Highlights

Chippewa Triathlon 2012
May 13, 2012
The 2012 Chippewa Triathlon is coming up in a few weeks on June 9th. The event features paddling, mountain biking, and trail running covering a span of nearly 50 miles.

Farm Dog Time Trial Coverage
May 12, 2012
A beautiful day in Lakeville Saturday morning as riders rolled over an 8 mile course in the Farm Dog Trial Time. The only thing making it less than perfect was some heavy truck hauling along the start of Highview Ave.
Related:
Photoset: 153 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Farm Dog TT Series

Diggins Heads East
May 11, 2012
Jessie Diggins announced Friday that she will be leaving the CXC team to join Gus Kaeding and the newly formed Stratton Mountain Elite Team in Vermont.

Chequamegon Festival Contest Awards Race Spots
May 11, 2012
The Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival is once again hosting their '50 Ways to Ride the Chequamegon Essay Contest'. Lucky contestants could win a ride in the 2012 Chequamegon race. Entry deadline is July 1st.

MN High School MTB Race For Free
May 10, 2012
The Minnesota High School Cycling League is offering student athletes the chance to "Race for Free" on June 3rd at the Bluff Riders Charge at Mt. Kato in Mankato, provided MN HS League Team Directors complete minimum requirements by May 31st.
Related:
Minnesota High School Cycling League

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 8, 2012
Jay Richards recaps the Sandwich and Iola Bump and Jump races from last weekend, including a couple of first-hand reports, and looks ahead to the opening of the Buck Hill midweek races as well as the popular Rasta Rally this weekend.

Snake River Canoe Race Coverage
May 5, 2012
Recent rains helped lift the water levels in the Snake River, providing a safe and fast course for the canoe/kayak race Saturday. The event is part of the Mora Classic series and this year there were over 170 entries. In the Pro Boat divison, the team Devin Arenz and Dama Henry beat out the duo of Kate Ellis and Kjell Peterson by just over a minute. Top kayakers were Joe Zellner and Lana Voynich.
Related:
Photoset: Start - 28 photos, CR 19 Bridge - 181 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video from Greg Seitz: POV
Results: Snake River Canoe Race

Go Green Run Results
May 5, 2012
Nearly 200 athletes came out Saturday morning for the 5K and 10K trail runs at Battle Creek. In the 5K race, titles went to Oli Vrambout and Jennie Bender. 10K victories were collected by Matt Liebsch and Johanna Winters.
Related:
Photoset from Darrin Kovar: Go Green Run
Results: Go Green 5K, 10K

Snake River Canoe Race is On
May 2, 2012
Recent rains have raised the water levels in the Snake River, allowing organizers to run the race on the usual course (rather than a lake race). Rentals still available!

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 1, 2012
Jay Richards' latest MTB report has race recaps from the Decorah Time Trials, End-SPAR, and Whiskey 50, as well a number of highlights for upcoming events, including the Lusten 99er, Sandwich 50, and the big Midwest race series.

US Ski Team: Jason Cork Named Asst Coach
May 1, 2012
Veteran regional cross country coach Jason Cork has been named as an assistant coach for the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. Cork will work primarily with the men’s World Cup team under the leadership of Cross Country Head Coach Chris Grover. Grover will serve as interim men’s head coach following the resignation of Pete Vordenberg, who left the team this spring after more than a decade as an athlete and coach.

Canadian 2011-2012 Season Highlight Video
April 30, 2012
Cross Country Canada has put together a highlight video of the 2011-2012 season Nordic racing action.

Otter Tail River Kayak/Canoe Race Results
April 29, 2012
Jason Sannes-Venhuizen reports: With snow flurries forecasted, the weather turned out to be much better (for a kayak/canoe race) on Saturday with temps in the mid 40s and a brisk 10-15 mph SE wind to greet paddlers to the Otter Tail River in Frazee, MN. The river flows south in this 7 mile section but eventually turns north to the Hudson Bay. Jonathan Sanborn was rocket fast in his surf ski kayak setting a new course record.
Related:
Results: Otter Tail River Canoe/Kayak Race

Ken Woods Road Race Coverage
April 28, 2012
After a cold and wet morning, the rain shut down but temperatures remained brisk for the afternoon events at the Ken Woods road race. Competing in the afternoon were the Masters 50+/Open, Mens Cat 4 and 5, Womens Cat 1/2/3, and Junior boys and girls. As usual, gusty winds split many fields into packs early on.
Related:
Photoset: Afternoon Races - 105 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Ken Woods Road Race

Falls Duathlon Coverage
April 28, 2012
Light rain and cold temperatures made for a chilly Falls Duathlon race in Cannon Falls Saturday morning. Racers competed on a 2 mile run through the streets, 14 mile bike on county roads, before finishing with a 3 mile run on the Cannon Valley trail. Chad Millner and Devon Palmer dualed for the mens title, Millner taking opening lead, Palmer moving in front on the cycling leg, and Millner then reeling in Palmer on the final 3 mile run to take the victory by less than a minute. Regina Hornk topped the womens field.
Related:
Photoset: 2 Mile Run - 46 photos, 14 Mile Bike - 137 photos, 3 Mile Run - 81 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Falls Duathlon

US Ski Team: Longtime Coach Vordenberg Resigns
April 25, 2012
Two-time Olympian and longtime cross-country ski coach Pete Vordenberg announced his resignation from the U.S. Ski Team after 10 years of coaching to spend more time with his growing family.

Birkie Already at 1,700 Registered
April 25, 2012
Skier registration for the 2013 American Birkiebeiner events topped 1,700 on Wednesday, just ten days after registration opened.
Related:
Birkie Submits Comprehensive Proposal to Telemark

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
April 24, 2012
Jay Richards MTB racing recap reports on the action from the big Sea Otter Classic out west, as well as the Mammoth Gravel Classic closer to home.

National Nordic Foundation Spring Meeting
April 22, 2012
The National Nordic Foundation will hold their spring meeting May 9th in Park City, UT. On agenda for the meeting: review what the NNF has accomplished in the past year and develop an action plan for improvement.

