From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.
Goms! These races, in Switzerland, were unambiguously awesome. Wipeouts, sun, fondue, North American podiums and breakout performances. And an Alaskan guest who watched the races firsthand.
We really went above and beyond the call of duty this week — we’ve got sounds from the side of the trail and even a profanity-laced tirade from Devon if you stick it out to the end of the show. We’ll be on scene at the next round of World Cups, which are in a couple of weeks in Canmore, Alberta.
A sincere thank you to everyone who’s generously pitched in to support us over the past few weeks. Email us at devon@fasterskier.com and nat@fasterskier.com. We’ll be back soon.
Thomas O’Harra (Alaska Pacific University) racing at 2018 U.S. Cross Country Championships last month at Kincaid Park in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo: Ariana O’Harra)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 21-year-old Thomas O’Harra, of Alaska Pacific University, who represented the U.S. at his first U23 Worlds (after competing at three Junior Worlds).
Last week in Goms, O’Harra placed 43rd in the 15 k classic and 64th in the freestyle sprint.
***
“My full name is Thomas O’Harra, but you can call me Thomas.
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and I learned to ski at the age of 5.
I spent the time between U.S. nationals and Junior/U23 Worlds training and getting ready for school.
The chase for third place during men’s 50 k freestyle at the 2017 U.S. Distance Nationals last March in Fairbanks, Alaska. Thomas O’Harra (123) leads, followed by Patrick Caldwell (103), Adam Martin (105), Eric Packer (119), Tyler Kornfield, and Tad Elliott. (Photo: Max Kaufman)
This is my second time in Switzerland and seventh time racing internationally, and so far it’s been fantastic.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. is the chocolate is much better.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is pretty great. Usually racing at altitude is fun for me because I enjoy steady grinding. There are many mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is the opportunity to race against this level of competition again.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the 30 k skiathlon (specifically, the second half).
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Norway and ask them if they think Klaebo is as cool as most Americans.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is I can eat as much as I’d like.
Fondue is bread and cheese, my friend. The cheese here is stinky. And the chocolate is milk.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it taking pictures and taking the tram up to the mountaintops.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @thomasoharra.”
Zak Ketterson (Northern Michigan University) racing at the CCSA opener in Houghton, Michigan. (Courtesy photo)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 20-year-old Zak Ketterson, of Northern Michigan University, who represented the U.S. at his first U23 Worlds (after competing at 2016 Junior Worlds in Romania).
Last week in Goms, Ketterson placed 57th in the 15 k classic and 65th in the freestyle sprint.
***
“My full name is Zak Eduard Ketterson, but you can call me Zak.
I was born and raised in Bloomington, Minnesota, and I learned to ski at my high school in 7th grade. .
I spent the time between U.S. nationals and Junior/U23 Worlds training at home and at NMU.
The funnest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was tanning in Cannes, France, with my Norwegian NMU teammates and Leo Hipp.
This is my second time in Switzerland and fourth time racing internationally, and so far it’s been very focused.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. is better manners at dinner.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is picturesque. Usually racing at altitude is fine for me because I tend to adjust fine. There are infinitely less mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is the opportunity to race successful World Cup skiers.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the 15 k classic.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Russia and ask them what’s in the water over there.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is that it is basically the same as NMU.
Fondue is overrated. The cheese here is really good but not that different from the U.S. And the chocolate — haven’t had any chocolate, won’t have any chocolate.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it tanning outside and hiking up one of the biggest mountains.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @zaketterson.”
Northern Michigan University’s Nicole Schneider (2) leads UVM’s Alayna Sonnesyn and Dartmouth’s Lauren Jortberg (r) in the 15 k freestyle mass start at 2017 NCAA Skiing Championships in Jackson, N.H.
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 20-year-old Nicole Schneider, of Northern Michigan University, who represented the U.S. at her first U23 Worlds (after competing at 2016 Junior Worlds in Romania).
Last week in Goms, Schneider placed 40th in the 15 k skiathlon, 44th in the freestyle sprint and 49th in the 10 k classic.
***
“My full name is Nicole Schneider.
I was born and raised in Plymouth, Minnesota, and I learned to ski at French Park with the Minnesota Youth Ski League.
I spent the time between U.S nationals and U23 Worlds training with my teammates and working with professors to make sure I don’t fall behind in my classes!
The hardest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was 45 seconds on by 15 seconds off bounding intervals up Mount Marquette with my training partners.
