Womens classic champ Ingrid Saupstad, American Birkebeiner, February 23, 2013 |
Logan Hanneman and Ben Saxton dominate again, Junior Nationals, March 16, 2013 |
Preparing Midwest team skis, Junior Nationals, March 10, 2013 |
Jennie Bender leads the classical field, Pepsi Challenge, March 9, 2013 |
Scandia Time Trial, May 19, 2013 |
Ben Saxton, 2nd place OJ freestyle, Junior Nationals, March 11, 2013 |
Highlights
Midwest MTB Racing Report
May 14, 2013
MTB Racing season is underway as Jay Richards files updates on last weekend's Elk River and Rhinelander races, highlights on World Cup and Enduro riding, and a look ahead to the major series firing up this weekend!
Saxton: Moving On
May 13, 2013
Ben Saxton breaks news on his training plans for next season, heading east for the next chapter...
Big Ring Flyers TT Coverage
May 11, 2013
Strong north winds and cool spring temps (with even some scattered rain/sleet), made for a tough time trial on the backgrounds north of Hudson in the annual Big Ring Flyers time trial.
Related:
Photoset:  60 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Ben Popp - From Sisu to Birkie
May 8, 2013
Wednesday's bombshell that Sisu Foundation's Ben Popp will be leaving to take on the reins of the biggest ski race in North America, the Birkie, has surprised many. However, both organizations are well suited and excited by the move.
Snake River Canoe Race Results
May 4, 2013
Over 150 paddlers hit the water Saturday morning for cool, fast ride down the Snake River in Mora's annual Snake River Canoe race. In the pro boat category, Dana Henry/Dave Nelson took top honors finishing just under 1:50. Open racing titles went to Ed/Devin Arenz and Sarah Sponholz/Josie Nelson. Kayak champs were Jonathan Sanborn and Chana Lennox.
Related:
Results: Snake River Canoe Race
Go Green Trail Run Coverage
May 4, 2013
Feeling more like March than May, runners were "treated" to damp, crisp weather for the Go Green trail run at Battle Creek Saturday morning. Olivier Vrambout, owner/operator of the Waffle Van, showed some speedy legs in taking the mens 10K event with a time just over 40 minutes. Heather Norton-Bower topped the womens field. In the 5K one-lap race, with Caroline Brisbois and Niki Reker posted the best times overall, finishing 1-2, with Craig McCoy taking third as the first male.
Related:
Photoset: Start/First Lap - 103 photos, Lap 2 - 27 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: 5K, 10K
Wednesday Night May Race Coverage
May 1, 2013
A solid turnout out Wednesday evening at Snowflake Nordic for a historic May Nordic ski race! Participants encountered generally fully covered, but at times slushy, trails for the 4K freestyle race.
Related:
Photoset from Bryan French: May Wednesday Night Race
Photoset from Rich Hoeg: Chest Cam
Inaugural Mt Borah Epic MTB Race Just Weeks Away
May 1, 2013
Just a month away from its debut, the Mt. Borah Epic will pay tribute to the CAMBA trails on June 1st. The mountain bike race will challenge riders on a 30 mile, point-to-point course, that curves, climbs, weaves
and descends through the historic singletrack trail system with 100% of race profits benefiting CAMBA.
CXC Midwest Junior/Senior Committee Annual Meeting
April 30, 2013
The CXC Midwest Junior/Senior Commitee will be hosting their annual spring meeting on Saturday, May 11th, in Eau Claire. All coaches and interested parties are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Birkie T-Shirt Design Contest
April 22, 2013
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's annual Birkie T-Shirt Design Contest is now open for entries! The winning design will be featured as the official T-shirt of the 2014 American Birkebeiner and the designer will receive a free pair of skis plus entry into the 2014 or 2015 race.
Nationals: Mens 50K Classical
April 11, 2013
US Nationals wrapped up the distance events with the mens 50K mass start classical race on Thursday. Veteran Kris Freeman remains on top of his game, taking the overall title nearly a minute ahead of Andy Newell in second. Midwest results included Brian Gregg 25th, Karl Nygren 32nd. Ben Saxton finished 6th in the mens 20K.
Nationals: Womens 30K Classical
April 10, 2013
The distance events for US Nationals picked up Wednesday with the womens 30K classical championship, a mass start event. Liz Stephen topped the field finishing just over a minute ahead of Kikkan Randall in yet another slush-fest as temperatures soared into the 50s. Jessie Diggins finished 4th, Caitlin Gregg 9th.
Jessie Diggins Welcome Home Celebration
April 7, 2013
Come out to Lake Elmo Park chalet, Friday evening, April 19th, for a special celebration for Jessie Diggins and her historic 2012-13 season! In addition to a presentation by Diggins, there are loads of free door prizes and even some giveaways for the early arrivers.
24 Hours of Lappe
April 6, 2013
The Brown family (Luke, Jake and father Bill), along with Jan Ketterson, are competing in the 24 Hours of Lappe relay race this weekend. We'll have a few updates posted.
Related:
Photoset from Paul Inkila: 24 Hours of Lappe
SuperTour Finals: Classic Sprints
April 6, 2013
The SuperTour Finals continued Saturday with the classical sprint events. Kikkan Randall and Andy Newell, both major players on the World Cup circuit, won the titles.