Trail Mix Coverage
April 21, 2012
Temperatures in the low 50s made for nearly ideal running conditions for the 2012 Trail Mix races at Lake Hyland Park on Saturday. Runners competed in 25K and 50K solo divisions, as well as a team 50K event, over a 12.5K loop on mostly turf trails.
Related:
Photoset: Team 50K - 177 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)

Matt Liebsch Update
April 20, 2012
Matt Liebsch wraps up the 2011-2012 season and posts information on fundraising efforts.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap: Season Preview
April 17, 2012
Jay Richards is back for another season of MTB racing, kicking things off with some spring news and a look at the upcoming racing season.

LSC (Opus) Criterium Coverage
April 17, 2012
Criterium racing action opened the Minnesota season Tuesday evening at the Opus Complex in Eden Prairie with the LSC Criterium series. Cloudy skies hinted at rain with temps in the mid 50s, but the roads remained fast and dry for the evening set.
Related:
Photoset: Mens Cat 5 - 32 photos, Mens Cat 4/5 - 22 photos, Womens - 29 photos, Cat 1/2/3 - 34 photos
Photoset: Top Picks
Results: LSC (Opus) Crit

MN High School MTB Racing Info Meetings
April 17, 2012
Informational meetings on new teams for the Minnesota high school MTB racing league will be held April 18-25 across the region.

Duluth Bike Swap
April 17, 2012
Continential Bike and Ski is hosting their 6th annual Bike Swap this weekend, April 21-22nd. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Greater Duluth.

Korir, Cherop win Boston Marathon
April 16, 2012
Racing in blazing hot conditions, Kenya's Wesley Korir, Sharon Cherop won Boston Marathon titles on Monday.
Related:
Marathoners Manage to Beat Heat

Birkie Registration Opens Monday April 16th
April 15, 2012
On Monday, April 16th, registration opens for all three of the American Birkebeiner's signature cross country ski races: the Birkebeiner 50K Skate / 54K Classic, the 23K Kortelopet, and the 12K Haakon.

LSC (Opus) Crit Series Starts Tuesday
April 14, 2012
The LSC Criterium series at the Opus Complex in Eden Prairie kicks off this Tuesday evening. Racing action starts at 5:45 pm with the Cat 5 cyclists.

USSA: Caterinichio Named Nordic Program Manager
April 12, 2012
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has announced that longtime cross country coach and former racer Joey Caterinichio (Anchorage) has been named Nordic program manager for the USSA.

Go Like A Pro
April 9, 2012
Outside Magazine takes a look at key personality characteristics and skill-sets that define the most successful athletes.

Marathon Recovery?
April 9, 2012
NY Times explores just how long it takes to recovery from running a marathon.

Grand Traverse Ski Race Recreates Rockies Mail Route
April 8, 2012
NPR report on the Grand Traverse ski race, a 40 mile backcountry ski race between Crested Butte and Aspen, Colorado.
Related:
Video: Beyond Midnight

Randall Welcomes Pressure of US Olympic XC Medal Chase
April 8, 2012
Daily Journal has an interview with Kikkan Randall on the pressures of pursuing a possible Olympic medal in the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympics.

Running Opener Coverage
April 7, 2012
The Running Opener Saturday morning at Lake Phalen featured 5K and 10K distance events as participants raced under cloudy skies with temps in the low 50s.
Related:
Photoset: 10K - 113 photos, 5K - 74 photos
Results: Running Opener

Birkie Stats
April 1, 2012
Ari Ofsevit has compiled his annual set of Birkie stats, full of every fact and figure a true Birkie nerd would love!

US Ski Team: Freeman Takes Season Finale U.S. Title
March 31, 2012
Veteran Kris Freeman capped off the season with his 15th career U.S. title, winning the 50k mass start in Craftsbury. Freeman battled teammate Tad Elliott the entire distance with a mind boggling 32 laps on the 1.5k Craftsbury course, winning by three seconds. Tim Reynolds took bronze.

US Ski Team: Randall Wins 30K U.S. Championship
March 30, 2012
Kikkan Randall proved dominance in her repertoire of disciplines as she won the 30k U.S. Championship in Craftsbury, VT. Teammate Jessie Diggins was a mere 1.1 seconds behind Randall at the end of 20 laps around a 1.5k course. U.S. Championships continue tomorrow in Craftsbury with the men's 50k.

Chequamegon Festival Contest Awards Race Spots
March 28, 2012
If you'd didn't get a lottery draw for the Chequamegon, or just missed the deadline, you've still got another shot at the big ticket. Fifty guaranteed reserved entries will be awarded to winners of the 50 Ways to Ride the Chequamegon essay contest.
Related:
Chequamegon Festival Teams Up to Clean Up

Rice Creek Boat Club Athletes Named to USA Canoe/Kayak 2012 Junior National Team
March 19, 2012
Irondale's Sarah Tokos and Roseville's Julia Johnson, both high school Nordic skiers, were recently named to the USA Canoe/Kayak 2012 Junior National Team for sprint kayak.
Related:
Mar 27th Rice Creek Boat Club Information Meeting

US Ski Team: Randall Beaming With Historic Globe
March 18, 2012
American Kikkan Randall validated another major milestone in her career, collecting a hard-earned Joska crystal globe as the FIS Cross Country World Cup sprint champion at the season finale in Sweden.
Related:
US Ski Team: Cross Country Ends Season Strong

New England TD Bank J2 Festival Recap
March 17, 2012
Ken Schoville provides a recap on the recently completed J2 Festival in Rumford, Maine. A number of Midwest juniors competed in the event.
Related:
Photoset from Paul Heida: J2 Championships
Results: Results
NENSA J2 Wrap-up

US Ski Team: Randall Leads USA in Mass Start
March 17, 2012
Poland's Justyna Kowalczyk took a decisive win in the women's 10k mass start in Falun as Kikkan Randall led the USA in 14th, dropping one spot to Charlotte Kalla in the battle for fourth overall in the FIS Cross Country World Cup. Randall, who has already wrapped up the season sprint title, will close out the World Cup season Sunday in a pursuit looking to gain 13 points on Kalla. Switzerland's Dario Cologna was the men's winner.
Related:
Biathlon: Dunklee Posts 9th Place at World Cup Pursuit

