FasterSkier

Category: XCFeeds

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

  • Minneapolis SuperTour Day 1

    The CXC team had an excellent time out at Theodore Wirth Park this morning at the 5/10K Freestyle SuperTour races.  It was raining and sloppy all day, but that didn’t stop people from moving fast.
    I was especially excited for today’s race because I love 5K races and I don’t get to do them as often […]

  • You know you’re a baller when your name replaces the…

    img src=”http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwq4g87GXn1qzt3xbo1_500.jpg”/br/br/pYou know you’re a baller when your name replaces the Fischer logo.  (via Reese H. from Germany)/p

  • More skiing and more cold in Lahti

    a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1thW7112kI/AAAAAAAAAKo/73U1BAMtLsU/s1600-h/team-supper-900.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/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1thW7112kI/AAAAAAAAAKo/73U1BAMtLsU/s400/team-supper-900.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430040822373800514″ //abr /br /br /Today was a good day, just a little slow and squeaky on the trails this morning. It was a beatiful sunny day, at least.br /br /We took a tour past some interesting shops during our morning jog. The neon lights are all still glowing at 08.00h. Some of the highlights from today include watching one of the coaches try to eat half a can of cheap caviar from a toothpaste tube, watching Tim Burke race in World Cup, and a great dinner at a steakhouse called Manhattan. Being a New Yorker myself, I’m proud to announce that we have a lot of new fans of the New York Yankees.br /br /The crew seems to be getting along with one another really well. They’ve been happy to relax after most of the meals, talking with each other and making new friends. For our time here in Lahti, everybody got to share a room with someone they didn’t know before the trip.br /br /Tomorrow most of the athletes will do some sort of race pace intervals. Then we’ll load up our vans and drive North to Kuopio. They’re in a pretty deep freeze up there right now (-27* C), but it looks like we may see temps as high as -10* C by Tuesday. At least the sun is shining, and the saunas are still hot!br /br /Over and our from Lahti, //Timdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8099746996508773021-1273502382314480497?l=usaj1team.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • Ry Not?

  • More skiing and more cold in Lahti

    a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1thW7112kI/AAAAAAAAAKo/73U1BAMtLsU/s1600-h/team-supper-900.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/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1thW7112kI/AAAAAAAAAKo/73U1BAMtLsU/s400/team-supper-900.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430040822373800514″ //abr /br /br /Today was a good day, just a little slow and squeaky on the trails this morning. It was a beatiful sunny day, at least.br /br /We took a tour past some interesting shops during our morning jog. The neon lights are all still glowing at 08.00h. Some of the highlights from today include watching one of the coaches try to eat half a can of cheap caviar from a toothpaste tube, watching Tim Burke race in World Cup, and a great dinner at a steakhouse called Manhattan. Being a New Yorker myself, I’m proud to announce that we have a lot of new fans of the New York Yankees.br /br /The crew seems to be getting along with one another really well. They’ve been happy to relax after most of the meals, talking with each other and making new friends. For our time here in Lahti, everybody got to share a room with someone they didn’t know before the trip.br /br /Tomorrow most of the athletes will do some sort of race pace intervals. Then we’ll load up our vans and drive North to Kuopio. They’re in a pretty deep freeze up there right now (-27* C), but it looks like we may see temps as high as -10* C by Tuesday. At least the sun is shining, and the saunas are still hot!br /br /Over and our from Lahti, //Timdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8099746996508773021-1273502382314480497?l=usaj1team.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • Fast Week Wrap up…well almost

