Dong en route to third place in the Lake Placid SuperTour 10 k skate in 2011.
When the parade of brightly-colored spandex suits heats up the domestic circuit this year, competitors and spectators will see a new squad: Stella Racing. And while America’s first elite women-only team in more than a decade might be small, it will definitely be fast.
Morgan Smyth, Evelyn Dong, and Zoe Roy decided to start a team based out of Salt Lake City, Utah, and have spent the spring and summer making it happen. Their rationale was pretty simple, according to Smyth.
“I decided that I wanted to live in Park City but that I still wanted to race,” she wrote in an e-mail. “So we put together a team!”
All three women had excellent seasons last year with their respective teams. Smyth finished on the podium at U.S. National Championships; she, Dong, and final team member Katie Ronsse took home a collection of SuperTour and NorAm podiums and top-tens. Roy was an NCAA All-American in her last year at the University of Utah, and represented Canada at the University Games in Turkey.
While Roy ran out of eligibility at Utah, necessitating a move, it was a less obviously logical step for the other women.
Ronsse and Smyth both had excellent 2011 race seasons representing APU; for Smyth, it was a return to the national stage after compartment syndrome surgery and illness limited her 2010 campaign, while Ronsse had what she called her “most enjoyable [season] as a competitive ski racer.”
But Ronsse decided to go to graduate school, an idea that had been germinating for a long time. Dong, who had been a mainstay of the XC Oregon program in Bend, also felt like it was time to “try something new.” So, according to Dong, the idea of Stella Racing originated when she was visiting Roy in Salt Lake City last spring.
Smyth collecting one of her many podiums of 2011 in the Lake Placid SuperTour 5 k classic.
“I was thinking about moving away from Bend,” Dong said in an interview. “[Roy] had used up her eligibility for skiing in school and also wanted to keep skiing. So we sort of figured that starting a team wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
Smyth, who had live in Park City before while she was on the U.S. Ski Team, quickly came on board, and the trio started trying to define their team and find sponsors. When Ronsse picked the University of Utah, the original team members said, “why not?” and added her to the squad, even though she hadn’t been looking to continue racing full-time.
The women decided to focus mainly on marathons, although they will begin the season with the SuperTour races in Montana. After U.S. Nationals, Smyth and Dong will hit up the Boulder Mountain Tour, the Owl Creek Chase, and the American Birkebeiner, then head to Europe for Worldloppet action.
“We figured there was a niche there for a women’s marathon team,” Dong told FasterSkier.
Roy, a Canadian citizen, will be focusing more on the NorAm circuit in an attempt to make it to Europe for OPA Cup racing. Ronsse will also be on her own schedule. As a full-time student, she won’t be able to race as often as her teammates and is planning to do just a few competitions.
Ronsse at the 2011 West Yellowstone SuperTour.
“I have definitely entered into a new routine, but after a full day of studying I love to rip around outside on the trails,” Ronsse wrote in an e-mail. “If I can together with the other StellaRacing ladies and hammer around with them– it’s a double-bonus! I’ll be one of their biggest fans, and up for just about any good workout or ski clinic that’s organized when they’re back in town.”
But for the team as a whole, marathons are the focus. And what was originally a decision made out of pure fun and interest has turned out to be a good business move, too.
“There’s more money in [marathons] and our sponsors, like Toko and our ski sponsors, like to see that too,” Dong said. “So it definitely helps that we’re a lot more visible in that realm.”
So far, Stella Racing is relying heavily on local benefactors. Dong acknowledged that it was a tough time to start a team, but that the Park City area had been good to them.
“We’ve had ups and downs,” she said. “We’ve had some things that fell through, but the local sponsors are really pulling through for us. So we’re hoping to start there, and we’re going to be able to do some racing just because of them.”
She also thanked the athletes’ individual ski sponsors and Toko.
“Ian Harvey of Toko is helping us out a lot,” Dong said. “[Toko] gave us a kick in the butt to get us going when we had really stalled.”
Harvey, who is the U.S. Brand Manager for Toko, said that supporting the women was a no-brainer for him.
Roy racing at western collegiate regional championships.
