unfortunately not much we can do about it.”
     
    Gusev confirmed Friday afternoon that no races would be held at Elver Park, as reported by other media sources.

  • SKI TRAIL PROFILE: Jay Cooke State Park

    51k of pristine classic tracks await you at Jay Cooke State Park!

    Just south of Duluth, MN is an under utilized gem of a ski trail.  Many of you may know Jay Cooke State Park for it’s great hiking and summer time camping.  You should also know it as a premier classic ski trail!
    Jay Cooke State Park is nestled just south of the planets biggest body of fresh water – Lake Superior.  The raging

  • Race Snapshot: Drammen 10/15km Classic

    Not such a hot day for the North Americans, sadly. Hopefully they’ll rebound for World Championships. A hearty congrats to Daniel Rickardsson and Marit Björgen, although some might say that they are now very unlikely to win a gold medal at World Champs. Oh well!

    Related posts:

    1. <Marit Bjoergen’s Best Freestyle Race
    2. <Race Snapshot: Davos WC Classic
    3. <Race Snapshot: TdS Classic Sprint


  • Dolomite Training Camp

    Some Pictures from the Dolomites. Finishing up training for the upcoming World Military Winter Champ’s. Training has progressed well so far. Luckily Mr Wynn Roberts was on th same schedule. Will be following the US Biathlon Team’s results from the European Biathlon Championships in Italy starting on Monday. They should do well there with Wynn, Leif , Russell and BIll contesting for the Podium. Will be sad to leave this Winter Wonderland. Have actually refrained from systematic overtraining. Unbelievably!!
    Since returning from Afghanistan have been able to be involved in a few periods of complete systematic overtraining, overreaching. (Example 60+ hr in 2weeks, with 4 races, at near 7,000ft in West Yellowstone) Fortunately have been able to somewhat recover from these periods. AND now applying common sense to life’s opportunities. For instance: Tomorrow a tempting delectable Euroloppet near here( only 42km) that is on the way to Munchen is being passed by. It would have been awesome to jump in…. but have to fly on Monday to CISM and race Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Another time.

    Looking down into Antholz Valley. THe World Cup Biathon course is on the other side of the Antholz See (lake)

    Up on hte pass above Antholz. A very special place.

    View leaving the parking lot to go to morning training

    Quaint place that is definetely snowparidise

    Quite peculiar to see them removing snow from the ski track. This range is so dialed in that it would out of whack with extra snow.

    Quote of the Day from my 7 yo Will last week
    “When are you going to shave? You look like a Chinese Lady??”
    No idea where he got that from. Believe he meant Man.
    Although the Man is sporting a Faux Hawk, Mullet and some kind of Catfish Hunter Facial Hair.
    Luckily he is pulling it off well.

    Unbelievable, I was too scared to gander inside and inquire what they offered or meant.

    Laying down suppressive fire

    World class shooting coach in action

    Notice the frown. Too many misses.

    Mean Greeny on location in Austrich

  • Dolomite Training Camp

    Some Pictures from the Dolomites. Finishing up training for the upcoming World Military Winter Champ’s. Training has progressed well so far. Luckily Mr Wynn Roberts was on th same schedule. Will be following the US Biathlon Team’s results from the European Biathlon Championships in Italy starting on Monday. They should do well there with Wynn, Leif , Russell and BIll contesting for the Podium. Will be sad to leave this Winter Wonderland. Have actually refrained from systematic overtraining. Unbelievably!!
    Since returning from Afghanistan have been able to be involved in a few periods of complete systematic overtraining, overreaching. (Example 60+ hr in 2weeks, with 4 races, at near 7,000ft in West Yellowstone) Fortunately have been able to somewhat recover from these periods. AND now applying common sense to life’s opportunities. For instance: Tomorrow a tempting delectable Euroloppet near here( only 42km) that is on the way to Munchen is being passed by. It would have been awesome to jump in…. but have to fly on Monday to CISM and race Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Another time.

    Looking down into Antholz Valley. THe World Cup Biathon course is on the other side of the Antholz See (lake)

    Up on hte pass above Antholz. A very special place.

    View leaving the parking lot to go to morning training

    Quaint place that is definetely snowparidise

    Quite peculiar to see them removing snow from the ski track. This range is so dialed in that it would out of whack with extra snow.

    Quote of the Day from my 7 yo Will last week
    “When are you going to shave? You look like a Chinese Lady??”
    No idea where he got that from. Believe he meant Man.
    Although the Man is sporting a Faux Hawk, Mullet and some kind of Catfish Hunter Facial Hair.
    Luckily he is pulling it off well.

    Unbelievable, I was too scared to gander inside and inquire what they offered or meant.

    Laying down suppressive fire

    World class shooting coach in action

    Notice the frown. Too many misses.

    Mean Greeny on location in Austrich

  • Dolomite Training Camp

    Some Pictures from the Dolomites. Finishing up training for the upcoming World Military Winter Champ’s. Training has progressed well so far. Luckily Mr Wynn Roberts was on th same schedule. Will be following the US Biathlon Team’s results from the European Biathlon Championships in Italy starting on Monday. They should do well there with Wynn, Leif , Russell and BIll contesting for the Podium. Will be sad to leave this Winter Wonderland. Have actually refrained from systematic overtraining. Unbelievably!!
    Since returning from Afghanistan have been able to be involved in a few periods of complete systematic overtraining, overreaching. (Example 60+ hr in 2weeks, with 4 races, at near 7,000ft in West Yellowstone) Fortunately have been able to somewhat recover from these periods. AND now applying common sense to life’s opportunities. For instance: Tomorrow a tempting delectable Euroloppet near here( only 42km) that is on the way to Munchen is being passed by. It would have been awesome to jump in…. but have to fly on Monday to CISM and race Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Another time.

    Looking down into Antholz Valley. THe World Cup Biathon course is on the other side of the Antholz See (lake)

    Up on hte pass above Antholz. A very special place.

    View leaving the parking lot to go to morning training

    Quaint place that is definetely snowparidise

    Quite peculiar to see them removing snow from the ski track. This range is so dialed in that it would out of whack with extra snow.

    Quote of the Day from my 7 yo Will last week
    “When are you going to shave? You look like a Chinese Lady??”
    No idea where he got that from. Believe he meant Man.
    Although the Man is sporting a Faux Hawk, Mullet and some kind of Catfish Hunter Facial Hair.
    Luckily he is pulling it off well.

    Unbelievable, I was too scared to gander inside and inquire what they offered or meant.

    Laying down suppressive fire

    World class shooting coach in action

    Notice the frown. Too many misses.

    Mean Greeny on location in Austrich