    Today was the final day of the camp at SMS. The group still has a pre-race and technique practice at Grafton Ponds Saturday and then Poppet will be their coach for the BKL race there on Sunday.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rlbbjBBwI/AAAAAAAAAiI/cSNNe7Ptx8w/s1600-h/IMG_0148.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rlbbjBBwI/AAAAAAAAAiI/cSNNe7Ptx8w/s320/IMG_0148.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429904560162408194″ //abr /Just in case you missed it, it was Alex Cobb’s birthday. The Fast team gave her their full support and more importantly the cupcakes! Alex is the younger sister of SMS senior and future Middlebury student athlete, Austin Cobb.br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rlGaETFzI/AAAAAAAAAiA/S9nEP08E-C8/s1600-h/ski+yoga.jpg”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rlGaETFzI/AAAAAAAAAiA/S9nEP08E-C8/s320/ski+yoga.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429904198987880242″ //abr /A little mid-ski yoga break with some snow boat poses. Always working on that core strength.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rnHqAb4tI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/s_-9P1ZR_vg/s1600-h/IMG_0147.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rnHqAb4tI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/s_-9P1ZR_vg/s320/IMG_0147.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429906419469771474″ //abr /The group had a question and answer meeting with Kate Nolan from admissions. They learned all about SMS classes, the special school day schedule, other sports at SMS, the dinning hall and more. Rippen Pippen gets the award for most questions asked! br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rkSRTpp0I/AAAAAAAAAh4/OCNADdoFkIs/s1600-h/IMG_0146.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rkSRTpp0I/AAAAAAAAAh4/OCNADdoFkIs/s320/IMG_0146.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429903303283156802″ //abr /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rkA_iJGGI/AAAAAAAAAhw/6TaEAr4Qrr0/s1600-h/IMG_0145.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rkA_iJGGI/AAAAAAAAAhw/6TaEAr4Qrr0/s320/IMG_0145.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429903006454323298″ //abr /Mac, a little “dusty” after a spill during the Big Ben downhill runbr /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rjxdOKdtI/AAAAAAAAAho/A95Tvpzpj1w/s1600-h/IMG_0149.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rjxdOKdtI/AAAAAAAAAho/A95Tvpzpj1w/s320/IMG_0149.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429902739545683666″ //abr /They are still full of energy even after the second ski of the day!br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rjNo7niYI/AAAAAAAAAhg/sWpmo6_Smd0/s1600-h/IMG_0154.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1rjNo7niYI/AAAAAAAAAhg/sWpmo6_Smd0/s320/IMG_0154.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429902124213832066″ //abr /We’ve been working them hard and they have been fueling up on our Power Bar supply. Seen here, the remnants. Good thing our nordic team has a great sponsorship from Power Bar so we can get some more!br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1ri1o4m6gI/AAAAAAAAAhY/VsOtiRskb2U/s1600-h/IMG_0150.JPG”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1ri1o4m6gI/AAAAAAAAAhY/VsOtiRskb2U/s320/IMG_0150.JPG” border=”0″ alt=”” id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429901711884347906″ //abr /Brooke Mooney hanging out in the nordic office with some of the young guns.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-3460249542173796278?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • Finland Update

    Finland has been loads of fun! We are in Lahti right now, and tomorrow we will leave for Kuopio where the races will be. We all came in two days ago, and since then we have been skiing on the World Cup trails at Lahti and wandering around the city. Yesterday we classic skied and were amazed when we drove into the venue and immediately saw three enormous ski jumps. I have never been close enough to a ski jump to really be able to see how high it actually is. Before the ski we took photos of the ski jump and the cross-country stadium; it is amazing, there are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of seats in the stands surrounding the stadium! We then found a wax room and put on a couple layers of green kick wax. We didn’t need much wax since the temperature has been around 17*C (which is in the single numbers in Fahrenheit). The trails are really nice. We had a very enjoyable ski through the pine forests of Finland. Yesterday for lunch we went to a place called Hesburger, it was pretty funny because none of us knew what the menu said so we all pretty much pointed to a picture and asked for that burger. I don’t know what the waitress was thinking about us. We then wandered through the city to the mall and exchanged some money and did a little shopping. For dinner we went to a pizza place that was quite interesting. I’m not sure I’ll have Finnish pizza again. Most of us have been sleeping well despite the time change, and have been able to sleep through the night.br /This morning we had breakfast in our hotel which is amazing! It is a buffet with three different sections, one for sandwiches, one for hot food, and one for cereals. It is so delicious! Today we went skating at Lahti. I had such a beautiful ski. Finland is pretty much rows upon rows of pine trees, but they are gorgeous. They are all laden with snow and then the sun shines through them and creates a soft glow on the snow. The trails snake through the forest and just go on and on. I’m not sure how many kilometers there are, but it must be a lot. After the ski we went into the lodge and wandered around the ski museum. They have the history of Finnish skiing from 450 BC until now, and they have all these old skis and boots and poles. Now we are back at the hotel and are about to have some lunch. Oh, and our new favorite word is kiitos, it means thank you, but we use it everywhere since it’s the only word we know! Here are some pictures. For more information and pictures go to usaj1team.blogspot.combr /Isabelbr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rmxn0IS1I/AAAAAAAACEo/ANVEGkwlaJQ/s1600-h/100_6015.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rmxn0IS1I/AAAAAAAACEo/ANVEGkwlaJQ/s200/100_6015.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429906040924162898″ //abr /1)Bridger standing in front of the stands, all of those are just for cross-country skiing!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rmQsegj2I/AAAAAAAACEg/dBsIjOC7__c/s1600-h/100_6018.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rmQsegj2I/AAAAAAAACEg/dBsIjOC7__c/s200/100_6018.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429905475239972706″ //abr /2)The three big ski jumps, there are three other small ones outside of the stadium.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rl4QzD1hI/AAAAAAAACEY/uyNN00exmMU/s1600-h/100_6019.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rl4QzD1hI/AAAAAAAACEY/uyNN00exmMU/s200/100_6019.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429905055493117458″ //abr /3)The group in front of the stadium, they are taking pictures of the ski jumps.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rlk0swOcI/AAAAAAAACEQ/5wessHycZlA/s1600-h/100_6021.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rlk0swOcI/AAAAAAAACEQ/5wessHycZlA/s200/100_6021.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429904721532959170″ //abr /4)Will and David.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rlPBN7COI/AAAAAAAACEI/-5f2gI89Kog/s1600-h/100_6035.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rlPBN7COI/AAAAAAAACEI/-5f2gI89Kog/s200/100_6035.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429904346936183010″ //abr /5)The 130 meter ski jump.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rk17Ie7kI/AAAAAAAACEA/x6lmuSnUM4o/s1600-h/100_6037.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rk17Ie7kI/AAAAAAAACEA/x6lmuSnUM4o/s200/100_6037.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429903915806027330″ //abr /6)It is quite chilly here!br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rkcsY7zxI/AAAAAAAACD4/5_xw09KDcqg/s1600-h/100_6041.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rkcsY7zxI/AAAAAAAACD4/5_xw09KDcqg/s200/100_6041.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429903482351767314″ //abr /7)Hesburger, the restaurant where we ate lunch.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rkA0mdLLI/AAAAAAAACDw/tish7iq9dfo/s1600-h/100_6045.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rkA0mdLLI/AAAAAAAACDw/tish7iq9dfo/s200/100_6045.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429903003519626418″ //abr /8)Our awesome vans.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rjfpSq4BI/AAAAAAAACDo/xJ8iAvqp1F0/s1600-h/100_6047.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rjfpSq4BI/AAAAAAAACDo/xJ8iAvqp1F0/s200/100_6047.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429902433548165138″ //abr /9)Bridger trying on a stylish Finnish hat.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rjDmBs6VI/AAAAAAAACDg/cx8vpffqq8A/s1600-h/100_6084.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1rjDmBs6VI/AAAAAAAACDg/cx8vpffqq8A/s200/100_6084.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429901951635351890″ //abr /10)Taking a break on one of the many bridges.br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1riyVCugWI/AAAAAAAACDY/3mD9gWHCM1U/s1600-h/100_6086.JPG”img style=”float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1riyVCugWI/AAAAAAAACDY/3mD9gWHCM1U/s200/100_6086.JPG” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429901655018471778″ //abr /11)Skiing over the road.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-4674919169842975920?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • A Day for the Russian Men