“The women on the team are enthusiastic and kind of emit a love of skiing and outdoor sports,” he wrote in an e-mail. “As a father of two girls, I really appreciate role models like this being available to the general public. I want the team to succeed both in terms of getting good results but also in ‘reaching’ a lot of people.”
Overall, the team has been surprisingly successful in setting up in the midst of a recession.
“I think financial support is always limited in ski racing, but we are lucky to have a few key sponsors, such as Toko, that are making the team possible,” Smyth said.
It’s some of the only support they will receive. The team will not have a coach this year, which was both a financial necessity and a choice. With years of elite racing experience under their belts, the women did not seem troubled by being self-coached.
They also won’t have consistent race support. Dong said that they would be contracting wax technicians at each race rather than retaining a single person for the entire season.
For now, they are enjoying the last weeks of fall. Dong said that the squad had an excellent summer of training and was prepared for the season.
“[Park City] is pretty sweet,” she told FasterSkier. “The trails are probably some of the best for training, like running and bounding. And the mountain biking is unreal here.”
Smyth (left) and Ronsse (2nd from right) with teammates Holly Brooks and Sadie Bjornsen after finishing 3rd and 5th in the classic sprint at 2011 US Nationals. Photo: flyingpointroad.com
Kikkan Randall leads up the last rise during yesterday's 30km at US Distance Nationals.
The SuperTour Finals fits into a relatively new genre of competition – that of “mini-tour.” The term derives from the Tour De Ski, the multi-stage World Cup event featuring eight races in ten days. And while World Cup points are awarded for each individual race (half points actually), the big prize is the overall title.
The success of the Tour on the global stage has led to the concept of the mini-tour, a similar format usually consisting of three races in three days. The recently concluded World Cup Finals is an example of just such an event, and the OPA Cup Finals in Slovenia, another iteration.
Skiers must complete all three events to be eligible for the overall. In a break from the standard Tour format, skiers will be allowed to enter one or two races if they choose.
Breaking News: Ivan Babikov has reported that he is feeling sick. If Babikov is not in top form, or does not race, it will have a major impact on the results. Of course he is known for his toughness, and won the Final Climb at the Tour de Ski a year ago when sick.
Mass Start
The US version starts Friday with a classic mass start event 7.6km for women and 10.9km for men. As is standard practice in the mini-tour format, bonus seconds will be awarded at various intermediate points throughout the race.
The mass start races are very short for that format, so it is likely that the field will stay tight at the front and the bonus seconds will be critical in the overall standings.
The 4.3km main loop features one large extended climb nearly 1.5km in length, and one of the bonus preems will be awarded at the top of this hill. The men’s race features three preems, at 3km, 6.3km and 9.6km. The women’s race has two bonus sprints, at 3km and 6.3km.
15,10 and 5 seconds will be subtracted from the overall time for the top-3 at each preem.
It will be interesting to see how the bonus seconds will impact race strategy. On the World Cup, they have generally led to more exciting races with more attacks and counters. It is likely we will see similar action tomorrow, and given the short race distances, an attack for the preem could turn into a full break away.
Ivan Babikov (CAN) is the heavy favorite to win overall honors this weekend.
The fields are large and highly competitive. World Cup skiers Ivan Babikov, Andy Newell and Torin Koos headline the men’s field, but will be pushed hard by a number of domestic racers.
Koos has been sick this spring, and did not travel to Europe, so his form is unknown. Newell and Babikov have been racing a ton and fatigue could be an issue.
Babikov won yesterday’s 50km US National Championship event, while Newell did not start. The two skiers are polar opposites, with Newell a world-class sprinter, and Babikov a top-10 World Cup distance skier.
Newell’s distance racing has vastly improved this season, and he will be looking to stay with the leaders in preparation for the sprint on Saturday, while Babikov needs to get as much cushion as possible as is sprinting is weak to say the least.
Tad Elliot, the Naitonal Champion in the 50k is coming off a very successful season and will be in the mix. The list goes on form there – James Southam, Lars Flora, Gord Jewett, Simi Hamilton, Brian Gregg, Garrott Kuzzy, Frederic Touchette, Brent McMurtry, and Len Valjas to name just a few. Patrick Weaver, former Olympian, and current UVM assistant coach will join the fray, as will former UVM standout Juergen Uhl. It will be interesting to see how they fare against the current crème de la crème of North American ski racing.