US Ski Team: Randall Leads Strong Prologue for Women
March 16, 2012
Kikkan Randall led a strong U.S. women's push in the 2.2k prologue event in Falun at World Cup Finals. Randall was seventh with Jessie Diggins eighth and Liz Stephen 13th. Randall now stands fifth in the Finals mini-tour after the opening sprint in Stockholm Wednesday and Friday's prologue. Marit Bjoergen of Norway won the women's race with Canadian Alex Harvey taking the men's.
Related:
Biathlon: Burke 4th, Dunklee 10th in Opening Day Sprints

Hall of Fame Voting
March 15, 2012
The US Olympic Hall of Fame is currently voting on 2012 candidates. Among the candidates is Nordic legend, Bill Koch! Cast your votes today! Voting wraps up April 9th.

Rollerskiing Across America
March 15, 2012
Elite skiers Carolyn and Santi Ocariz are on a rollerskiing journey across the United States! Check out their daily progress and help support their efforts by donating to their selected charity.

Race Story: Engadin Ski Marathon
March 14, 2012
Matt Liebsch competed in the Worldloppet event, the Engadin Ski Marathon, last weekend, along with a number of other elite Americans. He shares his experience and race story.

Midwest Junior Championships Coverage
March 12, 2012
The Midwest Junior Championships were held on Saturday at Theodore Wirth, giving a final send-off to winter in the Twin Cities as dozens of youth skiers participated in the fun events.
Related:
Photoset from Mark Bixby: 22 photos
Photoset from Phil Bode: 138 photos
Results: Midwest Junior Championships

Junior Nationals Coverage
March 12, 2012
We've posted the complete collection of out 2012 Junior Nationals coverage from Soldier Hollow.

Minnesota State Pursuit Championships Coverage
March 11, 2012
Wrapping up the Midwest ski racing season, the Minnesota State Pursuit Championships were held Sunday morning at Elm Creek. Master skier Dave Christopherson took the inaugural title for the men with youngster Haley Bell collecting honors for the women. Relay titles were family affairs as Jonah and Tyler Gilbert won the men, and Maria and Beth Hauger for the women. Full results and photos posted. Video recap added!
Related:
Minnesota State Pursuit Championships Recap

Pole, Pedal, Pant Coverage
March 11, 2012
30 individual racers and 6 teams of 17 racers, totally 47 racers participated in the Pole, Pedal, Pant winter triathlon at Elm Creek Park Reserve Saturday morning. Due to the unsafe condition on the multi-use trail, the bike and run legs were moved to the man-made snow loop. Rod Raymond successfully defended his title to repeat as champion and with Corey Coogan-Cisek taking the womens title. Team victory went to Team "Slow in the Way"” composed of Jared Grootwassink (skier), William Christensen (biker), and Tom Bye (runner). Full results linked in, photos coming later.
Related:
Great Bear Chase Coverage

Pepsi Challenge Coverage
March 10, 2012
Rescheduled from late January, the Pepsi Challenge pulled off a successful natural snow race on Saturday with nearly 250 participants. Fast rising temperatures made for some sluggish conditions as the race morning wore on. In the 50K freestyle race, Adam Swank skied away from the field to take the victory with Jan Guenther cruising in for the womens title. The 50K classical titles went to Erik Solberg and Elaine Nelson. Brad Moening and Tiffany Carlson won the 25K freestyle, Andrew Kromroy and Kerrie Fabius the 25K classical divisions. Results linked in and photos posted.

Nordic Combined: Fletcher Soars to Breakout Win
March 10, 2012
Bryan Fletcher capped a breakout season with a career first victory in the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup season finale at Holmenkollen in Oslo. Fletcher's win was the first for the USA since Demong in January, 2010 and came in the Super Bowl of his sport.

Junior Nationals: Relay Coverage
March 10, 2012
Junior Nationals at Soldier Hollow in Utah wrapped up Saturday morning with the exciting 3X3K team relays. For the Midwest, it proved to be a mix of surprises and confirmations. The OJ girls made good on their dominance this week with a solid victory. Alayna Sonnesyn skied a great anchor leg for the J2 girls, taking the team from 5th to nab 3rd in a photo finish. And the J1 trio of Sam Elfstrom, Adam Martin and Jan Ketterson pulled off a nice third place finish.
Related:
Photoset from Kevin Watts: Relays - 128 photos
Photoset from Jay Richards: Relays
Video: J2 Boys Recap, J2 Girls Recap, OJ/J1 Boys Recap, OJ/J1 Girls Recap
Results: Relays

Junior Nationals: Classical Coverage
March 9, 2012
Conditions returned to "normal" spring weather Friday for the Junior Nationals classical races -- Bright sunshine, with temperatures starting in the low to mid 20s to start and shooting up to the 40s by the end of the racing just before noon. While not quite as strong a performance on the Midwest team as the previous events, there were still some solid performances on the trail. Ben Saxton continued his top form, finishing second in the boys 10K OJ race. Elizabeth Simak also stayed on the podium, finishing third OJ today. Other top results: Paige Schember 7th OJ, Nicolette Amber 9th, Sharmila Ahmed 11th, Claire Galvin 16th, Alice Flanders 18th; Nichole Bathe 6th J1, Delaney FitzPatrick 13th; Alayna Sonnseyn 9th J2, Vivian Hett 17th, Rocci Wolhk 19th; Scott Johanik 13th OJ, Kyle Bratrud 15th; Adam Martin 5th J1; Steve Hokanson 12th J2.   Racing action concludes Saturday morning with the 3 X 3K relays.
Related:
Photoset: OJ/J1 Girls - 200 photos, J2 Girls - 95 photos, OJ/J1 Boys - 218 photos, J2 Boys - 102 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (Midwest)
Results: Classical 5K, 10K

US Ski Team: Randall Takes World Cup Sprint Title
March 7, 2012
Kikkan Randall put the exclamation mark on a day of historic benchmarks for the U.S. Ski Team, clinching the FIS Cross Country World Cup sprint title while finishing 11th in a classic sprint in Drammen. It's the first U.S. World Cup title since Bill Koch won the overall in 1982.