    The course was the same one they have used in previous years with only one major hill right followed by the downhill run out into the home straight. It was another chilly affair on the sprint course as many of the athletes has buffs stretch around their necks. The first corner out of the stadium saw many precarious times during the race with a couple casualties to skis and poles getting tangled up. The fields were staggeringly weak and it showed with the lack of spectators in the grandstand. At the end of the day, it was a first World Cup victory for Slovenian Vesna Fabjan while the Russia men headlined the story on the men’s side.

    Women
    The quarter finals proved the lack of quality in the field as the heats were strung out by the top of the big climb. The inexperienced Russians usually had the pack strung out before the top of the hill. The final saw he best on the day fight it out, but by far the strongest skier on the day who deservedly took the victory.

    Fabjan led all her heats from gun to tape and made it look rather easy. I must say that it was writing on the wall. Fabjan specializes in the freestyle sprints and has start to show up on the results list over the past year-and-a-half. With a fellow country-woman in Majdic to push you in training, I expect the young Slovenian to continue to roll out results like this in years to come. Definitely a dangerous sprint relay duo for the future to challenge the likes of the Scandinavian countries.

    Results
    1. Vesna Fabjan
    2. Majda Genuin
    3. Justyna Kowalczyk

    Men
    The lack of depth in the field was clearly illustrated in the quarters in the second heat. No disrespect to Tim Tsharnke, but he was able to ski back into the heat after he fell out of the gates and qualify second to go through to the semis.

    The first semi saw Morilov take the win with an impressive ski from Wenzl to out-duel the Italians for second place. Petukhov and Zorzi pushed the pace in the second semi which meant that both the lucky losers were drawn from the same heat in the form of Kriukov and Devjatiarov.

    With four Russians in the final, it seemed almost inevitable that a Russian victory was imminent. The final was dominated by the Russians which ensured a sweep of the podium. It appeared that Zorzi had a medal in the bag, but his old-man strength couldn’t stave off the late charging Kruikov. The Russians took all three podium places to the delight of the crowd. Ironically, the 1-2-3 spots just so happened to be in the same position they qualified in, which is a rarity for sprinting.

    Results
    1. Nikolay Morilov
    2. Alexey Petukhov
    3. Nikita Kruikov

    Canada Watch: Canada had two qualifiers today: Crooks and McMurtry. Unfortunately, Crooks got tangled with von Allmen in his final and hit the ground about 10 seconds into his heat and was never able to recover. McMurtry had the similar fate as he was in fourth place coming into the big hill. He kicked it in a turbo to try to break the Russian wall and seemed to trip over himself; subsequently taking out Bolotov in the process.