Nicole Schneider training in late January in Goms, Switzerland. (Photo: Hannah Rudd)
This is my first time to Switzerland and third time racing internationally, so far it’s been the most beautiful country I’ve ever been to.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. is the copious amount of snow there is here. Seriously. The snowbanks are taller than me!
Skiing and racing in the Alps is challenging. Usually racing at altitude is hard for me because I live at sea level! But I came to the precamp here so I’ve had no problems adjusting.
One of the things I’m most excited about for U23 Worlds in Goms is to see how I stack up against the other girls my age.
One race I’m especially targeting is the skiathlon because I’ve never done one before!
I really hope I can make friends with someone from Norway and ask them what their secret is.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is the coffee.
Fondue is… still haven’t had it here yet! The cheese here is exceptional. And the chocolate is to die for.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness, I’d spend it alpine skiing in the Alps.
The best way to follow me on social media is on instagram at @colieschneider.”
Gareth Williams (Telemark Nordic/Canadian U25 Team) training in Praz de Lys, France, last month before U23 World Championships in Switzerland. (Photo: Charles Castonguay)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 20-year-old Gareth Williams, of Telemark Nordic and the Canadian National U25 Team, who represented Canada at his first U23 Worlds (after competing at last year’s Junior Worlds in Utah).
Last week in Goms, Williams placed 41st in the 15 k classic.
***
“My full name is Gareth James Williams, but you can call me G-Will.
I was born in Vancouver and raised in Kelowna, and I learned to ski at Telemark Nordic Club.
I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds at Mont Sainte-Anne and Praz de Lys in France training to race my best this week.
The most fun workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was altitude ski up the downhill slopes of Big White with my team and coach Adam.
Gareth Williams (Telemark Nordic) racing in the freestyle sprint qualifier at 2017 World Cup Finals in Quebec City, Quebec, last March. He finished 74th. (Photo: Peter Collins)
This is my third time in Switzerland and fifth time racing internationally, and so far it’s been much more competitive!
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and Canada is the price of a cappuccino!
Skiing and racing in the Alps is kind of like skiing in Western Canada. Usually racing at altitude is good for me because I train at altitude fairly often. There are lots of mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is the beautiful mountains.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the skiathlon.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Australia and ask them what the difference is between a wallaby and a kangaroo.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is the coffee.
Fondue is not something I usually eat while trying to ski fast! The cheese here is not my thing. And the chocolate is the best in the world!
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it on top of a mountain with some alpine skis.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @gareth_williams.”
Bill Harmeyer (University of Vermont) racing at the Colby Carnival last month. (Photo: SkinnySki.com)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 20-year-old Bill Harmeyer, of the University of Vermont, who represented the U.S. at his first U23 Worlds (after competing at last year’s Junior Worlds in Utah).
Last week in Goms, Harmeyer placed 39th in the 15 k classic and 46th in the freestyle sprint.
***
“My full name is Bill Harmeyer, but you can call me Bill.
I was born in Burlington, Vermont, and raised in Underhill, Vermont, and I learned to ski at the farm behind my house.
I spent the time between U.S. nationals and Junior/U23 Worlds nervously telling my teachers I’d be missing two weeks of classes, while maybe failing to mention I’d be missing more.
Bill Harmeyer (University of Vermont) during an NTG camp training session last fall at Soldier Hollow in Midway, Utah. (Courtesy photo)
The hardest/favorite/most awesome workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was Trout Lake agility and OD TT with the Bend Endurance Academy.
This is my first time in Switzerland and first (second including WJC in Utah last year) time racing internationally, and so far it’s been sweet.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. is the mountains are a bit different.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is distracting, because you’re constantly looking around, and exhausting, because you just want to keep skiing. Usually racing at altitude is not too hard for me because I’ve done it before. There are some mountains around where I live.
American Bill Harmeyer (University of Vermont) racing the first leg of the men’s 4 x 5 k relay on the last day of 2017 Junior World Championships at Soldier Hollow. After he tagged off in sixth, his team went on to finish ninth. (Photo: FlyingPointRoad.com)
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is the chocolate. One race I’m especially targeting there is the skate sprint.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Sweden and ask them if they’d like to trade suits.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is the cheese.
Fondue is on my top 10 favorite foods list. The cheese here is fantastic. And the chocolate is also fantastic.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it exploring backcountry skiing or crust cruising while eating chocolate.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @bllharmeyer1.”