Junior Nationals: Freestyle Coverage
March 7, 2012
Wednesday morning at Soldier Hollow brought another day of epic racing in the 2012 Junior Nationals competition. The story of the day was the boys OJ 15K freestyle race. Canadian Daviod Palmer broke away by the second lap and moved out to nearly a 30 second lead going into the final lap. Midwest skiers Kyle Bratrud and Ben Saxton lead a group of roughly six skiers in pursuit. Saxton, using a pair of fast skis and some big lungs, put the hammer down on the final long climb, and caught Palmer as the two came into the stadium together, setting up an incredible sprint to the finish, won in a photo finish by Saxton! The Midwest OJ girls continued their strong run with Sharmila Ahmed overtaking teammate Elizabeth Simak in the final K as the pair finished 1-2. In the J2 girls race, Alayna Sonnesyn had another stellar race, moving smartly up the field and taking the lead on the final climb. But like the classic sprints, Sonnensyn was outglided on the descent and dropped back to settle for third. Photos and results up now. Racing resumes Friday with the classical interval start events.
Related:
Photoset: J2 Boys - 77 photos, J2 Girls - 101 photos, J1 Boys - 150 photos, J1 Girls - 129 photos, OJ Boys - 171 photos, OJ Girls - 96 photos
Photoset: Top Picks
Video: J1 Boys
Results: Freestyle 5K, 10K, 15K

Junior Nationals: Classical Sprints Coverage
March 5, 2012
A beautiful morning in Soldier Hollow for the opening event of the 2012 Junior Nationals, the 1.3K classical sprints. Midwest skiers posted some impresive qualifying times on a fast course in the morning. Eric Slater topped the J1 boys field, Zach Golberg 9th; Ben Saxton 6th OJ boys; Nichole Bathe 9th J1; Claire Galvin 2nd OJ girls, Elizabeth Simak 4th, Nicolette Amber 6th; Mattie Watts 4th J2 girls. Overall, the Midwest qualified over 25 skiers for the afternoon sprint heats. In the afternoon sprint heats, Midwest skiers seemed to encounter some technical issues with the very warm and wet conditions as a few skiers lost a race lead after being outglided on the long descent into the stadium. The bright spots on the afternoon were a near total domination by the OJ girls, placing five Midwest girls and one transplant in the final - Paige Schember 1st, Rachel Mason (GL) 2nd, and Sharmila Ahmed 3rd. Alayna Sonnesyn posted some strong races, finishing 3rd for J2 girls. Zach Goldberg was 5th, Harris Dirnberger 6th in the J1 boys final. Kyle Bratrud (OJ) and Steve Hokanson (J2) won their B finals. The Midwest stands just two points out of second place in the Alaska Cup team standings! Racing continues Wednesday with mass start skate races.
Related:
Photoset: Midwest Qualifying - 217 photos, Heats - 304 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (Midwest Qualifiers)
Video: J1 Boys Final, OJ Boys Final, J2 Boys Final, J2 Girls Final, J1 Girls Final, OJ Girls Final
Results: Qualifying, Heats
Press Release: Off to the Cross Country Junior National Races at Soldier Hollow!
Midwest Juniors Day 1 Review

US Ski Team: Randall Leads Strong Team Showing
March 3, 2012
Kikkan Randall led three Americans into the points in a World Cup skiathlon event Saturday in Lahti. Randall was 12th followed by Jessie Diggins in 18th and Liz Stephen in 21st. Kris Kreeman was the top American male, finishing 32nd.
Related:
Biathlon: Burke Posts 10th in World Championship Sprint

Lakeland Loppet Results
March 3, 2012
Over 200 skiers participated in the Lakeland Loppet races Saturday at Minocqua Winter Park. Paulette Niemi swept the womens 8K classical and 25K freestyle titles. Jonathan Rulseh fell just short of doing the same, winning the 8K classical and finishing 3rd in the 25K skate. Chris Pappathopoulos was the mens 25K champ. The 25K classical titles went to Mark Parman and Eli Gore. In the 8K skate, Evan Patz and Karmen Whitham posted the top times. Results online now.
Related:
Snowjourn Results
Rainbow Renvezvous Coverage

Woodland Loppet Coverage
March 3, 2012
Kirstin Anderson reports: Almost 60 showed up to enjoy the full outer loop and the course lived up to expectations for the Woodland Loppet. In the 20km, Andrew Brown and Jan Guenther came in 1, 2 winning the men's and women's division. In the 10km High School division it came down to the line with Elk River's Jake Schroeder just edging out Mound Westonka's Scott Harrison at the line. In the 10km citizen race former Elk's went 1 and 2 with Julie Kallemeyn taking the win and Jesse Bullis in second. Full results plus photos posted.

Slush Rush Coverage
March 3, 2012
Fresh snow slowed down what would have been a fast course for the 2012 Slush Rush race at Elm Creek Saturday morning. In the citizen's 10K race (4 laps of the man-made loop), Caitlin Gregg overhauled the mens field to take first overall with Chris Sachs finishing second. Results and photos up now.

Jumping: Sarah Hendrickson Clinches World Cup Title
March 3, 2012
A season which began with an historic debut World Cup win by 17-year-old Sarah Hendrickson reached its pinnacle Saturday as the American clinched the overall title in the inaugural World Cup season for women's ski jumping.

Minnesota State Pursuit Championships March 11th
March 1, 2012
The Minnesota State Pursuit Championships will be held Sunday, March 11th at Elm Creek. The event is a 10K duathlon race using featuring 5K classical first then switching over on the fly to complete the race with 5K skate.

Minnesota League Partners Up
February 29, 2012
Minnesota High School Cycling League announced Erik’s Bike and Board Shop and Penn Cycle have signed on to be the Founding Retailers for the newly formed Minnesota League, which will introduce the sport of mountain bike racing to Minnesota high schools.
Related:
Mar 11 Kick-Off Open House for Minnesota League

Minnesota Junior Cycling (MNJRC) Kick-Off Meeting
February 26, 2012
Minnesota Junior Cycling welcomes youth (12-23) to come out Friday, March 2nd for a kick-off meeting at the KSTP offices in St. Paul. The program welcomes anyone interested in learning more about the youth development through cycling program.