    Rybinsk Pursuits Preview

    Today will see the second of three races in Rybinsk and just when you thought the start lists couldn’t get any smaller they go and do the impossible…25 women and 29 men to start. That’s right folk, all you have to do tomorrow it simply finish the race and you’ll record World Cup points, it’s as simple as that! The bookmakers have Kowalczyk the favorite at 1.25, but on the men’s side it’s Shiriaev (3.00) then Sommerfeldt (3.25) and Dolidovich (9.00). We’ll see the return of early World Cup leader Irina Khazova. Only two Canadians in McMurtry and Nishikawa in tommorow’s race and it looks like a good time to improve on their World Cup bests of 16th and 26th which were incidently recorded in the same race in Vancouver last year. Prediction time:

    Women’s 15km
    1. Irina Khazova
    2. Justyna Kowalczyk
    3. Yulia Tchkaleva

    Men’s 30km
    1. Ilia Chernousov
    2. Rene Sommerfeldt
    3. Sergey Shiriaev

    Til Next Time.

  • The Adams Family

    No, not that Adams Family.  The Utah Adams.  They’re my hosts during my time here in Park City and I couldn’t have asked for a better family to stay with during the training camp.  Luke and Lindsey both ski for the local junior club in Park City and Greg and Toni get out practically everyday for a Nordic ski on the trails or Tele-ski on the mountain.

    Luke, Greg, Lindsey, and Toni

    Luke, Greg, Lindsey, and Toni

    I could go on-and-on about how cool they are, but these two simple facts alone sum up how at home this Midwesterner feels at the Adams:

    1. They’re all Packer fans.  Sweet!  They’ve never lived in Wisconsin, but Greg and Luke have been to several games at Lambeau.  America’s Team?  I’d say so.

    Plate one of three

    Plate one of three

    2. The salmon they fixed on the grill tonight sure hit the spot and is right up there with an Angry Minnow Friday Night Fish Fry.  I think this is probably the best pre-race meal imaginable and every meal has been this good.

    Although the weekend is finally here, it’s going to be busy around the Adams.  Luke & Lindsey are off to take their SAT’s tomorrow morning (sure glad I’m past that!), Greg is racing in the local Wasatch Citizens Series ski race at Mountain Dell, and I’m headed to Soldier Hollow to compete in the Utah Invite collegiate ski race–a 20km mass start skate.  As a guest in the event, I get to start in the back of the field for the mass start.  Maybe this will teach me to not go out so hard at the beginning of ski races!

  • — Learning the dangers of lycra from our bobsledding…

    object width=”400″ height=”336″param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/2s8sXdL3IIorel=0egm=0showinfo=0fs=1″/paramparam name=”wmode” value=”transparent”/paramparam name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”/paramembed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/2s8sXdL3IIorel=0egm=0showinfo=0fs=1″ type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”400″ height=”336″ allowFullScreen=”true” wmode=”transparent”/embed/objectbr/br/p— Learning the dangers of lycra from our bobsledding friends./p

  • Trinitasaloppett

    I am still on the “getting over sickness” training plan, so this morning my only mission was to watch the Trinity and SBTC rowers race in the famous “Trinitasaloppett” ski race. It was a gorgeous morning, with perfect conditions. Unfortunately I did not get any video of eventual winner John Winters, but I did get the following footage…

    Kevin heading out onto Murphy's Field. Note, he was the top non-national rowing team finisher.

    Kevin heading out onto Murphy's Field. Note: he was the top non-national rowing team finisher.

    View from the finish.

    View from the finish.

    Trinity Crew

    Trinity Crew

    Thanks for some great entertainment guys. This was payback for all of the times you watched me flail around in the single this summer.

  • Dartmouth to Deutschland

    After Nationals, I quickly packed up my little nursery at Elinor’s, totally filling my car, and drove to Dartmouth.  I had already missed a week of classes but it was too late to dwell on that.  I had a busy part of a week back at school that was filled with finding professors okay with me missing about half their classes, unpacking into my apartment at “14″, and skiing at Oak Hill which was not quite as snowy as Craftsbury but luckily still skiable.  Then after 4 days of classes we packed up the Dartmouth vans and headed to Lake Placid for the first carnival of the season.  On Friday the Dartmouth women’s team had an awesome first race of the season and we swept the top 5 in the 5km classic.  We were even missing one of our top skiers too.  We had a 15km skate mass start on Saturday which also went well for our team and we won our first carnival of the season!  Then I had a few more days back on campus to tie up loose ends and just as I was starting to feel organized it was time to pack my bags and head off again, this time for Germany!

    I flew with four other Dartmouth skiers also going to World Juniors and U23 Worlds.  Compared to flying to Anchorage, this trip was very easy.  We had one empty non-stop flight from Boston to Zurich that was only 6.5 hours long.  I had 3 seats in a row to myself which is more than enough for me to stretch fully out on and my biggest complaint (have to have one) was that there wasn’t enough sleeping time.  The Tylenol PM was just getting going when the flight attendants turned on the lights and slammed the breakfast cart into my feet.