Go Green Trail Run Coming in May
April 4, 2013
The Sisu Foundation is hosting their spring trail run, Go Green, on May 4th at Battle Creek. Organizers report registration has been running high and there is a field limit, so don't delay on your sign up. Plus a special sock offer for those that bike to the event.
Minnesota Connection to Deaf World Champs
March 31, 2013
Amy Xu reports: Chris Smith was the first American deaf Nordic skier to participate in the inaugural World Deaf Cross Country Skiing Championships March 11-20, 2013 in Russia. Chris was wearing Team Strong Heart ski racing suit donated by his supporter who also has a deaf son.
Canadian Nationals: 30K, 50K Freestyle
March 30, 2013
Canadian Nationals wrapped up Saturday with the long distance mass start skate races. Adding to the difficulty level was very warm temperatures. Torin Koos won the mens race in a sprint finish over Brent McMurtry. Matt Liebsch and Brian Gregg also finished in a dead heat, Liebsch getting the nod for 7th. Bettina Gruber won the womens race as no Americans participated.
Related:
Results: 30K, 50K Freestyle
Canadian Nationals: Classical Sprints
March 28, 2013
Thursday featured the classical sprint format events for Canadian Nationals. The open division champions were Dasha Gaiazova and Len Valjas. Jennie Bender won the womens B final. Michael Sinnott was the top American male, finishing second in the B final. Ben Saxton posted one of the better times on the day, finishing 15th in the standings.
Related:
Results: Classical Sprints
Chipaloppet Recap
March 27, 2013
Every year Chip Tabor hosts the Chipaloppet, a fun season-ending ski "race"/festival, and summarizes the event with a highly entertaining over-the-top recap.
Related:
Esko R3 Spring Classic
Grand Marais 50K Rollerski
March 26, 2013
Just how far are you willing to race? Grand Marais, Michigan, will be the site for a 50K rollerski marathon this fall.
Canadian Nationals: 10K, 15K Classical
March 26, 2013
Canadian Nationals resumed Tuesday with the classical races. In the open category, Brent McMurtry won the mens 15K and Dasha Gaiazova the womens 10K. Sylvan Ellefson led the way for the US men in 5th, Caitlin Gregg was the top US woman, finishing 9th.
Related:
Results: 10K, 15K Classical
Canadian Nationals: 5K, 10K Freestyle
March 24, 2013
Canada's National Championships got underway Saturday with the 5K and 10K interval start freestyle races. Caitlin Gregg showcased her ever improving form, topping the womens field by 10 seconds in the 5K event. Husband Brian Gregg led the American competition in the mens 10K, finishing 6K. Matt Liebsch placed 10th. Brian McKeever was the 10K victor.
Related:
Results: 5K,10K freestyle
US Ski Team: Randall Third Overall
March 24, 2013
Kikkan Randall became the first American woman in history to break into the top three overall in the Cross Country World Cup on Sunday. Randall finished seventh in the Falun 10k freestyle pursuit, the fourth stage of this week’s mini-tour, cementing her into the number three spot.
Related:
Video from USSA:  Randall Third Overall
J2 Championships Recap
March 24, 2013
Ken Schoville recaps the J2 Championships, held March 8-10 at Holderness School in New Hampshire.
Moose Nordic Urban Sprint Championships
March 23, 2013
Luke Brown reports: On Thursday, a dozen high school and post-graduate skiers from around the metro competed in the first ever Moose Nordic Urban Sprint Championships. Skiing on a homemade sprint course in residential St. Paul, the skiers were faced with a technically challenging course including an "A" climb and multiple sharp turns. With qualifiers to start off the competition, skiers were then seeded and paired up to face off head-to-head in single elimination format. Mattie Watts claimed the women's title over runner-up Niki Reker while Sean Cork was the men's champion beating runner-up Luke Brown.
Related:
Photoset from Luke Brown: Moose Nordic Urban Sprint Championships
Results: Moose Nordic Urban Sprint Championships
US Ski Team: Randall Third in Mini-Tour
March 22, 2013
In the second stage of the mini-tour on Friday, Kikkan Randall skied into third place, leading three Americans into the top eight, including Jessie Diggins. Along with her third place finish, Randall earned bonus time for the next stage of the tour. Norwegian powerhouse Marit Bjoergen took the win. After the men’s race, Andy Newell moved into eighth place in the mini-tour overall standings, the top spot for the U.S., as the tour heads into its third stage on Saturday.
Saxton: Junior Nationals Recap
March 21, 2013
Ben Saxton provides a recap of the entire 2013 Junior Nationals, including race reports from all four of his races, and reflects on his experience with JNs as that chapter comes to a close for him.
Luck of the Woodlands Results
March 16, 2013
Woodland trails in Elk River featured mid-winter conditions for a mid-March race on Saturday morning. Evgeny Beletskiy and Kim Rudd won the 20K freestyle, while Joey Martin and Ingrid Leask took the 10K titles.
Related:
Graystone White Out Coverage
Twin Cities Ski Series Awards Banquet
March 15, 2013
Mark your calendars and register for the inaugural Fast Wax Twin Cities Ski Series Awards Banquet which will be held in conjunction with the SkiWerx and the MN Nordic Ski Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award Banquet, Sunday evening, March 24th at the Wirth Chalet.