Young David Norris, who leapt into the national spotlight with his performance in Anchorage in the 30k, is also worth keeping an eye on.
This is the most elite field for a US race of the season, and it is hard to pick favorites. Gregg has been racing in Europe, and should be confident. But Kuzzy and Hamilton are more rested…
And again, the short distance does create even more uncertainty.
The one thing that you can count on is that if he is recovered, Babikov will attack on the big climb and try to get away. Whether or not he succeeds is another question. The rest of the field should stay tight and battle for the bonus seconds.
The women’s field is just as impressive. Kikkan Randall, Rebeccas Dussault, Holly Brooks, Caitlin Compton, Brooke Gossling and Kristina Strandberg will do battle in Madawaska.
Randall is definitely the favorite. She is a top-20 World Cup skier in distance events, and is skiing very well right now.
She has also been racing a ton and just arrived from Europe to boot. She won the 30km and is stronger as the distance gets shorter. Look for her to ski at the front and use her superior sprinting speed to collect bonus seconds and the overall win.
It won’t come easily, however, and it is unlikely that she will be able to break away completely. Many of the women have unfinished business after a very hard 30k where things got rough as the finish approached. No one will be settling for second.
As with the men’s event, the short distance and bonus sprints will make for an exciting and close race.
On top of that, this should be an excellent opportunity for good FIS points. The times will be close, and the presence of the World Cup skiers, as long as they are at the top of the result sheet, will make for a good base.
In addition to the bonus seconds, there is a preem of $250 at the 1km mark, ensuring there will be no relaxed skiing out of the start. 1st, 2nd and 3rd receive $250, $150, 1n2 $100 respectively.
Sprint
Andy Newell recently took home 4th place in the overall Sprint Cup (Photo: Kikkan Randall)
The classic sprint is a little more straightforward. There is no question that Newell and Randall or the favorites.
Newell is coming off his first World Cup podium in the event, and is fit and fast. Koos would normally be considered a challenger, but his health raises questions.
The biggest threat to Newell is most likely Hamilton, who raced very well at both the Olympics and in the Oslo World Cup in the classic sprint, and should be in the final.
After that it is another crapshoot. Kuzzy is always a force in a US sprint, and based on the results at US Nationals in Anchorage, where the final was made up of young, relatively (and relative is the operative word here) unknown skiers, there could be many surprises.
Look for Len Valjas of Canada to be in the mix. He has been skiing very well and has the speed to reach the final.
Randall set a career-best in the Olympics, finishing 8th in the classic sprint, and followed up with a 2nd in the skate sprint in Oslo. She is rolling now, and the women’s sprinting field in the US is not as strong as the distance racers, so it is unlikely anyone will be able to hang with Kikkan.
The usual suspects of Brooks, Dussault, Gosling and Compton should be contending for the podium, but don’t count out Ida Sargent, a ripping fast sprinter who skied very well at U23 Championships.
Sargent could easily take the 2nd spot behind Randall.
Like the European tours, bonus points are awarded to all sprinters qualifying for the heats. The race winner receives 60, down to 1 for 30th place.
With just three events, and both distance races quite short, these bonuses will be huge.
The big question in the men’s race will be whether or no Babikov can qualify. He needs to have a good race to keep his chances in the overall alive.
In an interesting and fun variation, the top qualifier in both races receives a $250 bonus. Race winners will get the same prize money as in the mass start.
Hill Climb
Tad Elliot (USA) racing earlier this year at the U23 Championships, Hinterzarten, Germany – 15km Classic.
Sunday marks the final day of racing, and as in the Tour de Ski, racers get to tackle a major climb. The Maine version is a bit easier, but should provide plenty of suffering.
The men race 7.5km, the women 5.3.
Both courses feature rolling terrain over the first portion of the race. The women ski roughly 2k before hitting the climb, while the men do nearly 4.5. There is a rolling gradual descent over the kilometer approaching the hill.
The climb itself is not long, just over 1 kilometer long, but gains 125 meters of elevation in that time.