    The US team is staying at a Best Western near Hinterzarten Germany.  The rooms are actually quite spacious especially for European standards though the beds are still pretty tiny.  The best part of getting to our rooms was finding chocolates on our pillows though unfortunately this service hasn’t continued.  We eat our meals at the hotel and for the most part they are really good.  The bread is excellent and the breakfast buffet is always amazing.   I’ve found a few new things that I like including Fla (I’m not sure spelling but its a liquidy pudding desert) and pork sausage wrapped in cabbage.  At lunch today, though, we had some sort of SPAM/hot dog meat that also looked a bit like french toast and that one was not quite as tasty.

    I’ve skied a couple times now at the race site and the trails are very hilly.   They are also very wide.  In some places it is 4 classic lanes AND 3 skate lanes wide.  The sprint course has a big wide hill in the beginning and then it gets very twisty and narrow which should make the heats interesting.  The first race of the Championships is on Monday with the Junior sprint and my first race is a skate sprint on Tuesday.

    I’ll try to add pictures and post more updates but I’m having some computer problems.  My computer charger died so I’m borrowing from the few people on the trip who have Dells instead of Macs so I have to limit my computer usage.

  • Fast Week Continues

    Hey! We’ve got reports coming in from here at school, Sverre in Germany and from the J1 trip in Finland. Make sure you scroll down to catch other recent stories!br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kSYCP2A4I/AAAAAAAAAhI/7Q5dfbdYmjk/s1600-h/IMG_1836.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429391029901329282″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kSYCP2A4I/AAAAAAAAAhI/7Q5dfbdYmjk/s320/IMG_1836.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /The group with SMS Alum, US Ski Team and 2010 Olympic Team Member, Andy Newell. Andy is doing his final prep for the Olympics near his home in southern Vermont.br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kSCYOtmAI/AAAAAAAAAhA/2Yj7DHc9S5U/s1600-h/IMG_1834.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429390657845041154″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kSCYOtmAI/AAAAAAAAAhA/2Yj7DHc9S5U/s320/IMG_1834.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /All lined up to have Andy sign their skis.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRs5_mscI/AAAAAAAAAg4/D6Og0D8hNR4/s1600-h/IMG_1837.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429390288951357890″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRs5_mscI/AAAAAAAAAg4/D6Og0D8hNR4/s320/IMG_1837.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Cam and Poppet showing the ropes of ski cleaning and waxing.br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRQiLatbI/AAAAAAAAAgw/ndEkKG9Eh-M/s1600-h/IMG_0144.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429389801522116018″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRQiLatbI/AAAAAAAAAgw/ndEkKG9Eh-M/s320/IMG_0144.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Working on core strength.br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRCjQJodI/AAAAAAAAAgo/trWGxqZX9d8/s1600-h/IMG_0143.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429389561292235218″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRCjQJodI/AAAAAAAAAgo/trWGxqZX9d8/s320/IMG_0143.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Warming up for afternoon core on the SMS spin bike fleet.br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kQqgkPHHI/AAAAAAAAAgg/E4suwqLODPg/s1600-h/IMG_0141.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429389148254313586″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kQqgkPHHI/AAAAAAAAAgg/E4suwqLODPg/s320/IMG_0141.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Sometimes you run into issues during high speed herring bone.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kQRWFwt2I/AAAAAAAAAgY/nDZrXiqgBmM/s1600-h/IMG_0139.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429388715945408354″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kQRWFwt2I/AAAAAAAAAgY/nDZrXiqgBmM/s320/IMG_0139.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Mackenzie and Koby working on kick double-pole with the 1 ski scooter drill.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kPz02t7GI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/W6Sz2OZgjTU/s1600-h/IMG_0134.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429388208807734370″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kPz02t7GI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/W6Sz2OZgjTU/s320/IMG_0134.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Skiing the Wild Wings warm up and video loop.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kPX4bXy-I/AAAAAAAAAgI/GUFyEtwfTtI/s1600-h/IMG_0142.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429387728730442722″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kPX4bXy-I/AAAAAAAAAgI/GUFyEtwfTtI/s320/IMG_0142.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Nope these are not the FAST week kids, those are the SMS high schoolers making snow angels.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kUy1NiyeI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/0HXv78A6FVk/s1600-h/IMG_0136.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429393689281743330″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kUy1NiyeI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/0HXv78A6FVk/s320/IMG_0136.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Poppet getting things squared away with technique.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-629485342413364314?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • Fast Week Continues

