Category: XCFeeds

a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVH5sO9HQI/AAAAAAAAFkw/t77-AV0yXWk/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVH5sO9HQI/AAAAAAAAFkw/t77-AV0yXWk/s400/IMG_0117.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549921172256005378″ //aNick skis one of the few easy sections of todays race course. We had an individual start time trial with the Mte Ste Anne team. The course was tough and squirrely, but “it was the same for everyone”.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVHhzo60eI/AAAAAAAAFko/Zavybe2YvU8/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 382px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVHhzo60eI/AAAAAAAAFko/Zavybe2YvU8/s400/IMG_0118.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549920761927094754″ //aBridger is looking good as he comes back from pneumonia.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVGiIitTDI/AAAAAAAAFkg/5RsKwpFhR-s/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 360px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVGiIitTDI/AAAAAAAAFkg/5RsKwpFhR-s/s400/IMG_0119.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549919668026559538″ //aSkyler went 2 for 2 with another win.div1) Skyler 21:33/divdiv2) Paddy 21:38/divdiv3) Austin 22:06/divdiv4) Tyler 22:16/divdiv5) Bridger 22:20/divdiv6) Jocelyn V. MSA 23:43/divdiv7) Charlie 23:55/divdiv8) Mac 24:12/divdiv9) Pierre Harvey MSA 24:38/divdiv10) Nick 25:07/divdiv11) Tom MSA 26:47br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVGTzV9eWI/AAAAAAAAFkY/qI9l1UA0RuU/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 372px; height: 400px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVGTzV9eWI/AAAAAAAAFkY/qI9l1UA0RuU/s400/IMG_0123.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549919421817780578″ //aMac attack!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVFhzmUXXI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/2v0iUnJdmk8/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVFhzmUXXI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/2v0iUnJdmk8/s400/IMG_0127.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549918562892930418″ //aCharlie had some shin pain on the squirrely course. We hope that a day off and sticking to some smoother tracks will help.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVEcypbsHI/AAAAAAAAFkI/dVw5hRXR4BM/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVEcypbsHI/AAAAAAAAFkI/dVw5hRXR4BM/s400/IMG_0128.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549917377226584178″ //aHeather had a good race. The girls were fighting it out with Anne-Marie, 2 time Canadian J2 Champ last year. Yesterday Heather edged out A-M, today the tables were turned.div1) Anne-Marie 16:31/divdiv2) Heather 16:35/divdiv3) Rachel 16:36/divdiv4) Hallie 17:18/divdiv5) Issy P 17:36/divdiv6) Rosalie MSA 18:25/divdiv7-11) MSA skiersbr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVEE_bCu3I/AAAAAAAAFkA/OcFhZHqhTCk/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 327px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVEE_bCu3I/AAAAAAAAFkA/OcFhZHqhTCk/s400/IMG_0129.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549916968339028850″ //aIssy P pushes towards the finish.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDvJsmsgI/AAAAAAAAFj4/JcmxUghsUJk/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDvJsmsgI/AAAAAAAAFj4/JcmxUghsUJk/s400/IMG_0131.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549916593139921410″ //aHallie skied another good race.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDYi2DUdI/AAAAAAAAFjw/8GsMPP6FZTw/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDYi2DUdI/AAAAAAAAFjw/8GsMPP6FZTw/s400/IMG_0138.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549916204753441234″ //aRachel had an excellent effort.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDBqG8KqI/AAAAAAAAFjo/g_-MhB8QRl4/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 377px; height: 400px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDBqG8KqI/AAAAAAAAFjo/g_-MhB8QRl4/s400/IMG_0143.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549915811566332578″ //aAustin started a bit too fast and blew up, but got it back together for a good race.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVC03xqRLI/AAAAAAAAFjg/kfPcmgPmiXY/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVC03xqRLI/AAAAAAAAFjg/kfPcmgPmiXY/s400/IMG_0144.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549915591896876210″ //aPaddy hammered out another good race.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVCifTvWWI/AAAAAAAAFjY/xzlVU1Gwt4o/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 400px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVCifTvWWI/AAAAAAAAFjY/xzlVU1Gwt4o/s400/IMG_0145.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549915276091283810″ //aTyler with his game face on.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVCOLE-iQI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/iisqjOpGgJA/s1600/IMG_0147.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVCOLE-iQI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/iisqjOpGgJA/s400/IMG_0147.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549914927063271682″ //aMackenzie raced the “midget” race and felt good :)br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVB-6N2MuI/AAAAAAAAFjI/3S06L1g-LuA/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVB-6N2MuI/AAAAAAAAFjI/3S06L1g-LuA/s400/IMG_0155.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549914664839033570″ //aWaxing them up after the ski.br //div/divdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-4653556449401501713?