In an interesting adaptation, the race does not end at the top. Another 2 kilometers of rolling terrain awaits skiers at the summit. This will definitely impact race strategy, as simply hammering the climb may not be the wisest of choices.
The race is a handicap start meaning racers will start in order of the current overall standings. The shorter climb and rolling terrain on the rest of the course will make it more likely that sizable leads will hold up, but there should be plenty of action where the field is compressed.
Babikov is the clear favorite in the men’s event. He won the Final Climb in the Tour de Ski last season, and was 5th this year. He is one of the best pure climbers in the world. The big question will be if there is enough climb for him to come back after the sprint., but the “man of the day” should go to him (skier with the fastest time).
Newell should like the short distance, and the somewhat individual nature of the race, and Elliot, if continues to ski well, could make the podium for the day. But again, any of a dozen or more men should be in the mix.
Randall is an obvious pick on the women’s side. The 5.3km distance will suit her well, and her fitness is a step above the rest. Her body just needs to hold on for one last race after a grueling month.
Compton will also be very strong – she is a better skater, and had an impressive 14th on the notoriously hilly Canmore World Cup course.
An unknown is Japanese World Cup skier Chisa Obayashi. The veteran of the 2005 World Championships, Obayashi’s results have been on par with the likes of Brooks and Dussault. She has never cracked the top-30 on the World Cup, so it is unlikely she will challenge Randall.
Overall
As this is the first time most of these skiers have raced a mini-tour event, predictions are tough. If Babikov can stay close enough in the sprint, he should be in position to take the lead on the last day. He will be gunning for every second in the mass start, and no one is tougher.
Newell should make some time on the sprint, and will be in position for the podium. After that it is wide open, but given the short formats, I believe the sprint will hold extra importance. The difference between any two places is not significant, but a skier in the top-5 of that event will gain big time on the back of the top-30 and those who do not qualify. For that reason, Simi Hamilton is my pick for 3rd.
Brent McMurtry has not received any hype so far here, but the Canadian is an excellent all-rounder, and could be in the top-5 in any event, putting him in position for the overall podium.
For the women, it is all Kikkan. She is the best in each event, so the only thing that will derail her is fatigue or illness.
Compton is a stronger skater, so the first two classic races will be a challenge, but she will love the last day and could make up big ground.
Finally, Brooks has shown she can compete with anyone other than Randall in any distance and technique in the US. This versatility will put her on the podium.
Prize money for the overall is as follows: 1st – $1,500, 2nd – $1,000, 3rd – $500, 4th – $400, 5th – $300, 6th – $200.
Predictions
Here are my predictions, but what do I know? FasterSkier is running a “Pick the Podium” contest for the SuperTour Finals. You pick the podiums for each race as well as the overall. Prizes to the winners. You can enter the contest here.
Mass Start
Men:
Babikov – he will charge hard early and try for every second.
Hamilton – has the speed to sprint for the podium.
Kuzzy – he was the fastest Continental Cup skier in North America in the fall. He rallies here
Chris Cook – a great classic skier and fast finisher
Southam – has been the 2nd best distance racer in the US behind Kris Freeman.
Newell – I think he has the distance chops.
McMurtry – could be on the podium. Talented and fast, he has gained valuable international experience.
Elliot – smoking fast, a great talent.
Gord Jewett – experienced, fit and fast.
Koos – he could easily be further up, or way down. Depends entirely on health and fitness
Women:
Randall – she is the best in North America.
Brooks – More experienced with every race, she didn’t have the Olympics she was hoping for. She will be hungry.
Dussault – An excellent season on the SuperTour circuit. She will not back down.
Gosling – will just miss the podium again, but will be in the mix.
Kristina Strandberg – a great classic skier, she could sneak onto the podium.
Compton – classic is not her forte, but the distance and mass start format will keep her in the mix. Her fitness is excellent.
Nicole DeYong – showed good stuff in the 30k, and skied very well on the OPA circuit this spring.
Tazlina Mannix – has been quiet this year, but has plenty of speed.
Ida Sargent – Has been a little inconsistent in the distance races this season.
Katie Ronsse – Fast Alaskan should be looking for the top-10 in every race.