    Hey! We’ve got reports coming in from here at school, Sverre in Germany and from the J1 trip in Finland. Make sure you scroll down to catch other recent stories!br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kSYCP2A4I/AAAAAAAAAhI/7Q5dfbdYmjk/s1600-h/IMG_1836.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429391029901329282″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kSYCP2A4I/AAAAAAAAAhI/7Q5dfbdYmjk/s320/IMG_1836.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /The group with SMS Alum, US Ski Team and 2010 Olympic Team Member, Andy Newell. Andy is doing his final prep for the Olympics near his home in southern Vermont.br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kSCYOtmAI/AAAAAAAAAhA/2Yj7DHc9S5U/s1600-h/IMG_1834.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429390657845041154″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kSCYOtmAI/AAAAAAAAAhA/2Yj7DHc9S5U/s320/IMG_1834.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /All lined up to have Andy sign their skis.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRs5_mscI/AAAAAAAAAg4/D6Og0D8hNR4/s1600-h/IMG_1837.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429390288951357890″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRs5_mscI/AAAAAAAAAg4/D6Og0D8hNR4/s320/IMG_1837.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Cam and Poppet showing the ropes of ski cleaning and waxing.br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRQiLatbI/AAAAAAAAAgw/ndEkKG9Eh-M/s1600-h/IMG_0144.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429389801522116018″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRQiLatbI/AAAAAAAAAgw/ndEkKG9Eh-M/s320/IMG_0144.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Working on core strength.br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRCjQJodI/AAAAAAAAAgo/trWGxqZX9d8/s1600-h/IMG_0143.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429389561292235218″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kRCjQJodI/AAAAAAAAAgo/trWGxqZX9d8/s320/IMG_0143.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Warming up for afternoon core on the SMS spin bike fleet.br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kQqgkPHHI/AAAAAAAAAgg/E4suwqLODPg/s1600-h/IMG_0141.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429389148254313586″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kQqgkPHHI/AAAAAAAAAgg/E4suwqLODPg/s320/IMG_0141.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Sometimes you run into issues during high speed herring bone.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kQRWFwt2I/AAAAAAAAAgY/nDZrXiqgBmM/s1600-h/IMG_0139.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429388715945408354″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kQRWFwt2I/AAAAAAAAAgY/nDZrXiqgBmM/s320/IMG_0139.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Mackenzie and Koby working on kick double-pole with the 1 ski scooter drill.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kPz02t7GI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/W6Sz2OZgjTU/s1600-h/IMG_0134.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429388208807734370″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kPz02t7GI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/W6Sz2OZgjTU/s320/IMG_0134.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Skiing the Wild Wings warm up and video loop.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kPX4bXy-I/AAAAAAAAAgI/GUFyEtwfTtI/s1600-h/IMG_0142.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429387728730442722″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kPX4bXy-I/AAAAAAAAAgI/GUFyEtwfTtI/s320/IMG_0142.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Nope these are not the FAST week kids, those are the SMS high schoolers making snow angels.br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kUy1NiyeI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/0HXv78A6FVk/s1600-h/IMG_0136.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429393689281743330″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xxDw1qNK1JA/S1kUy1NiyeI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/0HXv78A6FVk/s320/IMG_0136.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /Poppet getting things squared away with technique.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-629485342413364314?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • Some Pics from our Sprint Practice in Germany

    a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mxi99tzkI/AAAAAAAACDA/e87BEylwcdc/s1600-h/IMG_2465.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429566040078929474″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 378px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mxi99tzkI/AAAAAAAACDA/e87BEylwcdc/s400/IMG_2465.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /This morning most of the team did some intensity. We are 3 days out from the races and that is a good time to get the motor running. The skiing was good, but warm fresh powder makes for somewhat slow snow and tricky kicking. It was a good morning. Not everyone felt great, but it was important to rev things up and I am sure they will feel better next time they go hard.br /About 1/2 the team did some sprint practice, some did a prelim and 2-3 rounds, and others did sections of the course. They all got a feeling for where they could pass, how to best set up for the turns, etc.br /br /Don’t read too much into the pictures, workouts and ski speeds were different. The goal was to go hard and get a feeling for how the course skied and everyone did that. Ida is pictured above at the start of her prelim.br /br /br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mxYZsvXkI/AAAAAAAACC4/n3CV-i7hSs8/s1600-h/IMG_2466.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429565858545360450″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mxYZsvXkI/AAAAAAAACC4/n3CV-i7hSs8/s400/IMG_2466.JPG” border=”0″ / p align=”center”/aAdele /pp align=”center”br / /pa onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mxNHGqkqI/AAAAAAAACCw/8Z08Swn4Yp0/s1600-h/IMG_2467.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429565664575263394″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 348px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mxNHGqkqI/AAAAAAAACCw/8Z08Swn4Yp0/s400/IMG_2467.JPG” border=”0″ / p align=”center”/aErik Bbr //pa onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mxEDVGZaI/AAAAAAAACCo/MrzZ8aK4SRQ/s1600-h/IMG_2468.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429565508943242658″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 386px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mxEDVGZaI/AAAAAAAACCo/MrzZ8aK4SRQ/s400/IMG_2468.JPG” border=”0″ / p align=”center”/aTylerbr //pa onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mw0Q-D8fI/AAAAAAAACCg/rkEBaL6dfuY/s1600-h/IMG_2470.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429565237726802418″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mw0Q-D8fI/AAAAAAAACCg/rkEBaL6dfuY/s400/IMG_2470.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mwn7r-kNI/AAAAAAAACCY/pMx5XNwMiZc/s1600-h/IMG_2471.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429565025855377618″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mwn7r-kNI/AAAAAAAACCY/pMx5XNwMiZc/s400/IMG_2471.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mwU5IUS9I/AAAAAAAACCQ/klLBHv1JiN0/s1600-h/IMG_2472.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429564698751421394″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mwU5IUS9I/AAAAAAAACCQ/klLBHv1JiN0/s400/IMG_2472.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mwAgV2nqI/AAAAAAAACCI/pzCQjJFPPRs/s1600-h/IMG_2473.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429564348499926690″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mwAgV2nqI/AAAAAAAACCI/pzCQjJFPPRs/s400/IMG_2473.JPG” border=”0″ //abr /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mvzJ4DoQI/AAAAAAAACCA/0jM8SfVLL2o/s1600-h/IMG_2474.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429564119131070722″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mvzJ4DoQI/AAAAAAAACCA/0jM8SfVLL2o/s400/IMG_2474.JPG” border=”0″ / p align=”center”/aPete and Reese finishing up their sprint. /pp align=”center”br / /pa onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mvVtcTiYI/AAAAAAAACB4/1GtLP2q17C4/s1600-h/IMG_2475.JPG”img id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429563613282273666″ style=”DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center” alt=”” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H2SCM3lmKm8/S1mvVtcTiYI/AAAAAAAACB4/1GtLP2q17C4/s400/IMG_2475.JPG” border=”0″ / p align=”center”/abr /Noah did a 7.5 km time trial. Here he is finishing up./pdiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4680416899705879324-4002663430164340914?l=smsxc.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • Ryshrinkst