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVH5sO9HQI/AAAAAAAAFkw/t77-AV0yXWk/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVH5sO9HQI/AAAAAAAAFkw/t77-AV0yXWk/s400/IMG_0117.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549921172256005378″ //aNick skis one of the few easy sections of todays race course. We had an individual start time trial with the Mte Ste Anne team. The course was tough and squirrely, but “it was the same for everyone”.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVHhzo60eI/AAAAAAAAFko/Zavybe2YvU8/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 382px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVHhzo60eI/AAAAAAAAFko/Zavybe2YvU8/s400/IMG_0118.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549920761927094754″ //aBridger is looking good as he comes back from pnemonia.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVGiIitTDI/AAAAAAAAFkg/5RsKwpFhR-s/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 360px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVGiIitTDI/AAAAAAAAFkg/5RsKwpFhR-s/s400/IMG_0119.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549919668026559538″ //aSkyler went 2 for 2 with another win.div1) Skyler 21:33/divdiv2) Paddy 21:38/divdiv3) Austin 22:06/divdiv4) Tyler 22:16/divdiv5) Bridger 22:20/divdiv6) Jocelyn V. MSA 23:43/divdiv7) Charlie 23:55/divdiv8) Mac 24:12/divdiv9) Pierre Harvey MSA 24:38/divdiv10) Nick 25:07/divdiv11) Tom MSA 26:47br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVGTzV9eWI/AAAAAAAAFkY/qI9l1UA0RuU/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 372px; height: 400px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVGTzV9eWI/AAAAAAAAFkY/qI9l1UA0RuU/s400/IMG_0123.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549919421817780578″ //aMac attack!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVFhzmUXXI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/2v0iUnJdmk8/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVFhzmUXXI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/2v0iUnJdmk8/s400/IMG_0127.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549918562892930418″ //aCharlie had some shin pain on the squirrely course. We hope that a day off and sticking to some smoother tracks will help.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVEcypbsHI/AAAAAAAAFkI/dVw5hRXR4BM/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 400px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVEcypbsHI/AAAAAAAAFkI/dVw5hRXR4BM/s400/IMG_0128.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549917377226584178″ //aHeather had a good race. The girls were fighting it out with Anne-Marie, 2 time Canadian J2 Champ last year. Yesterday Heather edged out A-M, today the tables were turned.div1) Anne-Marie 16:31/divdiv2) Heather 16:35/divdiv3) Rachel 16:36/divdiv4) Hallie 17:18/divdiv5) Issy P 17:36/divdiv6) Rosalie MSA 18:25/divdiv7-11) MSA skiersbr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVEE_bCu3I/AAAAAAAAFkA/OcFhZHqhTCk/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 327px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVEE_bCu3I/AAAAAAAAFkA/OcFhZHqhTCk/s400/IMG_0129.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549916968339028850″ //aIssy P pushes towards the finish.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDvJsmsgI/AAAAAAAAFj4/JcmxUghsUJk/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDvJsmsgI/AAAAAAAAFj4/JcmxUghsUJk/s400/IMG_0131.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549916593139921410″ //aHallie skied another good race.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDYi2DUdI/AAAAAAAAFjw/8GsMPP6FZTw/s1600/IMG_0138.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDYi2DUdI/AAAAAAAAFjw/8GsMPP6FZTw/s400/IMG_0138.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549916204753441234″ //aRachel had an excellent effort.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDBqG8KqI/AAAAAAAAFjo/g_-MhB8QRl4/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 377px; height: 400px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVDBqG8KqI/AAAAAAAAFjo/g_-MhB8QRl4/s400/IMG_0143.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549915811566332578″ //aAustin started a bit too fast and blew up, but got it back together for a good race.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVC03xqRLI/AAAAAAAAFjg/kfPcmgPmiXY/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVC03xqRLI/AAAAAAAAFjg/kfPcmgPmiXY/s400/IMG_0144.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549915591896876210″ //aPaddy hammered out another good race.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVCifTvWWI/AAAAAAAAFjY/xzlVU1Gwt4o/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 400px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVCifTvWWI/AAAAAAAAFjY/xzlVU1Gwt4o/s400/IMG_0145.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549915276091283810″ //aTyler with his game face on.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVCOLE-iQI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/iisqjOpGgJA/s1600/IMG_0147.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVCOLE-iQI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/iisqjOpGgJA/s400/IMG_0147.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549914927063271682″ //aMackenzie raced the “midget” race and felt good :)br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVB-6N2MuI/AAAAAAAAFjI/3S06L1g-LuA/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQVB-6N2MuI/AAAAAAAAFjI/3S06L1g-LuA/s400/IMG_0155.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549914664839033570″ //aWaxing them up after the ski.br //div/divdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-4653556449401501713?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