High School MTB Racing in Duluth
March 15, 2013
Organizers are looking to form some Duluth area high school mountain bike racing teams for this fall. Informational meetings will be held March 22nd and 23rd in Duluth.
Day 3 at Biathlon Nationals
March 10, 2013
Day 3 of Biathlon Nationals featured the mass start races. It was another day of amazing performances as Anna Kubek won again, Jakob Ellingson finished second in a photo finish, and senior Raleigh Goesling won the mens 15K.
Pepsi Challenge Coverage
March 9, 2013
With their new March calendar position, the Pepsi Challenge drew over 325 skiers for an epic morning on the Giants Ridge trails Saturday. In the 48K freestyle battle, Adam Swank took the victory while friends Lynne Cecil and Jan Guenther finished 1-2 in the womens division. The big 48K classical titles went to Craig Cardinal and Molly Watkins. Showing some masters power, Phil Rogers topped a tough 24K freestyle field, and Kristin Madsen edged out Erin Moening for the women. Jennie Bender won the 24K classic overall, with Sisu teammates Tamer Mische-Richter and Bjorn Adelsman going 1-2 in a photo finish. Sam Myers and Sophie Schuder won the 10K skate titles.
Related:
Results: Pepsi Challenge - 24K, 50K classical; 24K, 50K freestyle; 10K freestyle
J2 Championships Classical, Sprint Coverage
March 9, 2013
Saturday in New Hampshire brought out the long boards for the J2 Championships classical races. Midwest girls had another strong day: Claire Benton 5th; Sophia Annis 10th. In the afternoon, skiers changed up for the skate sprint races. Sophia Annis topped the girls field, claiming the sprint title! Jordan Horner had a great sprint as well, taking the final podium spot in third. Claire Benton capped a great day with 6th, Maria Schoening cracked in the top 10. Seth Barnes, 25th in classical, and Ben Theyerl, 20th in sprints, were the top boys results.
Related:
Photoset from CXC: J2 Championships Classical, Sprint
Results: J2 Championships Classical, Sprint
Pole Pedal Pant Results
March 9, 2013
Slogging through some tough conditions with rain saturating parts of the course, competitors endured an epic Pole Pedal Pant winter triathlon at Elm Creek Saturday. John Kallemeyn tooked the mens field, winning by over three minutes. Maria Hauer posted the top womens time. The winning relay team was Half Fast Racing.
Related:
Race Story: Pole Pedal Pant
Biathlon: Kubek and Ellingson Take Wins at Biathlon Nationals
March 9, 2013
US Biathlon Nationals kicked off with a bang on Friday at the 10th Mountain Division venue in Ft Kent, Maine, as Minnesotans Jakob Ellingson and Anna Kubek both won national titles! Siena Ellingson, Jakob's younger sister, took second place in the pursuit event Saturday.
J2 Championships Skate Coverage
March 8, 2013
The J2 Championships out in New Hampshire got rolling Friday with the 5K skate race. Midwest skiers had some top placings, including: Ellen McCarthy, 3rd; Sophia Annis, 8th; Henry Gore, 9th.
Related:
Photoset from CXC: J2 Championships Skate
Results: J2 Championships Skate
Junior Nationals Coverage
March 8, 2013
The Midwest Junior National team arrived in Fairbanks, Alaska, in the middle of the night Friday, as they prepare for the week long competition, kicking off Monday with the freestyle races. We'll have daily coverage of the races, along with posting an assortment of travel/downtime photos, and some trail reports, all week.
Related:
Photoset: Junior Nationals Trip
Trail Reports on Birch Hill
U.S. Ski Team Sweeps USOC Awards
March 8, 2013
The U.S. Ski Team swept the U.S. Olympic Committee's monthly awards as Ted Ligety and Mikaela Shiffrin earned Athlete of the Month honors for their stunning gold medal performances at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in February. Cross Country duo Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins completed the U.S. Ski Team domination rolling with the Team of the Month honor after taking gold in the team sprint at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.
Related:
Nordic Combined: Fletcher 7th in Lahti Combined
Final Days for Chequamegon Lottery
March 7, 2013
Even with all this snow on the ground, if you have dreams riding the Chequamegon 40 next September, make sure you get your lottery entry in by the March 15th deadline.
Saxton: It's Always Sunny in Lillehammer
March 6, 2013
Ben Saxton has returned from his epic Euro ski tour, wrapping up eight weeks of racing against some top European juniors. He checks in with a return on the Norwegian stop in Lillehammer, complete with some great photos. Next stop: Junior Nationals.
White Out Graystone Race
March 4, 2013
The Nordic Ski Club of Central Minnesota has announced a late season race addition, the White Out Graystone race, to be held March 16th on the Graystone trails in St. Cloud.
Fat Bike Birkie Down to the Final Dozen
March 4, 2013
Roughly a dozen or so openings left for the inaugural Fat Bike Birkie, March 9th in Hayward. 18K and 45K distance options. Note: Special event, the only time the Birkie trail is open to Fat Bikes.
Midwest Junior Championships Day 2 Results
March 3, 2013
The Midwest Junior Championships reported a perfect weekend. 180 kids from all over the Metro and around the State competed in individual start classic, classic team relays and SkiXc competition on Saturday, and mass start freestyle and SkiBall on Sunday. For the team competition the Lyndale Farmstead branch of Fast Kids ran away with the title to earn the overall crown.