Canada’s Philippe Boucher (CNEPH) racing to 22nd in the men’s 20 k skiathlon at 2017 Junior World Championships at Soldier Hollow in Midway, Utah. (Photo: FlyingPointRoad.com)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 20-year-old Philippe Boucher, of the Centre National d’Entraînement Pierre-Harvey (CNEPH), who represented Canada at his first U23 Worlds (after previously competing at three Junior Worlds).
Last week in Goms, Boucher placed 42nd in the freestyle sprint and 45th in the 15 k classic.
***
“My full name is Philippe Boucher, but you can call me Phil.
I was born and raised in Lévis, Québec, and I learned to ski at Club de ski La Balada in Lévis.
I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds alpine skiing in beautiful powder snow at MSA. I rested three days at home. I left Quebec on Jan. 14 en route to Praz de Lys, France, for a training camp with the Canadian ski team.
The funnest workout training camp I did in the last training year to prepare for this was a 3-week training camp this fall on the Dachstein glacier in Austria with Alexis Dumas, my teammate on the CNEPH. We’ve been on the World Junior/U23 Championship trip for four years together; he’s one of my best friend and training buddy.
This is my second time in Switzerland and fourth time racing internationally, and so far it’s been good.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and Canada is the salami is awesome.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is fun and challenging. The weather can change quickly. I like when it’s unpredictable. Usually racing at altitude is OK for me because I’m based in MSA at sea level, but I’ve been training and racing a lot at altitude these past 4 years. I still need some time to adapt, but when I’m adapted it usually goes well for me. There are one (Mont-Sainte-Anne) mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is to compare my level of racing with the best in the world and to eat the good food at the hotel. No cooking is the best.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the 30 k skiathlon.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from France and try to speak with their accent and expressions.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is chocolate croissants.
Fondue is delicious. And the chocolate is miam !!
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it backcountry skiing in the Swiss Alps.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @p_boucher97.”
Catherine Reed-Métayer (Skibec Nordique) racing at the Eastern Cup opener in Fort Kent, Maine. (Courtesy photo)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 19-year-old Catherine Reed-Métayer, of Skibec Nordique, who represented Canada at her first Junior Worlds.
Last week in Goms, Reed-Métayer placed 56th in the freestyle sprint and 62nd in the 10 k skiathlon.
***
“My full name is Catherine, but you can call me 4.
I was born and raised in St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Quebec, and I learned to ski at 4 years old.
Catherine Reed-Métayer (Skibec Nordique) during a training day last month in Praz de Lys, France. (Courtesy photo)
I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds eating mousse au chocolat at Le Taconet in Praz de Lys, France.
The most memorable workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was a 3-hour ski in June on top of Whistler Blackcomb when we bonked hard but we had Scooby snacks and lucky charm bars to rely on with hangry Katie Weaver.
This is my first time in Switzerland and first time racing internationally, and so far it’s been sketchy.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and Canada is that they have emergency raclette kits in convenience stores, just in case.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is just as sweet as a baby golden retriever. Usually racing at altitude is funny for me because je suis dans le tapis ben raide. There are short mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is learning Russian slang.
One race I’m especially targeting there is all of them.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Canada and ask them how was their day.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is eating.
Fondue is a French word indicating un mets à base de fromage fondu dans lequel on trempe des morceaux de pain. The cheese here is cheesy. And the chocolate is undiscovered… yet.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it with you my friend.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @cathreedmet.”
Sofia Shomento racing in the 5 k freestyle at the Colby Carnival in Waterville, Maine. (Photo: FlyingPointRoad)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 18-year-old Sofia Shomento, of the Dartmouth Ski Team, who represented the U.S. at her first Junior Worlds.
Last week in Goms, Shomento qualified for the freestyle sprint in 26th and went on to place 23rd overall, and finished 58th in the 10 k skiathlon.
***
“My full name is Sofia Shomento, but you can call me Sof.
I was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, and I learned to ski at Bohart Ranch with the Bridger Ski Foundation.
I spent the time between U.S. nationals and Junior/U23 Worlds catching up with classes and skiing with my teammates.
The funnest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was running 121 laps (about 14 miles) around the homecoming bonfire with my class of 2021 teammates.
This is my first time in Switzerland and second time racing internationally, and so far it’s been incredible!
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. is the snow banks are much taller here!
Skiing and racing in the Alps is breathtaking. Usually racing at altitude is fun for me because I grew up racing in the West. There are lots of mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is meeting new people from around the world.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the skate sprint.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Norway and ask them “what’s the secret?”
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is the fresh bread, cheese, and jam.
Fondue is yummy. The cheese here is delicious. And the chocolate is life changing.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it alpine skiing.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @sofiashomento.”