Today was the first race of the Sovereign Lakes NorAms, a 1.5km classic sprint. The new course change Sovereign has been working on over the summer and fall was amazing. It was so much fun with the addition of hills and twisty turns! I went out, raced hard, and had a great time. In the qualifier round, I had my first NorAm victory ever, and then went on to take second in the finals, behind a Canadian skier. On the last hill, Holly Brooks and I ended up getting tangled and unfortunately lost contact with the Canadian- but then pulled it in pretty hard trying to catch back up with her.

boys charge off the line

APU Girls- 2nd, 4th, 6th- Morgan Smyth, Holly Brooks and I

The coaches gave me great skis which made it possible to really nail the hills when I needed to and hold my position on the downhills. It was awesome to have so many APU athletes lining up on the line with me for the heats throughout the day. The rest of the APU athletes were stretched across the courses cheering us on- so thanks to them!

A-Final Pics

The best part about todays race was the different game that I brought to the start line. Today was an ordinary interval workout in the life of an APU’er. With so many talented girls on this team, every workout I am constantly learning about tactics and how to ski within a group. This makes sprint racing a second nature, so I was able to conserve a lot of nervous energy- and have twice as much fun!

APU Girls representing 50% of the heat

Tomorrows race is 10k Skate. It is supposed to snow a bunch tonight… so tomorrow could be interesting! Results should be posted at www.zone4.ca

Super-star wax tech! Thanks Casey and Erik for the great skis!

Thanks to Rob Whitney for all the photos!