Minnesota State Pursuit Championships Coverage
March 3, 2013
A beautiful spring day for the Minnesota Pursuit Championships at Theodore Wirth Sunday. The race broke down to a battle of the Zach's, as Zach Handler took the lead through the classical, then Zach Goldberg put on a finishing sprint to edge Handler at the line. Kathleen DeWahl topped the womens field again today. Photos, video, and results posted.
Related:
Black Lake Loppet Results
World Championships: Stephen Top Spot for USA with 16th in 30k
March 2, 2013
Saturday was another spring-like day for the 30k classic at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships where Liz Stephen finished 16th, taking the top spot for U.S. women. Ida Sargent came in 25th after 30 hot, hard fought kilometers. Marit Bjoergen of Norway took the gold, her fourth of the World Champs.
River View Loppet Results
March 2, 2013
The River View Loppet attracted more than 100 skiers to the After Hours trails in Brule Saturday morning. Taking the 24K skate titles were Scott Johanik and Michelle Hagg. Classical 24K victories were collected by Scott Nesvold and Signe Matson. Daniel Pederson and Beth Reed won the 12K classical divisions while Scott Pederson and Janna Radtke topped the 12K skate field.
Related:
Rainbow Rendezvous Coverage
Midwest Junior Championships Day 1 Results
Slush Rush Coverage
March 2, 2013
Not at all slushy, but definitely a rush, the Hoigaards Slush Rush races at Elm Creek were held in temperatures running the upper teens on a hard corduroy surface. Zach Handler took the field sprint out of group of four to win the mens 10K, Kathleen DeWahl skiing in for the womens victory. The 5K high school race saw some of the metro's best boys face off in a near sprint on two laps of the snowmaking loop. Another tight group finish, with Zach Goldberg just edging out a late charge from Tom Bye to take the win. Sarah Bezdicek continued her strong late season form, easily topping the girls field. Results and photos posted.
Related:
Buena Vista Snowjourn Results
World Championships: Historic Best USA Relay Finish
February 28, 2013
Liz Stephen and Jessie Diggins skied powerful skating legs to lead the U.S. Ski Team to an historical best ever finish in the women's relay at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Val di Fiemme. Skiing anchor, Diggins dug deep to pass Finland for fourth in the final few hundred meters. Norway ran away with the gold - it's third straight at Olympics or World Championships - with a 26 second win over Sweden. Russia came from behind on the final lap to take bronze.
Related:
World Championships: USA Men 10th in World Champs Relay
Fat Bike Birkie Nearly Full
February 28, 2013
Race the Birkie trail again, this time on a Fat Bike! March 9th is the date for the first annual Fat Bike Birkie with race distances of 45K and 18K. Act quickly, only a few openings left.
World Championships: Good Show for Hoffman in 15K
February 27, 2013
Noah Hoffman put in a strong kick to the finish to take a solid 15th place in the 15k freestyle cross country race at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Val di Fiemme. Norway's incomparable Petter Northug won his eighth career World Championships gold with a breathtaking performance, leading the entire way in the individual start event. Action continues Thursday with the women's 4x5k relay where the U.S. Ski Team is expected to be among the top nations.
Related:
CCC: Canada’s Nordic Bulldog Ivan Babikov Storms to Fourth
Midwest Junior Championships this Weekend
February 26, 2013
The Midwest Junior Championships are this weekend, March 2-3, at Theodore Wirth in Minneapolis. The event includes classical races, SkiX-c, team sprints, freestyle races, and a SkiBall tournament. Online registration is open through Thursday, Feb 28th.
World Championships: Stephen Fifth for World Champs Best
February 26, 2013
Liz Stephen powered into the top five in the 10k individual skate at the FIS World Nordic Ski Championships. This marks her best ever individual result, earning the top finish for the U.S. Ski Team and providing an historic best for the women's team in the event. Adding even more momentum to this year’s World Champs, Stephen’s teammates all finished within the top 30. Jessie Diggins, Holly Brooks and Kikkan Randall finished 23rd, 27th and 30th respectively. Norway’s Therese Johaug took the top spot.
MNJRC Kickoff Event
February 25, 2013
MNJRC, the Minnesota Juniors Cycling organization, will hold their annual kickoff meeting this Friday, March 1st at KSTP in St. Paul. MNJRC is the oldest junior cycling program in the Twin Cities and welcomes riders ages 12 to 23 of all ability levels.
World Championships: Stephen Top 20 in Skiathlon
February 23, 2013
Liz Stephen moved up in the skating portion of the women’s skiathlon to finish 20th at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Val di Fiemme Saturday. Marit Bjoergen took her second gold leading a Norwegian sweep of the medals. In the men’s skiathlon, Kris Freeman topped for the U.S. Ski Team, finishing 41st after muscling through the grueling course for more than an hour. Swiss skier Dario Cologna took home the gold for the men.