The Godfrey brothers, Ty and Reed, skiing in Kananaskis Country near their home in Canmore, Alberta. (Photo: Sam Hendry)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 19-year-old Ty Godfrey, of Team R.A.D./Canmore Nordic, who represented Canada at his second Junior Worlds.
Last week in Goms, Godfrey raced to 57th in the 10 k classic.
***
“My full name is Ty Godfrey, but you can call me Reed, because most people call me that.
I was born in Vancouver and raised in Canmore, and I learned to ski at age 1.
I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds in Canmore making my fitness 0 to 100 real quick.
Ty Godfrey (Photo: Russell Kennedy)
The most technical workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was dancing harder than J Diggs at a The Weeknd concert with my twin.
This is my second time in Switzerland and third time racing internationally, and so far it’s been super sweet repping the Canadian gear.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the Canada is the absence of Vector Cereal in Switzerland.
Usually racing at altitude is normal for me because I’ve spent my whole life in Canmore. There are so many mountains around where I live that you could do a different hike everyday.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is racing with the maple leaf on and scrolling through fresh Instagram explore.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the 10 k classic individual start.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Norway and ask them how Ryan and Max are doing.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it going for an adventure hike with a special someone I meet at the championships.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @tygodfrey.”
Canada’s Reed Godfrey (Team R.A.D./Canmore Nordic) racing to fifth in his classic-sprint quarterfinal at 2017 Junior World Championships at Soldier Hollow in Midway, Utah. He finished the day in 25th overall. (Photo: FlyingPointRoad.com)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 19-year-old Reed Godfrey, of Team R.A.D./Canmore Nordic, who represented Canada at his second Junior Worlds.
Last week in Goms, Godfrey raced to 31st in the freestyle sprint and 54th in the 20 k skiathlon.
***
“My full name is Reed Godfrey, but you can call me Godfrey Twin.
I was born and raised in Canmore, Alberta, and I learned to ski at age 1.
I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds hanging out in Quebec with Gareth Williams and then training in Praz de Lys, France, with Team Canada.
This is my second time in Switzerland and third time racing internationally, and so far it’s been a lot of fun!
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and Canada is better chocolate.
Reed Godfrey (Courtesy photo)
Skiing and racing in the Alps is really fun and different. Usually racing at altitude is good for me because I live and train at 1400m. There are big mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is racing my hardest while wearing the Maple Leaf.
Two races I’m especially targeting there are the sprint and skiathlon.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Russia and ask them for a Lukoil headband.
My favorite things at the breakfast where we are staying are cappuccino and Nutella.
Fondue is pretty awesome. The cheese here is pretty awesome. And the chocolate is pretty awesome.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it wandering around eating Swiss chocolate and taking pics.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @reedgodfrey.”
Hannah Halvorsen (Alaska Pacific University) in Alaska. (Courtesy photo)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 19-year-old Hannah Halvorsen, of Alaska Pacific University (APU), who represented the U.S. at her second Junior Worlds.
Hannah Halvorsen and her mom prepping for worlds. (Courtesy photo)
“My full name is Hannah Halvorsen, most people just call me Hannah.
I was born and raised in Truckee, and I learned to ski when I was two.
I spent the time between U.S. nationals and Junior/U23 Worlds prepping for worlds.
The hardest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was intervals with APU.
This is my first time in Switzerland and fifth year racing internationally, and so far it’s been good.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. is everything’s smaller.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is beautiful. Usually racing at altitude is comfortable for me because I grew up at altitude. There are also beautiful mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is the opportunity to race internationally.
Hannah Halvorsen getting some Junior World Championships prep in with Team Halvorsen. (Courtesy photo)
One race I’m especially targeting there is the skate sprint.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Norway and ask them what their secret is.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is the liver.
Fondue is not the best pre-race meal. The cheese here plentiful. And the chocolate is abundant.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it skiing.
Annika Richardson (l) with her Thunder Bay teammate Katherine Stewart-Jones on the “only sunny day” during Canada’s pre-Junior Worlds training camp last month in Praz de Lys, France. (Courtesy photo)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 20-year-old Annika Richardson, of the National Team Development Centre (NTDC) Thunder Bay, who represented Canada at her second Junior Worlds.
Last week, Richardson raced to 52nd in the freestyle sprint, 67th in the 5 k classic, and 15th with the women’s 4 x 3.3 k relay.
***
“My full name is Annika Meghan Richardson, but you can call me Young Rich.