  • White Mt Classic

    This is a 30 km classic race in Jackson NH. The NOAA forecast is :br /br /bThis Afternoon: /bSunny, with a high near 31. North wind around 10 mph.br /br /bTonight: /bMostly clear, with a low around -6. Northwest wind between 3 and 9 mph.br /br /bSaturday: /bSunny, with a high near 28. Wind chill values as low as -12. Light northwest wind.br /br /Looks like transformed snow. I would prep a pair of cold base skis with medium to soft flex. If the track is glazed you might want to consider klister skis.br /br /SOLDA Glide wax: On the glide zone crayon on a layer of FC28 and start with a layer of Performance Green scraped and brushed. If is stays cold, then go with a layer or two of F15 Blue. Finish with the HP05 S/30 mix. If it looks like it will be warmer at the start (22F) go with F15 or F31 Violet instead of F15 Blue and cover with HP05 S30 mix.br /br /Kick wax: I am not there. Sounds like it could be cold on a glazed track. That could be an ice klister. Could also be a klister binder covered with a hard wax. In any case the snow is abrasive and will need a binder. The Swix VG 35 could work for aggressive snow. Testing today and tomorrow is a must.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589659500745667109-2589254796154966176?l=www.webskis.com%2Fwebskisblog.html’ alt=” //div

  • Bravo Vesna!

    Congratulations to Vesna Fabjan! Today, the 24 year old skier from Slovenija won the Rybinsk World Cup Skate Sprint. Here’s the Women’s Sprint Final.br /br /object width=”425″ height=”344″param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/LtLwYbUuLPYamp;hl=en_USamp;fs=1amp;”param name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”param name=”allowscriptaccess” value=”always”embed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/LtLwYbUuLPYamp;hl=en_USamp;fs=1amp;” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” allowscriptaccess=”always” allowfullscreen=”true” width=”425″ height=”344″/embed/objectbr /br /This was the first World Cup win for Vesna. It’s historic for skiing in Slovenija, as it marks the 2nd woman from that country to ever win a World Cup race in cross-country skiing.div class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7250441303676475856-5365493010245396113?l=blog.ultratune.net’ alt=” //div