Lotvola Cup Coverage
February 25, 2012
Racing under mid-winter conditions at Maplelag, over 50 skiers participated in the Lotvola Cup race on Saturday. High school skiers ruled the day as Bemidji's Tony Sagedahl and Irondale's Mattie Watts topped the field. Results up along with photos for both the ski race and winter bike race.

American Birkebeiner Coverage
February 25, 2012
Near perfect conditions greeted racers on the Birkie trail Saturday morning as temperatures ran in the mid to upper teens with a fresh dusting of snow. Tad Elliot came out of the big pack to take the victory from Matt Liebsch and Brian Gregg rounding out an all-American podium in the 50K skate. In the womens race, Holly Brooks outsprinted Caitlin Gregg to take the victory, Jennie Bender cleaning up in third. In the 54K classic, titles went to David Chamberlain and Carolyn Ocariz (Norwegian legend Vegard Ulvang was 2nd). The Kortelopet traditionally has featured a showdown of some of the best high school skiers in the region, and this year was no exception as Minnesota students swept the titles. Ryan Davis (Duluth East) and Alayna Sonnesyn (Wayzata) took the skate titles, and Geoff Ash (Duluth East) and Nora Gilbertson (Stillwater) won the classic crowns. Results, photos and video clips up now.

Midwest Junior Nationals Team Announced
February 24, 2012
The Midwest Junior National team has been official announced. The group will fly out March 1st to Utah for a week of competition at Soldier Hollow, starting March 5th with classical sprints.

US Ski Team: Hoffman Takes U23 Silver
February 23, 2012
The U.S. Ski Team's Noah Hoffman battled his way to a silver medal in the 15k classic at the U23 World Championships in Turkey. Sadie Bjornsen was fifth in the women's 10k classic.

Metro Nordic Youth Super Series
February 23, 2012
The Metro Nordic Youth Super Series features Twin Cities based races with special events for youth ages 13 and under. There are still two events left on the calendar this season!

Sisu Juniors Sending 14 to Nationals
February 21, 2012
The Sisu Foundation is proud to announce 14 juniors from their training programs will be competing at Junior Nationals in early March at Soldier Hollow, Utah. There will be a special fundraising ski-a-thon this Sunday at Green Acres -- help support all these great kids!

Soldier Hollow to Host 2012 USSA Junior Championships
February 20, 2012
The 2002 Olympic venue, Soldier Hollow, will play host to the 2012 Junior Nationals, March 3-10th, in Midway, Utah.

Toko: Preliminary Birkie Waxing Tip
February 20, 2012
Toko already has their early waxing tips for the big Birkie race Saturday.

NNF Supports Junior and U23 World Championship Teams
February 20, 2012
The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team named its 2012 FIS Junior World Championship & World Under 23 Championship Teams to compete Feb. 19-26 in Erzurum, Turkey. Included for the U23's is Stillwater's own Jessie Diggins.

Yellowstone Rendezvous Race Just Weeks Away
February 19, 2012
Missed West Yellowstone last fall, or looking for a great spring getaway? The Yellowstone Rendezvous race is coming up on March 3rd and organizers are reporting great conditions.

Book Across the Bay Results
February 18, 2012
Racing across the frozen Chequamegon Bay on Saturday night, Joe Dubay nipped Nikolai Anikin in a photo finish with Scott Johanik right on their heels. Brooke Adams skied away with the womens title. More than 1500 skiers participated in the 2012 Book Across the Bay race/tour.
Related:
Hinder Binder Coverage
Snowflake/Inga-Lami Race Coverage

Minnesota Finlandia Coverage
February 18, 2012
Pulling off a race on natural snow, the Minnesota Finlandia drew a strong field for racing action on the hilly West side of the Buena Vista ski trails. John Munger repeated as the Minnesota Finlandia 36K freestyle champion with Kristen Madsen topping the womens field. In the Bemidjithon 24K freestyle race, Bemidji natives Matthew Lee and Andrea Smith collected the titles. Murray Carter and Emily Johnson were the 24K classical winners. Taking the duathlon axes were Bjorn Batdorf and Kelly Rogers.
Related:
Sawtooth Results

US Ski Team: Randall Career Best Classic Finish
February 18, 2012
Kikkan Randall skied to a career best classical technique distance event, finishing eighth in a 10k FIS Cross Country World Cup in Szklarska Poreba on Saturday.

Sleeping Giant Two Weeks Out
February 17, 2012
The big Sleeping Giant Loppet in Thunder Bay is just two weekends away now. As part of their 35th anniversary, there will be special awards for those completing the 50K on wooden skis.

US Ski Team: Randall Survives Crash for Third
February 17, 2012
World Cup sprint leader Kikkan Randall powered her way back into the race to finish third after an early crash in the finals. Sweden's Ida Ingemarsdotter took the win - her second of the season - as Randall extended her World Cup lead. Canadian Devon Kershaw won for the men.

Vegard Ulvang to Ski and Speak at the Birkie
February 17, 2012
Norwegian legend Vegard Ulvang completed a 800-mile ski to the South Pole last December. Attend a presentation on Thursday, Feb 23rd, and hear first-hand from Ulvang about the experiences of his team during this historic trek.

Race Story: Pre-Birkie
February 13, 2012
Elaine and Grant Nelson, members of the former Skinnyski.com Race Team, grace us with a "special edition" race recap covering their performance at last weekend's Pre-Birkie.