I was born and raised on the West Coast (best coast) in Vancouver, and I learned to ski at Hollyburn in rain pants (most of the time).
Annika Richardson (NTDC Thunder Bay) racing to 12th in the freestyle sprint qualifier on Jan. 9 at NorAm World Juniors trials at Mont Sainte-Anne, Quebec. (Courtesy photo)
I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds thinking about catching up on school work.
The slipperiest (it poured with rain) workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was the Canada 150 rollerski mass start with Caitlin Compton-Gregg and the NTDC women’s team.
This is my second time in Switzerland (in the last two weeks) and fourth time racing internationally, and so far it’s been full of crazy fast skiers.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and Canada is they don’t say sorry as much.
Skiing and racing in the Alps has been very snowy so far. Usually racing at altitude is a lactate party for me because when I’m racing I forget that it’s harder at altitude. There are lots of mountains around where I live in Vancouver but not really any in Thunder Bay.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is the big hill in the skate sprint course.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the skate sprint qualifier.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Germany and ask them if they own a pair of Lederhosen.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is definitely the strong coffee (finally).
Fondue is not something I have had the opportunity to try yet but I bet it’s delicious. The cheese here is quite abundant and there is tons of variety. And the chocolate is very, very rich and a bit too available.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it practicing my downhill shredding skills on a powder day.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @annika.richardson.”
Canyon Tobin (APU) racing in the classic sprint B-final at a Junior Nationals qualifier/Besh Cup in Fairbanks, Alaska. (Courtesy photo)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 18-year-old Canyon Tobin, of Alaska Pacific University (APU), who represented the U.S. at his first Junior Worlds.
Last week, Tobin raced to 37th in the 10 k classic and 41st in the freestyle sprint.
***
“My full name is Canyon Tobin, but you can call me Tyler Kornfield.
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and I learned to ski at Junior Nordic.
I spent the time between U.S. nationals and Junior/U23 Worlds skiing 😊.
The bestest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was bicep supersets with my comrade in training, Luke Jager.
This is my second time in Switzerland and second time racing internationally, and so far it’s been just really, really great, man.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. is a much weaker Gross Domestic Product here.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is honestly really hard. Usually racing at altitude is honestly really hard for me because I’m a man of the sea. There are Alaskan mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is the JNs dance.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the 10 k individual classic race.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Brazil and ask them how it be.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is the orange-mango juice…it’s to die for.
Fondue is cheese. The cheese here is smelly. And the chocolate is not as good as Hershey’s®.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it Swiss cow tipping.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @cktobs.”
Graham Ritchie (NTDC Thunder Bay) racing in Praz de Lys, France, last month during the Canadian team’s training camp before 2018 Junior World Championships in Switzerland. (Photo: Charles Castonguay)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 19-year-old Graham Ritchie, of the National Team Development Centre (NTDC) Thunder Bay, who represented Canada at his first Junior Worlds.
Last week in Goms, Ritchie qualified for the freestyle sprint heats in 28th and went on to place 12th overall.
***
“My full name is Graham Ritchie, but you can call me Graham.
I was born and raised in Parry Sound, Ontario, and I learned to ski at Georgian Nordic.
I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds in Thunder Bay.
The funnest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was shinny with the TBay boys.
This is my second time in Switzerland and second time racing internationally, and so far it’s been dandy.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and Canada is there are no beavers.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is thrilling! Usually racing at altitude is tricky for me because there are no mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is racing for Canada for the first time.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the sprint.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with a girl from Norway and ask them out.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is cappuccino.
Fondue is noice. The cheese here is noice. And the chocolate is noice.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it adventuring and taking pictures.
Molly Gellert (Alaska Winter Stars) racing in the freestyle sprint on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 2018 Junior World Championships in Goms, Switzerland. She placed 18th overall on the day. (Photo: Glenn Gellert)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 17-year-old Molly Gellert, of Alaska Winter Stars, who represented the U.S. at her first Junior Worlds.
Last week in Goms, Gellert qualified for the freestyle sprint heats in 21st and went on to place 18th overall. She also placed 40th in the 10 k skiathlon.
***
“My full name is Margaret, but you can call me Molly.
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and I learned to ski at 7 years old.
I spent the time between U.S. nationals and Junior/U23 Worlds explaining to my teachers why I’d be missing two weeks of their class.
The hardest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was bounding intervals with my team and coach Jan.
This is my second time in Switzerland and third time racing internationally, and so far it’s been grand.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. are the duvets.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is picturesque. Usually racing at altitude is tough for me because I live at sea level. There are beautiful mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms are the challenging courses on real snow.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the skiathlon.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Norway and ask them to adopt me.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is the bread.