  • Skiing in Lahti

    a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1m_PnRui9I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/YddZGPjWblI/s1600-h/ski-jumps-1-700.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/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1m_PnRui9I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/YddZGPjWblI/s400/ski-jumps-1-700.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429581100734122962″ //abr /br /This morning we got the team together for a jog at 08.00h. It was not totally dark, but it was certainly still before dawn. We’re on the edge of the city, so we ran over to the train station and then back home to the warm hotel, and our breakfast buffet.br /br /I’ve been to Europe a few times, but I’m never quite sure of what to expect of the food in different regions / restaurants / hotels. I think we were all anticipating what we’d find awaiting us as the Best Western breakfast buffet. Once we entered the dining room, it was pretty clear that this is not the same as a Continental Breakfast in the good ole US of A. This was, clearly, intercontinental! It had everything we need, including 3 types of fish — 2 pickled varieties (which nobody touched) and one other breaded type, which Mr. Vigers put onto his sandwich. Apparently it hadn’t been totally boned…Some of the crowd favorites included the cookies (?!), Blaabarsopa (blueberry soup, like they give @ the Vasaloppet), and the Nestle Fitness cereal.br /br /We had a relaxed time eating, and watched as the dawn gradually turned to daylight. We later loaded our 2 Ford vans, and started driving to the ski area. It was only 2-3 km from our hotel to the ski area, so I didn’t bother to ask for specific directions. After about 45 minutes of driving, we found ourselves at the trails. A non-English speaking groomer directed us to a warm room where we scraped and applied some cold kick wax. After that, well the pictures are probably better than my writing.br /br /The temps peaked today around -15* C. Everybody has warm clothes and balaclavas (not to mention nice new jackets), and I nobody complained. That’s just what we’ll have for the next 10 days.br /br /Back home in the hotel, we had our choice of World Cup biathlon from Antholtz, ITA, live on Eurosport, or the classic-Sprint at Finnish Nationals, live on a local channel. We watched Sammi Jauhojaervi win the men’s race while at lunch.br /br /Now it’s just after 5pm, and we’re all just chilling. I just watched some of the Super-G that happened earlier today @ Kitzbuehl AUT, and now its K134 Ski Jumping from Zakopane, POL. It seems to have been a beautiful day all over Europe!br /br /In our hotel lobby, watching the classic-sprint race @ Finnish Nationals:br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nFA8nEApI/AAAAAAAAAKY/09GeBW0WyuQ/s1600-h/watching-finnish-SM-700.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/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nFA8nEApI/AAAAAAAAAKY/09GeBW0WyuQ/s400/watching-finnish-SM-700.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429587445832483474″ //abr /br /The sun nears its peak for the day (this is just after noon):br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nExj_LIbI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/n17-HvyoyQM/s1600-h/team-sun-700.jpg”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;” src=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nExj_LIbI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/n17-HvyoyQM/s400/team-sun-700.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429587181524689330″ //abr /br /Trail network:br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nErmsoL4I/AAAAAAAAAKI/RnEAXENW1xY/s1600-h/trail-map-700.jpg”img style=”display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 358px;” src=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nErmsoL4I/AAAAAAAAAKI/RnEAXENW1xY/s400/trail-map-700.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429587079172992898″ //abr /br /Most of the team taking a break:br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nEc8DE3HI/AAAAAAAAAKA/a1r4xgzYCLY/s1600-h/team-700.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/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nEc8DE3HI/AAAAAAAAAKA/a1r4xgzYCLY/s400/team-700.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429586827206253682″ //abr /br /Striding towards the big jump:br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nEP-aiNvI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/b5gQ5447XfQ/s1600-h/strinding-towards-jump-700.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/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nEP-aiNvI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/b5gQ5447XfQ/s400/strinding-towards-jump-700.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429586604503217906″ //abr /br /View down to the Nordic stadium:br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nD-M4tlAI/AAAAAAAAAJw/IJPlYJ7H-h4/s1600-h/kids-in-stadium-700.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/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nD-M4tlAI/AAAAAAAAAJw/IJPlYJ7H-h4/s400/kids-in-stadium-700.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429586299150242818″ //abr /br /The big jumps:br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nDjzSiWiI/AAAAAAAAAJo/bU2R1IbcLw4/s1600-h/jumps-through-tress-700.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/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nDjzSiWiI/AAAAAAAAAJo/bU2R1IbcLw4/s400/jumps-through-tress-700.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429585845602638370″ //abr /br /Lahti downtown, around 15.45h:br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nB_wif6wI/AAAAAAAAAJg/nBX3e1MiSGA/s1600-h/lahti-city-center-700.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/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nB_wif6wI/AAAAAAAAAJg/nBX3e1MiSGA/s400/lahti-city-center-700.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429584126877362946″ //abr /br /Some of the gals:br /a onblur=”try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}” href=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nBtKIz0fI/AAAAAAAAAJY/bLQavRbKeEw/s1600-h/chicas-700.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/_cBFLp0vFuic/S1nBtKIz0fI/AAAAAAAAAJY/bLQavRbKeEw/s400/chicas-700.jpg” border=”0″ alt=””id=”BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429583807331422706″ //adiv class=”blogger-post-footer”img width=’1′ height=’1′ src=’https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8099746996508773021-3240543733033096203?l=usaj1team.blogspot.com’ alt=” //div

  • Rybinsk Sprints

    This will be an abbreviated post as this blogger has been bed stricken with the flu. Tomorrow begins the last World Cup weekend before the circuit moves to Canada for the Canmore races and the Olympics. It is perhaps the smallest field ever for a World Cup event. There are no Norwegians or Swedes due to their own nationals. There is also Very limited Italians and no French skiers. Out of the 34 starters for the women’s sprints, exactly half are Russian. On the men’s side, there are only five seeded skiers, all Russians. It’ll be yet another good weekend for skiers down the totem pole to get some World Cup points.

    Women
    1. Justyna Kowalczyk
    2. Miriam Gössner
    3. Vesna Fabjan

    Men
    1. Alexey Petukhov
    2. Nikolay Morilov
    3. Renato Pasini

    Til Next Time.