American Birkebeiner Coverage
February 23, 2013
Perfect temperatures greeted racers for this year's Birkie, although fresh snow and high humidity slowed the course down some. Caitlin Gregg charged across the line just in front of Estonia's Tatjana Mannima to claim the women's 58 km skate victory. The men's field sent home a large pack of contenders, with 10 skiers each within 4 seconds of the title. Sergio Bonaldi of Italy crossed in a virtual tie with fellow countryman Fabio Santus to claim the top spot. The top American finisher, Matt Liebsch, finished just 2 seconds back in 7th place. Doug Debold of Wayzata claimed the top Birkie Classic spot with Norway's Ingrid Saupstad crossing first for the striding women. Claire Luby claimed the 1st American finish behind Saupstad in 2nd place. Top Korte skate honors went to St. Paul's Luke Brown and Plymouth's Alayna Sonnesyn. The Korte Classic saw top stride times from Andrew Egger and Nichole Bathe.
Related:
Italians, Gregg Reassert Themselves in 40th Annual American Birkebeiner
Cap Times: Fresh snow makes for a tough Birkie
One Week Left Until the Sleeping Giant Loppet
February 22, 2013
Weather conditions are looking fantastic for next Saturday’s Sleeping Giant Loppet. Multiple distance events are held at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Thunder Bay, with a lot of Minnesota and Wisconsin skiers making the border crossing.
World Championships: Quarterfinals Claim USA in Sprints
February 21, 2013
The U.S. Ski Team qualified three skiers into the heats but all fell victim in the quarterfinals as the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships got underway in Val di Fiemme with classic sprints. Russia's Nikita Kruikuv and Norway's Marit Bjoergen took gold. Kikkan Randall finished 19th, Sophie Caldwell 20th in her World Championships debut and Andy Newell 21st. Canadian Alex Harvey took bronze. Action continues Friday with Nordic combined and women's ski jumping, with cross-country back Saturday with skiathlon.
NNF's World Nordic Championship U.S. Team Funding
February 20, 2013
The National Nordic Foundation will be covering up to $10,000 of expenses for the eight unfunded US athletes at World Nordic Championships: Erik Bjornsen, Holly Brooks, Ida Sargent, Kris Freeman, Noah Hoffman, Sadie Bjornsen, Sophie Caldwell, and Tad Elliott.
Midwest Junior Championships Coming March 2-3
February 20, 2013
Kids, ski your season to its full potential! Join in on this delightful weekend including classic individual start races, classic sprint relays, SkiX-C time trials, freestyle mass start races, and the infamous SkiBall tournament. March 2-3 at Theodore Wirth.
USA Norway Junior National Exchange
February 19, 2013
The National Nordic Foundation (NNF) has teamed up with the Norwegian College of Elite Sport (NTG) and the US Embassy for an “Ambassadors for Sport and Culture” exchange program which will send 12 athletes to Norway’s Junior Championships February 19-26th in Lillehammer as Norway sends a group of their NTG athletes to the US Junior Nationals this March in Fairbanks, Alaska. Ben Saxton is one of the lucky US Ambassadors.
Pepsi Challenge Update
February 19, 2013
Pepsi Challenge organizers report conditions are currently execellent for the March 9th races at Giants Ridge. Online registration is open through March 6th. Price hike coming tonight, Tues, Feb 19th!
Yellowstone Rendezvous Race March 2, 2013
February 18, 2013
Kickoff the spring season racing with a return to West Yellowstone for the Rendezvous Race, March 2nd. They offer 25K and 10K freestyle and classical divisions, and all the great scenery and snowfall of the Yellowstone area.
New Moon Birkie Week
February 17, 2013
New Moon's big Birkie week newsletter is out, highlighting their special race wax service, specials, a primo trail update, some incredible free drawings, and much much more!
Cool Planet Skiers
February 17, 2013
Ami Voeltz writes: Anyone can register as a Cool Planet skier if they are doing any of the Birkie races this year and raise funds to help stop climate change. Bill McKibben will be doing the race this year and speaking in Hayward about Celebrating and Preserving Winter as our snow is becoming less reliable each year, the climate change effect will hit xskiers and already has!
Boulder Lake Ski Race Results
February 17, 2013
After been rescheduled due to poor snow conditions in January, the Boulder Lake Ski Race had plenty of snow this go-around as more than 100 folks came out for the ski and snowshoe races. Nikolai Anikin, Matt Zak, and Rhett Bonner brought the 31K freestyle race down to a final sprint with Anikin taking it. Jenna Krueger topped the womens field. Zach Beresford and Janna Radtke won the 11K titles.
US Ski Team: Top 15 for USA in Davos XC
February 17, 2013
Jessie Diggins and Liz Stephen cracked the top 15 in Davos at the final FIS Cross Country World Cup before the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships open later this week. Diggins was 14th and Stephen 15th as Therese Johaug of Norway got the win in the 10k freestyle while Johann Olsson of Sweden won the men's 15k.
Skiers vs Cyclists TT Results
February 16, 2013
Steve Thatcher reports: The cyclists took it to the skiers this year at the Skiers vs Cyclists TT. Three of the top four skiers are local "hot shots" on the cycling TT circuit. The "Best of Both" was cycling TT expert Tim Mulrooney. The one skier in the top 4 is a cycling TT rookie but a top age group competitor in skiing. He promises to up his game on the bike this year. Another notable was a local/national triathlete who had never been on skate skis before today (had a 30 minute lesson before hand and did quite well). Names withheld to protect in innocent.