Fondue is not my favorite. The cheese here is authentic. And the chocolate comes in huge bars.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it starting my homework.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @molly.gellert.”
Alexandra Racine (Club de ski du Mont Orford) having fun in Praz-de-Lys, France, last month before 2018 Junior World Championships in Switzerland. (Photo: Catherine Reed-Métayer)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 18-year-old Alexandra Racine, of the Club de ski du Mont Orford, who represented Canada at her first Junior Worlds.
Last week in Goms, Racine raced to 51st in the 10 k skiathlon and 69th in the freestyle sprint.
***
“My full name is Alexandra, but you can call me Rex.
I was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, and I learned to ski at 11 years old.
Alexandra Racine (Club de ski du Mont Orford) racing at last month’s NorAm Junior Worlds trials at Mont Saint-Anne in Quebec. (Photo: Michèle Carrière)
I spent the time between Mont Sainte-Anne trials and Junior/U23 Worlds in Praz-de-Lys, France, eating cheese and shredding the alpine tracks.
The hardest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was the 10-minute Poma ride and 5-minute downhill with my Canadian friends.
This is my first time in Switzerland and first time racing internationally, and so far it’s been a whole new experience.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and Canada is that having four official languages is a lot more confusing than having only two.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is pretty dang hard but also very beautiful. Usually racing at altitude is not that good for me because the air is less thick than back home. There are (blank) mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is getting to wear the Canadian suit in races.
One race I’m especially targeting there is the 6 a.m. warm-up jog.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Russia and ask them if they miss the Kobaldof’s sauna (with Gilles as the sauna master).
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is the mini breakfast sausages.(But really I’m missing Loïc’s breakfasts at Le Taconet.)
Fondue is mysterious. The cheese here is smelly but fancy. And the chocolate is my favorite thing to buy.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it in the mountains, with skis on my feet.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @alexeroot.”
The U.S. men’s silver-medal relay on Saturday at 2018 Junior World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, with (from left to right) Luke Jager, Hunter Wonders, Gus Schumacher, and Ben Ogden. (Photo: Julia Kern)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans competing at this week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 18-year-old Luke Jager, of Alaska Pacific University (APU), who’s representing the U.S. at his first Junior Worlds.
“My full name is Luke Jager, but you can call me Gus Schumacher.
I was born in Redding, California, and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and I learned to ski at Anchorage Junior Nordic League.
I spent the time between US. nationals and Junior/U23 Worlds reminiscing about beating Gus Schumacher at the season opener middle school race in 8th grade.
The funnest workout I did in the last training years to prepare for this was easy 30-minute shakeout run/walk with my thoughts.
Luke Jager (Alaska Pacific University) during a training day in Goms, Switzerland. (Courtesy photo)
This is my first time in Switzerland and second time racing internationally, and so far it’s been transcendent.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. is a lot less freedom.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is hard. Usually racing at altitude is hard for me because here is less air. There are hella mountains around where I live.
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is the gentle kiss of the swiss sun on my soft, tender skin.
One race I’m especially targeting there is junior men’s relay.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Alaska and ask them what it’s like there.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is orange mango juice. Mom if you’re reading this please buy some thank you love you.
Fondue is yellow. The cheese here is also yellow. And the chocolate is not yellow.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it in bed Snapchatting Cole Morgan.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @lukejageryo.”
The U.S. men’s team tasting their silver medals after placing second in the 4 x 5 k relay on Saturday at 2018 Junior World Championships in Goms, Switzerland. (Photo: Julia Kern)
Russia’s Denis Spitsov celebrates his first U23 World Championships gold on Friday ahead of France’s Jules Lapierre in the men’s 30 k skiathlon in Goms, Switzerland. (Photo: JWSC2018.ch)
(Note: This article has been updated to include comments from Americans Lauren Jortberg and Ian Torchia.)
U23 World Championships (Goms, Switzerland): 15/30 k skiathlons
On the final day of U23 World Championships racing in Goms, Russia stole the show in the women’s and men’s skiathlons.
The all-Russian women’s 15 k skiathlon podium at U23 World Championships on Friday in Goms, Switzerland, with Anastasia Sedova (c) in first, Natalia Nepryaeva (l) in second and Yulia Belorukova (r) in third. (Photo: JWSC2018.ch)
Anastasia Sedova led them in the first race of the day on Friday, the women’s 15-kilometer skiathlon, which she won in 44:03.6 minutes. Russia swept the podium and had four in the top five with Natalia Nepryaeva in second (+10.7) and Yana Kirpichenko in third (+37.2), and Yulia Belorukova in fourth (+1:58.0). Germany’s Pia Fink placed fourth (+1:33.5).