a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQSVgdGdaI/AAAAAAAAFjA/BlQXI6O5Vkc/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 359px; height: 400px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQSVgdGdaI/AAAAAAAAFjA/BlQXI6O5Vkc/s400/IMG_0083.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549580801525839266″ //aWe had a Time Trail with the Mte Ste Anne and the Skibec ski clubs today on the Mte Ste Anne World Cup trails. The girls and J2 boys raced 5 km, while the older boys raced 7.5 km. The races were mass starts so there were some exciting downhills and battles in every race. There was an inch of fresh snow, but the temps were in the low 20’s so waxing was not too tough.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQSLarx05I/AAAAAAAAFi4/TcLcNGq7S14/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQSLarx05I/AAAAAAAAFi4/TcLcNGq7S14/s400/IMG_0088.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549580628178097042″ //abr /For the Jr boys, Skyler and Paddy went 1-2 with great races. Here are some times…br /1) Skyler 24:57br /2) Paddy 24:58br /3) Vincent R 25:27br /4) Austin 25:40br /5) Quebec skier 25:57br /6) Bridger 26:00br /…..br /9) Pierre Harvey 27:55br /10) Nick 28:16br /11) Mac 28:26br /..plus a bunch of others…br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQR7EeRRcI/AAAAAAAAFiw/4EjAuIbq_jQ/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQR7EeRRcI/AAAAAAAAFiw/4EjAuIbq_jQ/s400/IMG_0091.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549580347337950658″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQRsVQ7eQI/AAAAAAAAFio/_CjZEkgJfGw/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQRsVQ7eQI/AAAAAAAAFio/_CjZEkgJfGw/s400/IMG_0094.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549580094147361026″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQRbpy17qI/AAAAAAAAFig/kDpuqW9ptNU/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQRbpy17qI/AAAAAAAAFig/kDpuqW9ptNU/s400/IMG_0098.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549579807600537250″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQQ7hGLX4I/AAAAAAAAFiY/pMWErn3pTus/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 400px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQQ7hGLX4I/AAAAAAAAFiY/pMWErn3pTus/s400/IMG_0100.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549579255509901186″ //aTyler had a good battle in the J2 race, but he held off the Quebec skier to win with a time of 17:17.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQP-L3pRPI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/K8o-IuH5zyE/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQP-L3pRPI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/K8o-IuH5zyE/s400/IMG_0101.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549578201839781106″ //aHeather hammering in on the last uphill with Anne-Marie and Cam in pusuit.br /1) Heather 18:33br /2) A-M Cormeau 18:34br /3) Cam 18:58br /4) Rachel 19:41br /5) Alexia 19:42br /6) Hallie 20:03br /7) Genevieve 20:13br /8) Issy P 20:32br /plus 10 others… br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQPq39PmiI/AAAAAAAAFiI/87KM8GHHahc/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQPq39PmiI/AAAAAAAAFiI/87KM8GHHahc/s400/IMG_0102.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549577870077041186″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQPdLkardI/AAAAAAAAFiA/oDMrODIspZw/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQPdLkardI/AAAAAAAAFiA/oDMrODIspZw/s400/IMG_0104.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549577634823450066″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQPHeWNQbI/AAAAAAAAFh4/Y5XX9ndxM0k/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQPHeWNQbI/AAAAAAAAFh4/Y5XX9ndxM0k/s400/IMG_0105.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549577261907001778″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQO9f6c8lI/AAAAAAAAFhw/GxToua8xw9E/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 400px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQO9f6c8lI/AAAAAAAAFhw/GxToua8xw9E/s400/IMG_0109.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549577090528768594″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQOycaOisI/AAAAAAAAFho/ZcFf8EeuOLs/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQOycaOisI/AAAAAAAAFho/ZcFf8EeuOLs/s400/IMG_0112.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549576900609739458″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQOhXCQ9LI/AAAAAAAAFhg/wLAknfcY6Cw/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 348px; height: 400px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQQOhXCQ9LI/AAAAAAAAFhg/wLAknfcY6Cw/s400/IMG_0115.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549576607109280946″ //adiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-7639126403197358180?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

The Norwegian men continue their dominance of the biathlon circuit:

Related posts:

1. <Race Snapshot: IBU World Cup 1 Women
2. <Race Snapshots: IBU World Cup 1 Men
3. <Race Snapshots: IBU WC 1 Men’s Sprint

Interesting results on the men’s side; so far Björgen’s just on another planet.  Full versions below the fold.

Related posts:

1. <Race Snapshot: Gällivare
2. <Race Snapshots: Kuusamo Classic 5/10km
3. <Race Snapshot: Düsseldorf Sprints

Attempting a jog on the snowy running path.

Greetings from SNOWY Hochfilzen! It’s been snowing here almost non-stop since Wednesday, which made for some tough conditions in yesterday’s sprint race. The women’s race was snowy right from the get-go, so conditions were tough but fair. Going into this weekend I was looking forward to having a good race, but nervous since last week had been so rough. I knew I was feeling good, but in biathlon anything can happen, so you can never count on results, especially in this kind of weather.

I must admit I was a little nervous the morning of the race, but kept myself calm enough to execute my race strategy. I focused on staying calm and not letting my skiing get too short and choppy, and having a good range approach. The range here can be tough, with a long flat section and an uphill right into point 30. My plan worked out well for me, as I cleaned (hit 5 for 5) both my standing and my prone. Leaving the range after standing shooting, I was psyched. Shooting clean is a tall order, and some biathletes never have a clean race. This was my second clean World Cup, and it couldn’t have come at a better time to boost my confidence. I received a split on my last loop saying I was just out of 20th position, and though I knew there were still some fast women behind me, I knew I could hold on for a good finish. When all the racers were in, I was left in 26th place, a career best finish! I am more than pleased with my comeback from Swedish parasites-clean shooting and a top-30 result.

The best part is possibly that we have a pursuit race tomorrow, so I’ll have the chance to improve and score a few more World Cup points. Both Laura Spector and I qualified for the pursuit, so we’re psyched to have another chance to race well. Laura had 3 penalties yesterday, but skied exceptionally, giving her a great shot at moving up in the pursuit. We’re both very excited to have good results already this season, and feel this is a sign that the US women are headed in the right direction. Now we just need to get a few more over here so we can field a relay team!