Sprint
Men:
Newell – World Cup podium, need I say more.
Hamilton – top-30 at the Olympics, and more impressively, 34th in Oslo. Legit.
Koos – When he is on, he can sprint with anyone, will he have the endurance in the heats?
Cook – the classic sprint is his best event.
Kuzzy – I am predicting a good weekend from him, but he is not a sure thing.
McMurtry – Will lead the Canadians.
Women:
Randall – the best. By a long shot.
Sargent – one of the best sprinters in the country.
Brooks – a finals appearance for sure.
Dussault – will just miss the podium in a tight finish.
Strandberg – Dominated the SuperTour a year ago. Anything classic is good for her.
Compton – classic sprinting is not her thing, but she has the fitness to make it to the finals.
Final Climb (best time of the day)
Men:
Babikov – no one should be close.
Elliot – has the legs for the climb.
Noah Hoffman – Surprise of the weekend, Hoffman is light and quick on the climbs.
Newell – Will be working for the overall podium.
Hamilton – like Newell, will be pushing for the overall.
Women:
Randall – she could end up further down if she has a big lead.
Compton – skating + climbing = good race.
Dussault – Will like the tough course.
Ronsse – Will move up in the overall.
Gosling – finishes strong.
Overall
Men:
Babikov – he will make up some big time.
Newell – Starts with a lead, but can’t hold Babikov on the hill.
Hamilton – Can do it all, and the sprint will be big.
Rogla, Slovenia – The Spring 2010 OPA Cup trip came to an end with the last race of the OPA Cup Finals on Sunday. The US ended the European tour in fine form, posting excellent results in the three race mini-tour.
The competition featured a 2.5/3.5km classic prologue on Friday, a mass start 5/10km classic on Saturday, and the final 10/15km handicap start on Sunday to determine the overall winners.
Mike Sinnott led the way for the US, finishing 4th overall. Sinnott started the day in 5th, 13 seconds behind leader Romain Vandel (FRA), and moved up a spot to finish just 7.3 seconds behind overall winner Fulvio Scola (ITA). His time for the day was the 6th fastest giving him three individual results in the top-7.
Noah Hoffman followed Sinnott in 13th. Hoffman, who has struggled to find top form over the past two seasons, had a breakout performance. He skied up from 19th, and had the 3rd fastest time over the 15km course.
Overall nearly all the Americans moved up on the final day. Sylvan Ellefson started 18th and finished 15th with his best single day performance since arriving in Europe.
Brayton Osgood continued the trend moving from 25th to 20th.
Peter Kling was the only male American not to improve. He ended last in the 31-man field.
For the second time on the trip, Sinnott set a personal best for FIS points – his 30 point performance on Sunday was significantly better than his 39 point performance in the prologue.
Nicole DeYong led the US women, finsihing 10th in a field of 25. DeYong started the day in 7th after a strong showing in the mass start where she was 6th. She lost three places on Sunday despite posting the 8th fastest time. Overall she finished the three race event just 59 seconds behind overall winner Elisa Brocard (ITA).
Three of DeYong’s four OPA Cup races on the trip were 67 points are better. Her previous best had been an 86 point effort this Winter at the Aspen SuperTour.
Becca Rorabaugh was the second AMerican in 15th, moving up three places while posting the 14th best time of the day.
Katie Ronsse, the final US starters, was 23rd after losing three spots.
Overall, from the results and points perspective, the trip appears to have been a success for US athletes. For more information on the trip and te reasons behind it, check out this recent FasterSkier article:
Rogla, Slovenia – Nine American skiers are currently in Slovenia contesting the OPA Cup Finals, an event modeled on the popular Tour de Ski and World Cup Finals.
Racing started on Friday with a 2.5/3.5km classic prologue, and continued Saturday with a 5/10km mass start. The overall winners will be determined in a 10/15km handicap start based on the overall standing from the first two races. The first across the line is the champion.
The large contingent of US skiers in racing the OPA Cups dwindled somewhat, with Brian Gregg, Mike Hinckley, and Caitlin Compton all getting World Cup starts this weekend, and several other skiers heading home after a longer stay in Europe.
The fields have not been large, but the competition plenty challenging. Overall, US skiers have held their own with Mike Sinnott leading the way.