The race was the first of the week for the 22-year-old Sedova, a World Cup regular, and it was her second individual gold medal at her second U23 World Championships (she won the 10 k classic in 2016).
“Good preparation for the Olympic Games,” Sedova said during an in-arena interview after the race. “I am very lucky today. Good atmosphere, good weather today.”
Kirpichenko won the 10 k classic earlier this week and Nepryaeva placed third in the freestyle sprint in Goms.
“It’s hard to say how to describe the race, but Anastasia is a really good skier,” Nepryaeva said after. “She was really good today. So for me it was hard to support her during the race. Today she was much better than me.”
American Lauren Jortberg (Dartmouth Ski Team) led the North Americans in 29th (+5:29.9) for her best distance result at the Junior/U23 World Championships level.
“Early in the race I was right over 30th place, and I was trying to maintain contact with the big group ahead of me,” Jortberg, a Dartmouth sophomore from Boulder, Colorado, wrote in an email. “The pace of the classic leg was really fast. A couple of the girls in the race are heading to the Olympics in a few days so it was a really hot start!”
She came through the transition at the race’s halfway point in 31st, about 3:47 behind the leaders.
“I am a much better skater so I felt like I really put the hammer down on the skate leg and moved up a lot,” Jortberg wrote. “The skate course was much easier than the classic course, but I feel like I skied the massive climbs better than the girls around me. I focused on having a really high tempo over the hills and skiing the downhills technically well because there was no rest on the course.
“I’m pleased with my performance today, and I’m excited about my results this week as a whole,” she added. “I’m definitely leaving here hungry for more because I don’t think it was my best week, but I think it was really solid. This is the most competitive field I’ve ever raced against so it feels really good to know that I’m not too far off their level!”
Also for the U.S., Lydia Blanchet placed 38th (+7:11.1) and Nicole Schneider was 40th (+8:04.3). Julia Kern did not finish.
Canada’s Katherine Stewart-Jones (Canadian National U25 Team/NTDC Thunder Bay) placed 31st (+5:39.0) and Maya MacIsaac-Jones was 42nd (+8:08.8), while Laura Leclair and Sophie Carrier-Laforte were lapped.
Russia’s Denis Spitsov leads France’s Jules Lapierre during the men’s 30 k skiathlon on Friday at 2018 U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland. Spitsov went on to win by 2.9 seconds over Lapierre. (Photo: JWSC2018.ch)
In the men’s 30 k, Russia’s Denis Spitsov took the win in 1:18:14.9 hours, just 2.9 seconds ahead of France’s Jules Lapierre. Norway’s Ole Jørgen Bruvoll placed third (+21.5), ahead of Russia’s Ivan Yakimushkin in fourth (+23.2), and Andorra’s Irineu Esteve Altimiras in fifth (+36.4).
The gold was the first for Spitsov, 21, who previously placed second in the 15 k classic earlier this week. He has two individual bronze medals from last year’s U23 Worlds (in the 30 k skiathlon and 15 k freestyle).
American Ian Torchia (U.S. Ski Team/Northern Michigan University) placed 27th on Friday (+6:05.7). Only 33 men finished, and he was the only North American that didn’t get lapped.
“Between the 3700 feet of climbing, a 2.5km loop, and the top dogs having World Cup podiums…half the field got lapped,” Torchia wrote in an email. “Definitely added some motivation in the final 2 laps to see Spitsov and Lapierre slowly catching up.
“I felt I skied technically better in skate and struggled on the classic leg,” Torchia explained. “Took a hard tumble halfway through the classic leg and had to take half a lap to recover from that. Found a hole in my suit close to my groin afterward which was a little unnerving!”
At the end of the week, he noted that he felt “more fired up than coming in. Funny how being 6 minutes back can do that,” he wrote. “It was an eye-opening experience to get back on the international stage after 2 years and I will take these lessons of racing to the rest of the season in the Ishpemimg Super Tour, Steamboat NCAA’s, and Craftsbury Spring Series. Also already thinking of ideas on how to change and optimize my training to make the jump to the top level.”
Americans Andrew Egger, Zak Ketterson and Thomas O’Harra also competed, as did Canada’s Alexis Dumas, Gareth Williams, Philippe Boucher, and Ricardo Izquierdo-Bernier.