US Ski Team: Three Year Best Finish for Newell
February 16, 2013
Andy Newell skied to his best finish in three seasons finishing fourth in a classic sprint in Davos. It boosted him into second in the World Cup sprint standings. Kikkan Randall had a strong opening heat but failed to advance out of the semifinals. The Davos World Cup is a final tune-up for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships that open in Val di Fiemme, Italy on Wednesday. Swiss Dario Cologna won men's sprint with Poland's Justyna Kowalczyk taking women's.
Sawtooth Results
February 16, 2013
Pincushion trails featured the Sawtooth International races, living up to the international name as skiers from Canada and the US competed. Duluth's Adam Swank was involved in two tight finishes, coming up just short to Timo Puiras in the 10K classic, and Dudley Coulter in the 20K freestyle, but easily won the combined title. Kerrie Berg took the womens 10K classical, Becky Puiras was the womens 20K freestyle champ, and Anne Flueckiger won the combined title.
Minnesota Finlandia Coverage
February 16, 2013
With plenty of snow, and warmer than expected temperatures, plus some bright sunshine, the Minnesota Finlandia pulled off another great event. Wynn Roberts pulled away from the mens field to take another title in the 50K freestyle. The womens division provided an exciting finish as Elspeth Ronnander edged out Eileen Kirsch for the win. In the classical race, titles went to Murray Carter and Molly Watkins. Conrad Roberts won the mens 25K freestyle, Andrea Stember the womens. In the 25K continious pursuit, Kathleen Dewahl took the overall victory and Steven Scoles was first for the men.
Related:
Woodland Loppet Coverage
Price Hike: Pepsi Challenge
February 16, 2013
Giants Ridge is reporting fantastic conditions. Register for the March 9th Pepsi Challenge before Tuesday, February 19th, to avoid the next price hike!
Biathlon: Burke Wins Historic 20K Silver at IBU World Championships
February 14, 2013
Tim Burke made US Biathlon history Thursday winning a silver medal in the 20-kilometer individual event at the 2013 IBU World Championships in Nove Mesto, CZE. This is the first career World Championship podium for Burke, and the second World Championship medal in US Biathlon history following Josh Thompson's 20k individual silver at the 1987 IBU World Championships in Lake Placid, NY.
Minnesota High School State Meet Coverage
February 14, 2013
A beautiful morning in Biwabik for the Minnesota State Meet as the sun broke out for the morning races with temperatures in the low 20s. Anna Kubek, Duluth East, layed down the hammer to take a big lead out of the girls skate race. Fellow biathlete, Jakob Ellingson of Hopkins, also rocketed to a strong lead over the boys field. In the afternoon pursuit, Kubek left no doubt about her classical skills as she powered away from the field to take the overall title. Eden Prairie's Tom Bye made it a horse race, reeling in Ellingson and then dualing down to the wire, with Ellingson taking the victory in a near photo finish. Wayzata girls came back to take the team title from Duluth East. Eden Prairie was crowned the boys champs. Results linked in, photosets up as well as video recaps of the pursuit races.
Related:
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Ben Saxton - Scando Cup: Madona
February 13, 2013
Ben Saxton continues his racing adventures over in Europe, getting a first-hand taste of Europe's SuperTour, the Scando Cup. Catch up with his recent racing, and check out the Scando Cup's guys music video.
Minnesota Finlandia Packed for Saturday
February 12, 2013
Minnesota Finlandia organizers have groomed out the Buena Vista trails for the big races this weekend. They have received over three feet of snow in the last two weeks and will obviously be running full course, with deep classical races and a great skate deck.
Related:
Racing Outlook
Skiwerx Race Series Continues
February 11, 2013
The Skiwerx Race Series returns to action this week at the Inga Lami/Snowflake Races at Baker Park on Saturday. The youth race series consists of nine metro races, including the two-day Midwest Junior Championships at Wirth Park on Mar 2-3.
Vasaloppet USA Coverage
February 10, 2013
The town of Mora fended off multiple challenges to host yet another successful Vasaloppet on Sunday morning. First there wasn't adequate snow to run the full course, then there was the threat of a major winter storm bearing down on the races. But the organizers pulled off a nice course that featured Knife Lake as well as a downtown finish, and the snow held off long enough to allow for good conditions. Matt Liebsch, enduring a tough season, scored a solid victory and hopefully signs of better things to come, as he won the 58K division race going away. Sarah Max, from Bend, Oregon, was the top woman. The shorter 35K freestyle was won by Andrew Brown, as Mary Beth Tuttle notched yet another title in the womens division. In the classical race, a big pack eventually whittled down to five with Dave Chamberlain scoring the win (while pulling double-duty as BNS tech/rep). Audrey Weber was crowned the classic queen. Results linked in, photos coming this evening.
Related:
North End Classic Results
North Star Ski Touring Club Presentation: The Birkie
February 9, 2013
The public is invited to attend the North Star Ski Touring Club meeting on Tuesday, Feb 12th, for a program on: The American Birkebeiner. Learn how Tony Wise, the founder of the Telemark Ski Resort in Cable, Wisconsin, popularized modern day cross-country skiing. Presenters will be Jackie Lindskoog, the first female Birkie participant, and John Holmquist, North Star extraordinaire and frequent Birkie participant and founder. Refreshments and raffle at each meeting.