Pursuit race tomorrow, most likely in the snow as it shows no sign of letting up. Should be a good fight, and a fun race. Having a career best finish this early in the season is great, but I’ll continue to call it the “best yet” and save my “best ever” for another time. It’s nice to feel good again, and see all my hard work paying off…hopefully this is just the beginning!

Laura and me, enjoying the snow!

Attempting a jog on the snowy running path.

Greetings from SNOWY Hochfilzen! It’s been snowing here almost non-stop since Wednesday, which made for some tough conditions in yesterday’s sprint race. The women’s race was snowy right from the get-go, so conditions were tough but fair. Going into this weekend I was looking forward to having a good race, but nervous since last week had been so rough. I knew I was feeling good, but in biathlon anything can happen, so you can never count on results, especially in this kind of weather.

I must admit I was a little nervous the morning of the race, but kept myself calm enough to execute my race strategy. I focused on staying calm and not letting my skiing get too short and choppy, and having a good range approach. The range here can be tough, with a long flat section and an uphill right into point 30. My plan worked out well for me, as I cleaned (hit 5 for 5) both my standing and my prone. Leaving the range after standing shooting, I was psyched. Shooting clean is a tall order, and some biathletes never have a clean race. This was my second clean World Cup, and it couldn’t have come at a better time to boost my confidence. I received a split on my last loop saying I was just out of 20th position, and though I knew there were still some fast women behind me, I knew I could hold on for a good finish. When all the racers were in, I was left in 26th place, a career best finish! I am more than pleased with my comeback from Swedish parasites-clean shooting and a top-30 result.

The best part is possibly that we have a pursuit race tomorrow, so I’ll have the chance to improve and score a few more World Cup points. Both Laura Spector and I qualified for the pursuit, so we’re psyched to have another chance to race well. Laura had 3 penalties yesterday, but skied exceptionally, giving her a great shot at moving up in the pursuit. We’re both very excited to have good results already this season, and feel this is a sign that the US women are headed in the right direction. Now we just need to get a few more over here so we can field a relay team!

Pursuit race tomorrow, most likely in the snow as it shows no sign of letting up. Should be a good fight, and a fun race. Having a career best finish this early in the season is great, but I’ll continue to call it the “best yet” and save my “best ever” for another time. It’s nice to feel good again, and see all my hard work paying off…hopefully this is just the beginning!

Laura and me, enjoying the snow!

div class=”separator” style=”clear: both; text-align: center;”

The XC World Cup scene moves on to Davos, Switzerland this weekend, while the biathlon World Cup already resumed today in Austria.

Here’s what you may have missed this past week:

• Race snapshots for the following races: Düsseldorf sprints, men’s biathlon sprint, men’s/women’s biathlon pursuits, and just today the men’s/women’s biathlon sprints.
• A recap of the Düsseldorf sprints featuring data on the times from each heat kindly provided by Jan over at WorldofXC.com.
• A somewhat belated recap of the Kuusamo sprint races, using data from the same source.
• A look at the age old question of Andrew Newell’s performance in qualification vs. heats, which required a bit of a correction.
• A look at some big names who competed in some smaller FIS races over the weekend.
• Finally, a quick look at some data on a promising young skier from Great Britain, Andrew Musgrave.

If you haven’t already, you should check out the “pick the podium” style game that Jan is running over at WorldofXC.com (you’re actually picking the top five).  No prizes, but it’s pretty fun and there are a fair number of people playing.

Related posts:

1. <Week In Review: Friday Sep 10th
2. <Week In Review: Friday Oct 22nd
3. <Week In Review: Friday Nov 12th

Decent race for Tim Burke, very good day for Sara Studebaker.  Full versions below the fold.

Related posts:

1. <Race Snapshot: Gällivare
2. <Race Snapshot: IBU World Cup 1 Women
3. <Race Snapshot: IBU WC 1 Women’s Sprint