US Ski Team: Record Relay for US Women
February 12, 2012
A strong team effort, combined with a stunning anchor leg by Jessie Diggins, sent the U.S. women into fifth in a 4x5k classic technique relay at the FIS Cross Country World Cup in Nove Mesto. It is the best U.S. women's World Cup distance relay finish ever (and without the aid of Kikkan Randall!).
Related:
Biathlon: Three Top-15 Finishes for Team USA Men

North End Classic Coverage
February 12, 2012
Over 240 skiers hit the trails in northern Wisconsin for the North End Classic races. David Chamberlain edged out Adam Swank in the mens 24K classic, Audrey Weber took the womens title. Greg Rhodes and Elizabeth Simak won the 12.5K races.
Related:
Saving XC Ski Day Coverage

Sawtooth: The Rescheduled Races
February 12, 2012
The Sawtooth races at Pincushion, normally held in early January, are now coming up next weekend, February 18th. The event features both a 10K classical and 20K freestyle race as well as a special award for top male/female completing the combined events.

Pre-Birkie Coverage
February 11, 2012
Nearly 1,000 skiers participated in the 2012 Pre-Birkie race from Lake Hayward to Hwy OO as a final tune up to the big Birkie race. Skiers reported a clean start (with the wind!) and reasonable fast and quite good trail conditions. In the 42K freestyle race, Santiago Ocariz topped a tough mens field while Elaine Nelson collected the womens crown. 42K classical titles went to classic veteran Michael Myers and former Minnesota State Champ Katie Bono. In the 26K freestyle, the Gregg couple, Brian and Caitlin dominated the field. Classical 26K victories for Nick Hess and Cindy Storm.

Biathlon: Team USA Men Post Best Day Ever
February 11, 2012
Team USA posted one of their best days in history at Saturday's IBU World Cup in Kontiolahti, Finland. The U.S. men dominated the 10K Sprint with Lowell Bailey finishing 5th, Russell Currier 6th, Tim Burke 13th, and Jay Hakkinen finishing 16th.

NNF Launches NNF Cup
February 10, 2012
The National Nordic Foundation announces the NNF Cup to increase the awareness of America’s premier cross country club programs. The NNF cup scores the ski clubs across the US based on SuperTour results.

Biathlon: Team USA Finishes 6th in Mixed Relay
February 10, 2012
Team USA rallied to a sixth place finish in Friday's Mixed 2x6+2x7.5K Relay in Kontiolahti, Finland. The result was the best ever for a US mixed relay.

Sleeping Giant Loppet Course Conditions Superb
February 9, 2012
Organizers of the Sleeping Giant Loppet are reporting excellent conditions at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Thunder Bay. The big race will be held Saturday, March 3rd.

Minnesota Finlandia is On!
February 9, 2012
The Minnesota Finlandia organizers have announced the race is on! The course may be adjusted to use just the west side of Buena Vista, but there is some snowfall in the forecast for next week.

Bicycle Dreams Movie Premiere in Minneapolis Thursday
February 7, 2012
Bicycle Dreams, the award-winning feature-length documentary about the Race Across America (RAAM), will premiere in Minneapolis at the Riverview Theater on Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m.. The screening is being co-sponsored by the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and the Hiawatha Bicycling Club. Tickets can be purchased online
Related:
Video: KARE 11 Bicycle Dreams Interview with Ben Popp
Bicycle Dreams Movie Tickets

Finn Sisu: Big Savings and Birkie Predictions
February 6, 2012
Finn Sisu's February update highlights store savings on top of line ski boots and skis, as well as big deals on clothing. And they've taken an early look at the Birkie. Plus, get your Rex wax service!

City of Lakes Loppet Sunday Coverage
February 5, 2012
The 10th anniversary City of Lakes Loppet was successfully held Sunday on the snowmaking loop at Theodore Wirth. Like the first Loppet, the 10th edition was restricted by poor snow conditions which forced the move to the snowmaking loop. Matt Liebsch, just hours after flying back into the Twin Cities, was able to outsprint Brian Gregg to collect another City of Lakes Loppet freestyle crown. Caitlin Gregg also repeated as the womens champion. Earlier in the day, the classical titles were won by Andrew Tilman and Hilary Patzer. Over 800 skiers participated in the two races.

Nordic Combined: Demong Back on Podium
February 5, 2012
USSA: Olympic gold medalist Billy Demong was back on the World Cup podium taking third place Sunday after making up a minute and 22 second deficit to finish less than four seconds behind Japan's Akito Watabe. Demong was 17th after the jump but posted the fastest cross country time to land on the podium. It was his first World Cup podium since a win in Val di Fiemme, Italy in Jan. 2010.
Related:
US Ski Team: Diggins Paces Trio Into Points
Biathlon: Burke and Bailey Wrap a Strong Team USA World Cup Performance in Oslo

City of Lakes Loppet Saturday Coverage
February 4, 2012
Refusing to give in to one of the worst winters on record, the City of Lakes Loppet pulled off their Saturday event schedule with all the action taking place at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. Ice-cycle races, ski-jor races, sprints and kids races were followed in the evening by a luminary hike that drew huge crowds. Sunday will feature the skate and freestyle races on the snowmaking loop.
Related:
Photoset from Joel Woodward : Saturday Pics - 10 photos
Photoset from Mark Lahtinen: Saturday Pics - 95 photos
Photoset from Sarah Gutknecht : Saturday Pics - 8 photos
Photoset from Sarah Gutknecht: Ski-Jor Race
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Ski-Jor Race
Video from Bill Lundberg: Ice-Cycle Highlights, Ski-Jor Race
Results: Saturday

Mt. Ashwabay Summit Race Coverage
February 4, 2012
Scott Nesvold reports: The Mt. Ashwabay Summit Race happened with great conditions under sunny skies, calm winds, and the temps in the low 30's at race time. The 19 km pursuit was won by Andre Watt, followed 56 seconds later by Kasey Bacso. Elaine Nelson dominated the women's side of the pursuit. The 11 km Skate race was won by Joshua Tosch, after Scott Johanik broke a pole and had to settle for second. Susan Mouw was the top women skater. The 8 km skate was won by Joe Dubay with a hefty margin. The top female classic skier was Julie Meyer. Thanks Bruce!
Related:
Wolf Tracks Rendezvous Results
Badger State Games Results

Vasaloppet Cancels 2012 Race
February 4, 2012
Due to the continued warm weather and the low snow volume on Knife Lake, Vasaloppet organizers have been forced to cancel the 2012 Vasaloppet. There will be a community appreciation event Sunday afternoon, Feb 12, at the Vasaloppet Center.