Pre-Birkie Results
February 9, 2013
Over 750 skiers turned out Saturday morning to race the Birkie trail from Hayward backward up to a Hwy OO finish in the annual Pre-Birkie race. Old vs new in the mens 26K freestyle race as veteran Ben Popp held off young pup Ian Torchia to take the victory by 7 seconds. Megan Ping scored the womens top honors. The 26K classical titles went to Kellen Witschen and Laurie Anderson.
Heia Lars! Memories of Lars Kindem
February 7, 2013
Mark Lahtinen shares his experiences with Hall of Famer Lars Kindem, who recently passed away. Lahtinen was one of the high school skiers on Kindem's North high school teams and relates many experiences from the old days of three pin bindings and skiing at Theodore Wirth. Kindem's funeral is this Saturday, Feb 9th, in Northfield, MN.
Related:
Lars Kindem Passes Away
Birkie Seeking Executive Director
February 7, 2013
With the retirement of Ned Zuelsdorff, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is seeking qualified applicants for the role of the new executive director.
Race Stories: Nicolet Norski
February 6, 2013
A couple of nice race stories from the Nicolet Norski race last weekend:
View from the Front - UWGB alumini Steve Gromatka tells his story of racing with some of the top skiers.
Improbably Race Story - A unique history lesson on the Nicolet Norski winners.
Related:
Photoset from Nicolet Norski: Nicolet Norski
Twin Cities Ski Series: Loppet Recap
February 4, 2013
The Twin Cities Ski Series continued last weekend with the 25K classical event at the City of Lakes Loppet. Read the series recap, and sign up for the Vasaloppet 35K this weekend!
City of Lakes Loppet Coverage
February 3, 2013
A fresh coating of snow overnight made for a beautiful, white landscape, and some slow conditions, as City of Lakes Loppet was able to run all of their races full course Sunday morning. The mens freestyle race quickly fractured and three skiers broke off the front and held together to the finish. Karl Nygren took the victory just ahead of Matt Liebsch, with Norwegian Martin Stuge Baanerud finishing third. Alison Crocker dominated the womens division, winning by over five minutes. In the 25K classical race, Murray Carter took an early lead and then held off Marc Beitz and Jonathan Miller. Kathleen Dewahl powered away for the womens victory.
Lumberjack Jaunt Results
February 3, 2013
A fun day of racing at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd Sunday for the annual Lumberjack Jaunt events. The mens 16K freestyle race came down to a pack sprint with four skiers, lead out by Brad Kuzel. Emily Flynn was the top woman. In the 16K classic, Owen and Heather Baird swept the podium.
Related:
Erik Judeen Coverage
City of Lakes Loppet Saturday Event Coverage
February 2, 2013
The City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival celebrated the return of winter with a full schedule of events on Saturday in Uptown Minneapolis. Ski-O-Loppet, ice bike races, ski-joring competition, junior and Minne-loppet events, sprints on the streets of Uptown, and the big finale with the Luminary Loppet on Lake of the Isles.
Related:
Photoset: Sculptures/Kubb Tourney/Uptown - 31 photos, Ice Bike - 25 photos, Skijor Races - 106 photos, Junior Loppet - 76 photos, Minne-Loppet - 73 photos, Sprints - 46 photos, Luminary Loppet - 20 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Photoset from Michael McKinney: City of Lakes Loppet Festival
Video from Bill Lundberg: Ski-jor Loppet Highlights, Ice-Bike Highlights
Wolf Track Rendezvous Results
February 2, 2013
Minocqua Winter Park held their big Wolf Tracks Rendezvous races Saturday morning with over 100 skiers participating. In the 42K classic race, Jon Pace and Barbara Blow came in first; 42K skate victories by Adam Swank and Susan Tanberg.
Related:
Moraloppet Results
Nicolet Norski Results
February 2, 2013
The Nicolet Norski returned to the racing scene Saturday with near perfect conditions on the Lakewood trails. Matt Zak and Robyn Lauritsen won the 36K skate race, Greg Kresse and Carrie Kelm were the classic champs.
Saxton: World Juniors
February 1, 2013
Top junior Ben Saxton reports in from Europe, where he recently wrapped up competition in the World Juniors. Read his full recap on his adventures, including the "interesting" Hotel Babylon.
Freestyle-Fat Tire Loppet Award
January 31, 2013
Can't decide whether to ski or bike the Loppet? Do both! The City of Lakes Loppet is offering a special prize for those with the fastest combined times for the Loppet Freestyle and Fat Tire Race. Register is open in-person through Saturday.
Related:
Middle of the Pack Loppet Award
Minnesota Finlandia Rolling in Snow!
January 30, 2013
Organizers of the Minnesota Finlandia report excellent conditions on the Buena Vista trails! NW Minnesota received nearly a foot of new snow Monday night and crews have been busy grooming and predict some of the best race conditions in many years.
Register before Friday, February 1st, to avoid their next price hike!
Race Stories: Marine O'Brien
January 29, 2013
Two sets of race stories from the last two weekends of racing action.
Karl Holub - Holub competed in the 25K classical division at Marine/O'Brien.
Jonah Gilbert - Racing in the SuperTour classical sprints and then two days late, the 25K skate race at Marine/O'Brien.