Sinnott Challenges in Prologue
Sinnott finished 6th in the prologue, just 6.7 seconds behind winner Dietmar Noeckler (ITA).
In an interesting aside, Juergen Pinter, a veteran of the Austrian Team who was banned form the sport four years by the Austrian Ski Association, finished 2nd.
Pinter was banned for his involvement in the 2006 Torino doping affair. It appears his ban was retroactive, so all FIS results from 2006-2008 (when the ban was finalized) were removed from the records, and the four years started from the 2006 Games, so he is just back in action.
Sinnott posted the best FIS points race of his career, breaking 40 for the first time.
Sylvan Ellefson was the next American in 34th, +25.8. He was closely followed by Noah Hoffman in 36th, Brayton Osgood in 42nd, and Peter Kling in 47th.
Kling also set a personal-best in FIS points.
76 men completed the race.
Nicole DeYong led the American women in 19th place, 22.3 seconds in back of Denise Herrmann (GER). Herrmann won silver in the sprint at the U23 Championships in Hinterzarten, Germany in January.
Overall, Germany took four of the top six spots, going 1,2,5,6. Italy, with Elisa Brocard and Virginia Topranin, took 3rd and 4th. Brocard, a veteran of the Italian team, raced the sptint at the Olympics and finished 27th in the 2010 Tour De Ski.
Herrmann’s teammate Hannah Kolb was 6th. The 19-year-old Kolb started two World Cup races this year, finishing inside the top-20 in both.
Becca Rorabaugh finished 30th, .8 seconds and one place ahead of APU teammate Katie Ronsse. The pair was just over 30 seconds back of Herrmann.
Tazlina Mannix rounded out the US starters in 39th.
DeYong Steps Up In Mass Start
DeYong took thing us a notch in the 5km classic mass start, matching Sinnott’s 6th place result from the prologue. Just 12.2 seconds back, DeYong had an excellent points race, nearly matching her career-best set a week ago at the OPA Cup in France.
Brocard won the race in a sprint with teammate Topranin.
Among those DeYong beat were Barbara Jezersek (SLO) who finished 17th in the Olympic pursuit, and prologue winner Herrmann.
Rorabuagh was 15th, +54.4 seconds, and Ronsse 20th, +1:05.2.
Mannix did not finish the race.
Juniors were split out into a separate race, so the field was much smaller than in the prologue. Only 26 women completed the event.
Sinnott turned his second excellent performance in a row, taking 7th place in the men’s 10km classic mass start. He was 18.3 seconds behind winner Romain Vandel (FRA), but just nine seconds out of 2nd place.
Ellefson finished 18th, +1:13, again, just ahead of Hoffman – this time just a single place.
Osgood ended up in 25th and Kling 33rd in the 34-man field.
Overall standings for the OPA Cup Finals are not available, but Sinnott will likely be competing for a top-10 overall result in Sunday’s handicap start freestyle race.
Katie Ronsse was born in Anchorage, Alaska and spent many years as a child in remote Eskimo villages where her parents were teachers. She learned to ski at age five as a Polar Cub in Anchorage’s Junior Nordic Program. By ten, she was practicing with the Alaska Winter Stars, and at twelve, she raced in the Arctic Winter Games.
Although Ronsse’s ski idol is Nina Kempell, a four-time Olympian from Alaska, she credits the “unconditional support and encouragement” of her parents as the primary factor in shaping her ski career. After being a five-time Junior National Champion, Ronsse raced for the University of Denver, graduating in 2008 with a B.S. in Biology. In 2008 Ronsse also podiumed twice at Supertour races.
Currently, Ronsse is living in Anchorage, training with her teammates including Laura Valaas, with the long-term goals of qualifying for World Championships and competing in the Olympics. She also complements her training by tutoring high school AP Chemistry students, coaching part-time for APU’s Master and Junior Prorams, and volunteering at the Alaska Native Medical Center.
“I think that spending this chapter of my life toward sport, devoted to being as fit and healthy as I can be, is a worthwhile endeavor,” believes Ronsse. When she does retire from skiing, Ronsse hopes to attend graduate school as well as work and travel abroad.