US Ski Team: Another Career Best For Rookie Diggins
February 4, 2012
USSA: World Cup rookie Jessie Diggins continued her strong Eastern European tour scoring another career best finishing fifth in a frigid 10k mass start skate race in Rybinsk. Diggins, who had been sixth in the Moscow sprint two days earlier, bided her time in the massive pack before picking her way to the front, finishing 26.3 seconds behind Norway’s Marit Bjoergen. Canada’s Devon Kershaw won the men’s 15k. A skiathlon (combining freestyle and classic legs) is scheduled for Sunday in Rybinsk, where temperatures plunged below zero for the race.
Related:
Nordic Combined: Demong, Fletcher Duo Lands Sixth
Biathlon: Outstanding Pursuit Performance by Team USA at World Cup in Oslo

NNF Announces Support of the 2012 J1 Scandinavian Cup Team
February 2, 2012
The 2012 J1 Scandinavian Cup Team trip will receive up to $12,000 in support from NNF. The Junior Scandinavian Championship “Scando Cup” will be Feb 14-27, 2012 in Mammaste, Estonia. Midwest skiers Adam Martin and Nichole Bathe will be competing.

Biathlon: Outstanding Oslo World Cup Sprint Opener for Team USA
February 2, 2012
Team USA had an outstanding opening day highlighted by strong performances at the range and on the track at the IBU World Cup 7 at Holmenkollen in Oslo, Norway today as three skiers placed in the top 25, including Lowell Bailey in 8th.

US Ski Team: Diggins Leads Historic USA Finish
February 2, 2012
USSA: On a day that saw three American women square off in the semifinals, young Jessie Diggins led the USA with a career best sixth in zero temperatures in the Moscow sprints. FIS World Cup sprint leader Kikkan Randall was seventh, failing to make finals in a close semifinal finish. Ida Sargent had a career best 12th. Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland won for the women with Sweden's Teodor Peterson taking the men’s title.

Minneapolis IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup Coverage
February 1, 2012
The IPC World Cup is at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis for two days of racing Wednesday and Thursday. And there will also be some participation in the Loppet events on Saturday and Sunday.
Related:
Photoset from David Owen: Wednesday, Thursday
Photoset from Eve Stein: Wednesday
Video from Jon Swenson Tellekson: Sit Ski Heat - maneuvering, Men's Sit Ski Final, Women's Sit Ski Final
U.S. Skiers Fare Well in IPC World Cup Sprint Races
Cnossen Notches 5th Top 10 World Cup Finish

Minneapolis IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup at Theodore Wirth Park
January 30, 2012
After wrapping up events in Cable, the IPC World Cup moves to Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis for two days of racing. Wednesday and Thursday will be actual competition days, with practice on Tuesday and participation in the Loppet events on Saturday and Sunday.

Iola Norseman Challenge Results
January 29, 2012
Matt Nichols edged out Thomas Stuber in the 20K Iola Norseman Challenge Sunday. Lindsey Marshall was the womens winner. Eddie Gurney and Krista White won the 10K classical titles.
Related:
SMU 10K Results Posted

Tour de Twin Cities Freestyle Coverage
January 29, 2012
The Tour de Twin Cities wrapped up Sunday with another set of six races, this time featuring a freestyle pursuit format based off the classical finishes on Saturday. Matt Liebsch put in strong race, skiing with a lead pack for roughly half the race before breaking away on the final laps to take the victory (Brenton Knight posted the top skate time). Caitlin Gregg moved into the lead of the womens race early on and cruised in for the womens title. In the boys OJ/J1 race, Jan Ketterson stormed to the victory ahead of Chris Parr. The girls OJ/J1 race saw Hanne Guthrie move up to take the girls title just in front of Nikki Reker. Mattie Watts held off challengers to take the girls J2 race (Alayna Sonnesyn posted the top skate time). Sean Cork overtook Steve Hokanson for the J2 boys race (Zak Ketterson had the top skate time).
Related:
Photoset: SuperTour Women 15K - 118 photos, SuperTour Men 20K - 175 photos, Girls OJ/J1 10K - 80 photos, Boys OJ/J1 10K - 106 photos, Girls J2 5K - 70 photos, Boys J2 5K - 81 photos
Photoset from David Owen: Tour de Twin Cities Freestyle
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Girls OJ/J1, Boys OJ/J1
Results: 5K, 10K, 15K, 20K freestyle
Matt Liebsch Wins Tour de Twin Cities
CCSA: Irwin, Hecker capture first CCSA wins at Green Acres skate events

Marine/O'Brien Results
January 29, 2012
Pulling a race off in natural snow in the metro, the Marine/O'Brien miracle drew over 120 skiers to the William O'Brien State Park trails. In the big 21K skate race, Derek Wallen and Hilary Patzer topped the nearly 100 deep field. Andrew Tilman and Sara Zimmermann-White won the 21K classic. In the 10.5K race, freestyle titles went to Per Nelson and Amy Johnson, classic victories for Isaak Ridge and Angie Robinson.

Vasaloppet Update
January 29, 2012
Vasaloppet organizers are still hopeful for more snowfall to run the full race course in mid-February, but they have been evaluating Knife Lake as a backup plan.
Related:
Racing Outlook
Moraloppet Ski for the Cure Update
Moraloppet Ski for the Cure Tour Now a Walk

Noquemanon Results
January 28, 2012
Racing over near perfect snow conditions, more than 1000 skiers in the 2012 edition of the Noquemanon ski races. In the big 50K freestyle race, Michael Brothers posted the top time while Paulette Niemi collected yet another womens title. Santiago Ocariz and Natalia Naryshkina won the 50K classical races. In the 24K freestyle, victories went to Andrew Bruning and Monica Markvardsen. Erik Soderman and Jordyn Ross topped the 24K classical fields. Full results linked in.