Stratton’s Ben Saxton (l) edging Julien Locke (r) by eight-hundredths of a second for the win in the men’s 1.4 k classic sprint A-final on Friday at Eastern Canadian Championships in Gatineau, Quebec. (Photo: Becca Rorabaugh (APU) on her way to winning the women’s 1.3 k classic sprint qualifier on Friday at 2018 Eastern Canadian Championships in Gatineau, Quebec. (Photo: Rob Smith/CCC)
NorAm Eastern Canadian Championships (Gatineau, Quebec): Classic sprints
Eastern Canadian Championships opened in Gatineau on Friday with classic sprinting, and Americans Becca Rorabaugh and Ben Saxton ended the day with wins in the women’s and men’s A-finals, respectively.
Becca Rorabaugh (APU) on her way to winning the women’s 1.3 k classic sprint qualifier on Friday at 2018 Eastern Canadian Championships in Gatineau, Quebec. (Photo: Rob Smith/CCC)
For Rorabaugh, the win is her second straight after the Alaska Pacific University (APU) skier won the women’s 5-kilometer freestyle at last weekend’s SuperTour in Craftsbury, Vermont. She edged last weekend’s classic-sprint winner, Kaitlynn Miller, of the Craftsbury Green Racing Project (CGRP), by 0.41 seconds for the win in 3:23.15 minutes in Friday’s 1.3 k classic sprint final. It was an all-American podium (and all-American final) with Erika Flowers, of the Stratton Mountain School (SMS) T2 Team, just another three-hundredths of a second back in third (+0.44). Liz Guiney (CGRP) followed in fourth (+2.51), Rosie Frankowski (APU) was fifth (+3.88), and Corey Stock (Bridger Ski Foundation) placed sixth (+6.1).
Rorabaugh had started the day by qualifying first in 3:26.95, then won both her quarterfinal and semifinal. Miller qualified third and won her quarterfinal and semifinal as well.
In the men’s 1.4 k classic sprint, Saxton (SMST2) nipped Julien Locke (Canadian U25 Team/Black Jack) at the line by 0.08 seconds for the win in 3:04.54. Patrick Stewart-Jones (Alberta World Cup Academy) placed third (+5.53), Kris Freeman (Caldwell Sport) was fourth (+5.94), Kevin Bolger (Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation) fifth (+7.42), and Julian Smith (NTDC Thunder Bay) sixth (+11.63).
Locke initially won the qualifier in 3:08.37, then won the first quarterfinal and first semifinal as well. Saxton qualified sixth, then advanced in second in his quarterfinal about a second behind Smith, and Saxton won the second semifinal.
Easterns continue Saturday with 10/15 k freestyle races and conclude Sunday with 10/15 k classic pursuits.
Ian Torchia (NMU/USST) crust cruising with Bernie Nelson (not shown) their second day in Goms, Switzerland. (Photo: Bernie Nelson)
In an effort to showcase the North Americans competing at this week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 21-year-old Ian Torchia, of Northern Michigan University (NMU) and the U.S. Ski Team D-team, who’s representing the U.S. at his first U23 Worlds.
“My full name is Ian Michael Torchia, but you can call me Torch.
I was born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota, and I learned to ski at Eastwood Golf Course.
I spent the time between U.S. nationals and Junior/U23 Worlds skiing and sleeping.
Ian Torchia (l) follows Kris Freeman on a downhill during the men’s 30-kilometer classic mass start at the 2018 U.S. Cross Country Championships in Anchorage, Alaska. Torchia went on to place 12th.
The dumbest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was a 6 hour OD with me, myself, and I.
This is my first time in Switzerland and third time racing internationally, and so far it’s been A1.
One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. is lack of directions.
Skiing and racing in the Alps is beautiful. Usually racing at altitude is great for me because I’m a small guy. There are huge mountains around where I live (Marquette Mountain, Sugarloaf, Hogsback).
One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms is racing Russians.
One race I’m especially targeting there is 30 k skiathlon.
I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from USA and ask them to steal Zak Ketterson’s white noise machine so I can sleep in silent peace.
My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is granola, also for lunch and dinner.
Fondue is unavailable. The cheese here is Le Gruyere. And the chocolate is for my girlfriend.
If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it crust cruising with Bernie Nelson.
The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @fullytorched.”
Ian Torchia (NMU/USST) during a crust cruise in Goms, Switzerland. Enough snow to ski up on a house! (Photo: Bernie Nelson)
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