Birthdate: 10/23/1985 Hometown: Anchorage, AK Current Residence: Anchorage, AK Ski Club: APUNSC Height: 5’9”
Weight: 140 Best Results: 2x Supertour Podium in 2008, 5x Junior National Champion, 15th World Junior Championships Sponsors: Atomic, Swix, Hammer Nutrition Website: www.katieronsse.blogspot.com
Full Interview
When did you start ski racing, and what were some highlights of your young skiing career?
I learned to ski at age five, as a Polar Cub in Anchorage’s Junior Nordic program. By age ten I began practicing with Jan Buron and the Alaska Winter Stars. When I was twelve, I got to travel and race at the Arctic Winter Games, where I became convinced that Nordic skiing is the best sport out there.
Who has been the most influential person for you, whether as a skier or a person?
As a young girl my ski idol was Nina Kempell, a four-time Olympic skier from Alaska. I would write her letters and keep every newspaper article and picture of her that I could find. One of my most memorable days in sixth grade was when she agreed to come speak to my class—I thought she was the most amazing woman.
Nina may have been my childhood hero, but my parents have undoubtedly been the most influential people in my life. Without their unconditional support and encouragement I would not be where I am today, nor would I be in a position to chase down my current goals and dreams for the future.
Where is your favorite place to ski, where is your favorite place to race, what is your favorite part of the season, what are your favorite ski conditions?
Favorite place to ski: The Snow Farm in New Zealand.
Favorite place to race: Anchorage, AK (either Kincaid Park or at Hillside).
Favorite part of the season: Spring time, in the last several weeks of racing.
Favorite ski conditions: fast, hard track conditions.
What drives you to succeed at the highest possible level, and what are your long-term goals as a skier?
One of my favorite quotes—which I found on a sticky-tab note in Nat and Kristina Anglem’s home in New Zealand—is, “I enjoy the sense of excellence I feel, when I conduct myself as an Olympian would”. This statement resonates with my current attitude towards athletics and drives me to become a better athlete and person. I get satisfaction out of figuring out how to reach my personal best. I think spending this chapter of my life toward sport, devoted to being as fit and healthy as I can be, is a worthwhile endeavor. I have long-term goals of competing in the Olympics and being competitive on the World Cup circuit.
What are your favorite race formats/distances, and do you try to specialize for these events?
My favorite race format is definitely sprint races, and classic sprints are probably my specialty. My favorite type of distance race is a 15k classic.
I have learned that with my body type and training background, I respond better to training when I focus more on L5 intervals and L3 pace workouts, rather than massive amounts of distance training and L4 intervals. Now that I am finished with collegiate racing, I will be able to put more effort into preparing for sprint events.
What are your overall goals for this season?
This season I have goals of winning a Supertour sprint race, medaling at US Nationals in the sprint or sprint relay, and racing well in World Cup sprint races. My dream goal for the year is to qualify for World Championships.
Do you have any consistent training partners? Do you prefer training alone or with others?
I enjoy training with others most of the time. Luckily, I am on a team with a group of talented women, where I can enjoy their company and learn from their individual strengths. When we don’t have team practice or when I’m not training on my own, Laura Valaas is usually my training companion.
What is your favorite on snow workout and favorite dryland workout?
My favorite on snow workout is exploring new areas by crust cruising in the mountains on sunny spring mornings. My favorite dryland workout is hiking and mountain running through the wilderness to get to beautiful back-country places.
What do you enjoy doing besides skiing?
I love being outside with family and friends—especially when camping, telemark skiing, hunting, or taking our little boat out for fishing trips. I also enjoy trying new things, meeting new people, and creating functional art (which currently happens to be beading earrings).
In terms of employment, are you a 100% full-time athlete, or do you have another job besides training/racing? If so, what do you do?
As of June 2008, I have been fortunate enough to revolve my schedule around training and racing. I have been able to compliment my training this summer and fall by tutoring high school AP Chemistry students, coaching part-time for APU’s Master and Junior programs, and gaining patient contact experience by volunteering and job-shadowing at the Alaska Native Medical Center.
How long do you think you will ski at the elite level? What do you see yourself doing after you finish your ski career?