Tour de Twin Cities Classical Coverage
January 28, 2012
An incredibly exciting Saturday for racing at Green Acres for the Tour de Twin Cities classical races. The events all featured a mass start format and the flow of the Green Acres trail system made for fantastic spectator viewing. Matt Liebsch provided the biggest excitement of the day, breaking a pole at the start then storming back to lose by a hair in a photo finish for the mens 10K SuperTour race. Jennie Bender went off the front early and posted a nice margin in her victory in the womens 5K. J1 titles went to Chris Parr and Annie Harvieux, J2 crowns for Steve Hokanson and Mattie Watts. (Photo: Sean Gavigan) Note: Citizen racers will start with SuperTour fields on Sunday.
Related:
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Boys OJ/J1
Video: SuperTour Mens 10K Recap, SuperTour Womens 5K Recap, Boys OJ/J1 10K Recap, Girls OJ/J1 5K Recap, Boys J2 5K Recap, Girls J2 5K Recap
Video from Rosie Curry: Mens SuperTour 10K Start Crash
Results: 5K, 10K classical
Matt Liebsch Race Recap by Greg Bernhardt.
CCSA: Eriksson, Harju claim college wins, lift Michigan Tech at Green Acres SuperTour

City of Lakes Loppet Going to Wirth
January 28, 2012
The City of Lakes Loppet organizers announced Saturday morning that the 2012 edition will be held exclusively at Theodore Wirth Park. This includes all of the Saturday events, like the Luminary Loppet, ski-jor races, and other festival activities.

Cable IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup Coverage
January 26, 2012
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is holding Nordic Skiing World Cup events at Telemark Lodge in Cable January 26-30 featuring some of the world's best cross country skiers with physical disabilities.
Related:
Photoset from JoJo Baldus: Saturday Events - 160 photos
Photoset from Eve Stein: Cable IPC Photos, Set 2, Set 3, Set 4
Photoset from Kelly Randolph: Cable IPC Photos
Video: Live Video Coverage
IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup Midwest Events
Brelsford, Cnossen lead U.S. in first day of 2012 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup
Windy Conditions Challenge Biathlon Athletes
U.S. Athletes Crack Top 10 in Biathlon Long-course
Cnossen, Halsted moving up in 2012 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup

Mayor's Challenge Sprints
January 25, 2012
The Mayor's Challenge series of events wrapped up Wednesday evening with a sprint prologue. Skiers competed on a 1.4K to post the top time. Tim Reynolds and Jennie Bender bested the fields with times of 2:46.18 and 3:13.39, respectively. The Tour de Twin Cities moves to Green Acres for two days of racing this weekend.
Related:
Photoset from David Owen: Sprints
Results: Sprints

Chequamegon Lottery Entries Now Available
January 24, 2012
Hoping to ride the big Chequamegon 40 mountain bike race next fall? Entries are awarded by lottery draw only, so sumbit your registration by March 15th to be entered in the drawing.

Lappe Invitational Results
January 22, 2012
Phil Brown reports: Nordic ski racers from ages three to 63 competed in the 33rd Annual Lappe Invitational this weekend. Skiers from Thunder Bay's Big Thunder & Lappe Nordic Ski Clubs as well as the Kamview Jackrabbits took part in the two day event. Saturday's individual time trial, as well as Sunday's mass start free technique event saw Murray Carter take the Senior Men's Division while Kelly Henry won the Senior Women's Division.

Mayor's Challenge Freestyle Coverage
January 22, 2012
Sunday brought warmer but damp and cloudy conditions for the Mayor's Challenge freestyle races at Theodore Wirth. The mens 15K race featured a tight battle between Matt Liebsch and Tad Elliot, starting 15 seconds apart, with Liebsch holding on to a narrow victory. Caitlin Gregg topped the womens 10K field.
Related:
Photoset: 10K - 178 photos, 15K - 256 photos, 5K - 146 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Photoset from David Owen: Freestyle
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Womens 10K, Mens 15K
Results: 5K, 10K, 15K freestyle
CCSA: Northern Michigan on top again as Markvardsen, Soderman lead CCSA
Matt Liebsch Wins Mayor's Challenge Cross Country Ski Races

Birkie Tour Recap
January 21, 2012
Over 600 skiers participated in rather crisp temperatures in the annual Birkie Tour event Saturday.

Winter Youth Olympics Wrap
January 21, 2012
Eve Stein provides a recap on the recent Winter Youth Olympics, held in Austria, in which a number of Midwest athletes competed, including Nick Proell of St. Cloud and Anna Kubek of Duluth. The highlight of the games was a stunning bronze medal in the mixed relay on Saturday!
Related:
Youth Olympic Games Mixed Relay Team Races to Bronze

Snekkevik Results
January 21, 2012
A good turnout Saturday morning for the rescheduled Snekkevik races as skiers traveled from around the Midwest to enter the 12K and 24K distance events. The 24K freestyle crowns went to Tom Wood and JoEllen Torresani, 12K skate victories for Jim Mullen and Rae Bassette, 12K classical winners were Michael Arce and Barbara Bradley.
Related:
Lapham Loppet Results Posted

IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup Events Start Next Week
January 20, 2012
Some of the world's best cross country skiers with physical disabilities will be coming to the upper Midwest Jan. 26-Feb. 3 on the second of three stops as part of the 2012 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Nordic Skiing World Cup series. The first half of the competition will be held Jan. 26-30 at Telemark Lodge with the second half Feb. 1-2 at Theodore Wirth Park.
Related:
IPC Team USA Athletes Announced

Biathlon: Burke Races to 12th Place in World Cup 10K Sprint
January 20, 2012
Tim Burke led Team USA in Friday's 10K Sprint at the IBU World Cup in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy posting a time of 25:41 for 12th overall. Burke was just 1:04 back from Fredrick Lindstrom's winning time.

City of Lakes Loppet Update
January 19, 2012
The City of Lakes Loppet is moving forward for this year's event, with a number of options on the table to provide a ski race in spite of the low snowfall.

Wolf Tracks Rendezvous at Minocqua
January 19, 2012
Minocqua Winter Park will be host to a brand new 42K ski marathon, February 4th, 2012. The event will feature both classical and skate divisions with wave starts and rolls over some of the best trails in the Minocqua system.