Nordic Combined: Veterans Lead World Champs Combined Team
January 28, 2013
Brothers Bryan and Taylor Fletcher will lead a strong team of six nordic combined athletes named by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association to compete in the FIS Nordic Ski World Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy Feb. 20-March 3. They will join a team with three World Champions including Billy Demong, Todd Lodwick and Johnny Spillane.
Marine/O'Brien Coverage
January 27, 2013
In a tough season, William O'Brien Park staff were able to pull a race course off for the annual Marine/O'Brien races on Sunday. Nearly 400 skiers turned out for the events. Wynn Roberts pulled away from a tough field to win the 25K skate, as Hilary Patzer beat Mary Beth Tuttle in a sprint finish for the women. Karl Holub and Sara Zimmermann-White took the 25K classical titles. The single lap, 12.5K skate victories went to Jes Pedersen and Anna Nelson, classic crowns for Brad Moening and Rachel Peterson.
Related:
Marine/O'Brien Race Recap
Iola Norseman Challenge Results
Nordic Spirit Coverage
January 27, 2013
A field of well over 100 skiers participated Sunday in the Nordic Spirit races. The mens 25K skate proved to be a tight battle, coming down to a sprint finish with Nikolai Anikin edging out Jake Boyce by a 1/2 second. Christi Nowak won the womens division. The 11K titles went to Zachary Nelson and Hanna Torvi.
Tour de Twin Cities Freestyle Pursuit Coverage
January 27, 2013
Sunday marked the finale of the Tour de Twin Cities run, capped by an excited pursuit format event. Torin Koos and Rosie Brennan stayed just ahead of the field to win the pursuit titles, but it was the Gregg couple, Brian and Caitlin, that both posted the top skate times in their respective races. After an hour of freezing rain/sleet, the crowds and skiers were treated to a good, old fashion snowstorm as several inches fell by end of racing.
Tour de Twin Cities Classical Coverage
January 26, 2013
For the second weekend, Tour de Twin Cities participants raced the snowmaking loop at Theodore Wirth for the classical SuperTour and JNQ races. Rosie Brennan extracted a small measure of revenge, defeating Jennie Bender by 0.6 seconds to win the womens SuperTour 5K. Reese Hanneman topped the mens 10K field.
Noquemanon Coverage
January 26, 2013
Pulling off the first big marathon of the season, the Noquemanon went full course on Saturday with a huge field of participants. Michael Brothers broke away to dominate the mens 50K skate, Jan Guenther collected the womens crown. Santiago Ocariz nipped Eli Brown for the mens 50K classic title as Kim Rudd held off Maria Stuber to win the womens division. In the 24K division, John Ohearn and Bethany Wright won the skate races, Will Andresen and Kyia Anderson the classic titles.
More Birkie Entries to Win
January 25, 2013
Two more ways to win a ticket into the 2013 American Birkebeiner races! New Moon Ski and Bike is giving away three, as well as Vector450.
Tour de Twin Cities Sprints Coverage
January 25, 2013
After being rescheduled due to cold weather on Monday, the Tour de Twin Cities sprints went off Friday at Wirth under slightly warmer (and windy) conditions. Jennie Bender showed her classical power, collecting another sprint title against a stacked field. Dakota Blackhorse-von Jess won the mens final.
Ned Zuelsdorff Retires from Birkie Foundation
January 24, 2013
Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, has announced his retirement, effective mid-may, 2013. Zuelsdorff has served as the executive director of the ABSF for the past eight years, starting in 2005.
Silvermine Invitational Report
January 23, 2013
The only Olympic gold medal Nordic sport for the US, Nordic Combined competitions are being held across the Midwest. Last weekend marked the Silvermine Invitational in Eau Claire, WI. Amy Dominski shares a brief recap and some photos from the jumping and ski racing.
World Juniors: Skate Races
January 23, 2013
A far more competitive day Wednesday as the US juniors raced in the freestyle events in Liberic, CZE. Minnesotans Kyle Bratrud and Ben Saxton finished 47th and 60th as four Russians finished in the top seven of the mens 10K. As similar story in the womens 5K as Russian women collected four of the top eight with Mary O'Connell finishing 33rd as the top American.
Related:
Results: Womens 5K, Mens 10K
Ten Day Countdown to the Loppet
January 22, 2013
This year the Loppet Festival returns to Uptown Minneapolis where Lake Street will be turned into a snow covered ski trail from Lake Calhoun to the Hennepin Avenue finish line. With just ten days left, and snow in the forecast, interest is building rapidly.
Noquemanon Update
January 22, 2013
The Noquemanon course is shaping up well and the race is on -- the first big marathon of the season! There is still time to register and bone up on your training.
42nd Annual Marine O'Brien Cross-Country Ski Race
January 22, 2013
Celebrating over a 40 year history, the Marine O'Brien race is set for this Sunday. Go the big distance with the two lap, 25K event, or opt for the one lap format. There is also a 6K wooden ski tour and a huge set of kids races.
Birkie Retro
January 21, 2013
Looking for more ways to enjoy the big Birkie weekend? New this year, Nikkerbeiner -- a wooden ski throwback 5K classic event on Thursday, Feb 21st. Registration is still open!
Loppet Kubb Tournament
January 21, 2013
The City of Lakes Loppet features not only a ski event, but also the largest winter kubb tournament in the world. Kubb, a Swedish game, involves wooden blocks and sticks and can be described as a combination of bowling and horseshoes.
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