a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKlV3a2uvI/AAAAAAAAFhY/5udTA3Boi90/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 332px; height: 400px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKlV3a2uvI/AAAAAAAAFhY/5udTA3Boi90/s400/IMG_0058.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549179485946297074″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKlMKzBLhI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/iDIrlEw6RtY/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKlMKzBLhI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/iDIrlEw6RtY/s400/IMG_0061.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549179319349227026″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKk7tpbF-I/AAAAAAAAFhI/zgWzuICsoBU/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKk7tpbF-I/AAAAAAAAFhI/zgWzuICsoBU/s400/IMG_0062.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549179036646447074″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKkpy30WYI/AAAAAAAAFhA/S_celavacOM/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKkpy30WYI/AAAAAAAAFhA/S_celavacOM/s400/IMG_0063.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549178728811354498″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKkbDfijFI/AAAAAAAAFg4/mlxAPJCS5mo/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKkbDfijFI/AAAAAAAAFg4/mlxAPJCS5mo/s400/IMG_0064.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549178475574889554″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKkREZVZUI/AAAAAAAAFgw/r0YnD4Wozd8/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKkREZVZUI/AAAAAAAAFgw/r0YnD4Wozd8/s400/IMG_0065.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549178304018605378″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKkEB1xTYI/AAAAAAAAFgo/MBrSvrjpH9Y/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKkEB1xTYI/AAAAAAAAFgo/MBrSvrjpH9Y/s400/IMG_0066.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549178079994269058″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKj4MEIvvI/AAAAAAAAFgg/8C9dRsedoZE/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKj4MEIvvI/AAAAAAAAFgg/8C9dRsedoZE/s400/IMG_0068.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549177876580450034″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKjr-vAdyI/AAAAAAAAFgY/UYQ4L0hirJs/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 384px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKjr-vAdyI/AAAAAAAAFgY/UYQ4L0hirJs/s400/IMG_0069.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549177666843735842″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKji_rPCmI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/2E26kZa6B5A/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 322px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKji_rPCmI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/2E26kZa6B5A/s400/IMG_0075.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549177512477526626″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKjXuou2xI/AAAAAAAAFgI/cDmD24u1NQc/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKjXuou2xI/AAAAAAAAFgI/cDmD24u1NQc/s400/IMG_0077.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549177318925064978″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKjNDcBqOI/AAAAAAAAFgA/DvxHzp_7ATQ/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKjNDcBqOI/AAAAAAAAFgA/DvxHzp_7ATQ/s400/IMG_0078.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549177135530354914″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKjA7jdUII/AAAAAAAAFf4/e118gZ53U78/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKjA7jdUII/AAAAAAAAFf4/e118gZ53U78/s400/IMG_0079.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549176927255613570″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKi0_NRgII/AAAAAAAAFfw/o8VJql02k-M/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKi0_NRgII/AAAAAAAAFfw/o8VJql02k-M/s400/IMG_0080.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549176722077876354″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/TQKih3Q0fWI/AAAAAAAAFfo/v-v2Jz0vk_g/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG”img style=”display:block; 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This is a bit after the fact, but I can’t let good data go to waste.  Once again, thanks to Jan from WorldofXC.com for providing the data on times from the heats.

Ok, let’s get in our time machine and blast our way back to Finland for the women’s sprint:

All of the percent back values are calculated based upon the fastest time of the day from any round.  Marit Bjørgen certainly smoked everyone in qualification.  This should serve as a good reminder to folks who think it’s not a good idea to kill yourself in the qualification round.  That’s only really true relative to the sort of efforts you personally can put out.  Bjørgen in this case doesn’t pay a huge price for laying down a monster time in qualification because presumably her fitness level can handle it.  Qualifying with a fast time may or may not be damaging, depending whether you’re fit enough to handle it.

Moving on….that’s Justyna Kowalczyk failing to advance from the semis despite a really fast heat, as she was disqualified for skating around a turn.  Astrid Jacobsen seemed to be coming on strong all day posting successively faster times in each round, until she faded a bit in the final.

As for the men:

Yikes.  Someone had a rough day in the quarters, no?  That would be Finland’s Niklas Colliander, I believe.  Let’s try to get a better view of everyone else by zooming in a bit:

John Kristian Dahl managed to get through each round without being forced to put down a super fast time, so props to him!  Andrew Newell seemed to be getting away with that as well, but then the wheels just came off in the final, for whatever reason.

Once again, the final seemed a bit slower than many of the earlier rounds.  Again, I think that’s inevitable both for tactical reasons and you’d expect people to slow down somewhat after three maximal efforts.

Related posts:

1. <How Well Prepared Are World Cup Rookies? (Part 2b: Sprint)
2. <Assessing The Weekend’s Races: Sprint
3. <Kuusamo WC Recap