I plan on skiing at the elite level for as long as training day-in and day-out is fulfilling. When I am finished skiing at the elite level I will focus on my other life pursuits—such as attending a graduate school program to become a Physicians Assistant. Also, I would like to spend time working and traveling abroad.
Do you or did you ever attend college? How did you make that decision?
Yes, I studied and skied at University of Denver and graduated this past spring with a B.S. in biology. I made the decision realizing that the odds of having early success on the international racing scene would be more favorable if I stayed in Alaska, however I took advantage of DU’s scholarship offer because was eager to experience college life out of state. My personal racing results were less than I had hoped for in college, but the education, opportunities, and life experiences that I received in my four years at DU are invaluable to me. I still have a passion for training and racing, so I’m going to see if I can make it on the World Cup scene and pursue my skiing dreams.
Do you enjoy racing/competing in other sports during the offseason? Did you play other sports as a kid? What are some of your favorite non-skiing competitions?
Yes, growing up I bike raced, danced, and played soccer in addition to skiing. I still enjoy competing in other types of races—mainly cycling races and triathlons. I used to race over 50 times a year, but now that ski specific training is my priority I don’t do as many alternative\ competitions.
Spring weekends in college were split between teleskiing trips and racing with the DU Cycling team. My favorite non ski competitions are road bike criteriums—especially when there is a large field of women like what is seen at NCCA Cycling Nationals. I love the tactics involved in cycling and the feel of taking fast corners in a large pack.
What do you do with any spare time at training camps or on race trips?
On training camps and race trips, I enjoy spending time with fellow skiers, knitting, and playing cards.
What does your diet consist of? Do you have a favorite pre-race dinner and breakfast?
My diet is similar to any normal, healthy, diet—but I make sure I eat enough, so I can have fuel for the next training session and recover well. I am not a picky eater and I will enjoy just about any type of food. The night before races, I usually go along with a traditional spaghetti dinner. I used to eat oatmeal and fruit before races religiously, but I have learned that 3 eggs over bread, cheese, ham, and jam will hold me over better, so I prefer the latter for my pre-race breakfast.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
My first word was “Amuq”, which is the Yup’ik Eskimo word for “milk”. My early years were spent in remote Eskimo villages where my parents were village teachers.
How do you spend your weeks off?
If I have the opportunity, I am always in for a good outdoor adventure during my recovery week.
What is the best race or workout you have ever done?
I would have trouble picking the best training session I have ever done, so I will just pick out my favorite workout from the past couple weeks. Our coaches got pretty innovative and created some harnesses for us with climber’s webbing, ropes, and carabiners for a skate skiing workout. My teammates and I took turns dragging each other around the ski trails. In addition to the laughter and accompanying sled-dog noises, I felt the dynamic leg position I need to have for more powerful skating.
What race events are in your plan for this season, and which race are you are looking forward to the most?
In the early season I will race the Supertours, NorAms, and US Nationals. My travel schedule for January and February will depend on my early season results, with the consideration of what will be best for my long-term development. The race I am looking forward to the most is the classic sprint at US Nationals in my home town of Anchorage.
Headshot photo courtesy of Heather Thamm, action shot courtesy of Andy Caniff, Swix US.
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2011/01/lp-10k-dong-1188.jpg" "Evelyn Dong (XC Oregon) claiming her 1st SuperTour podium of the season")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2011/01/lp-selects-0856.jpg" "Morgan Smyth (APU)")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2011/11/K_ronsse_yellow5cl_-33-2.jpg" "K_ronsse_yellow5cl_-33-2")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2011/11/zoe-regionals-11.jpg" "zoe regionals '11")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2011/01/APU-Women.jpg" "APU Women")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2010/03/RandallLastRise.jpg" "Kikkan Randall 30 K")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2010/02/relay-babs.jpg" "Ivan Babikov")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2010/03/IMG_6191_2.jpg" "Andy Newell")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2010/01/TadElliot1.jpg" "Tad Elliot (USA)")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2008/12/katieronsse-headshot.jpg" "katieronsse-headshot")
![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2008/12/katieronsse-fasterskieractionshot.jpg" "katieronsse-fasterskieractionshot")