Highlights
 Interview: Ben Popp
July 1, 2009
Ben Popp completed his 3000 mile journey in the Race Across America on Sunday. He was back in Minnesota the next day and soon fielding questions in our post-race interview.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap
June 30, 2009
Jay Richards recaps the big weekend at Mt Kato with the Bluff Riders Charge and looks forward to the WORS Firecracker race this weekend.
The Kid's Derby
June 29, 2009
This Thursday, July 2nd, is the annual kids event at the Hoigaards Canoe Derby. Kids are paired up with adults for an exciting evening of racing and post-race Paddler's Potluck.
Birkie T-Shirt Design Contest
June 29, 2009
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is announcing a contest to design the official t-shirt for the 2010 American Birkebeiner ski race. The winning designer will receive a host of prizes, including VIP parking, race entry, new skis and more.
Related:
Birkie T-Shirt Contest Rules
Bluff Riders Charge Coverage
June 28, 2009
Jay Reports reports: Ideal summer racing conditions greeted riders at Mt Kato for race #4 in the MNSCS. Visiting relatives in the area, Pro rider and Utah native Jason Saeger ended Brendan Moore's winning streak by taking the lead on the first climb and continued adding to it to the finish. Hometown hero Jenna Zander continued her dominance in the Midwest, once again working her way up in the mens expert field to take another convincing win. Close to 400 riders competed as the series continues record growth. Photosets coming in later from Jay.
Related:
Photoset from Jay Richards:  Sport - 168 photos, Comp/Expert - 174 photos
Results: Bluff Riders Charge
Danhaus, Popp Complete their RAAM Rides
June 28, 2009
Wausau's Paul Danhaus and St. Paul's Ben Popp completed the Race Across America on Sunday. Both were rookie solo riders and finished the 3000 mile journey in 11 days.
Related:
RAAM Blog: Paul Danhaus Post Race Plans
Tri-Loppet Coverage
June 27, 2009
Showers overnight night (and even a few sprinkles during) made for a damp and sloppy City of Lakes Tri-Loppet race on Saturday. Kim Rudd and Zach Handler posted the top times, racing in the womens double and mens solo respectively. Danielle Pellicano was top female solo, Karl Schultz the top doubles male.
Related:
Photoset: Paddle - 132 photos, Trail Run - 53 photos, Mountain Bike - 183 photos
Results: Tri-Loppet
Midwest MTB Racing Recap
June 23, 2009
Jay Richards headed east last weekend to catch the action in the WORS Cup Stage race, providing a full recap, along with reports from Chain Drive and Woolly races, along with the usual look ahead.
Midnight Sun Midnight Run 5K
June 23, 2009
The annual Midnight Sun Midnight Run 5K is coming up this Friday evening starting and finishing at Canal Park in Duluth.
Grandmas Marathon Recap
June 22, 2009
Rich Hoeg offers a slideshow from the blazing Grandmas Marathon last weekend in Duluth.
Related:
Pioneer Press: Grandma's Marathon: Minnesota native Chris Raabe joins Mary Akor in winner's circle
Duluth News Tribune: Officials considered calling off race because of weather
Midwest RAAM Riders Updates
June 19, 2009
Midwest solo Race Across America (RAAM) riders are cruising well. As of 11 pm Friday, Ben Popp, St. Paul, was in seventh place and had the top American time. Paul Danhaus, Wausau, was feeling good as he passed though Chama, New Mexico.
Related:
Paul Danhaus RAAM Blog
Ben Popp RAAM Blog
Tri-Loppet Training: Hoigaards Canoe Derby
June 17, 2009
Two final chances to get in some quality paddling time for the Tri-Loppet with the Hoigaards Canoe Derby races June 18th and 25th.
RAAM Rider Paul Danhaus
June 17, 2009
There is another Midwest rider doing the solo RAAM: Paul Danhaus of Wausau, Wisconsin, is racing in the 60+ solo division, riding one day ahead of the young solo men. The Wausau Wheelers provided him with a GPS tracker so you can follow his progress online.
Interview: Ben Popp
June 16, 2009
Ben Popp is hitting the road today, Wednesday, as he begins his 3000 mile bike race across the United States. We caught up with Ben on Monday evening to get some details on his pre-race preparations.
Related:
Local Media Coverage on Ben Popp's RAAM
Midwest MTB Racing Recap
June 16, 2009
Jay Richards recaps the Dirt Spanker race in Duluth and looks forward to the big WORS Subaru Cup this weekend.
US Ski Team: Randall Empowers Through Sport
June 15, 2009
Though World Championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) is best known for carving out the history of her sport for U.S. Women, Randall has an equally large passion in building up the future of the sport through the organization Fast and Female.
Rock for Broc June 30th
June 14, 2009
Turn out Tuesday evening, June 30th, for the Rock for Broc 1 mile fundraiser run. Proceeds will help Cindy Brochman in her fight with cancer.
Related:
Cindy Brochman Update
Red Bridge Run Results
June 14, 2009
Joe Manns reports: Third Annual Red Bridge Run Marathon Canoe Race was held in Park Rapids on June 14, 2009. The race is hosted by the Red Bridge Inn, who provides a wonderful post-race meal and massage for all racers. The race is a favorite for those racing the Chippewa Triathlon the day before, just a short drive from Cass Lake.
NVGP: Stillwater Criterium Coverage
June 14, 2009
The Nature Valley Grand Prix wrapped up an exciting five days of pro racing with the popular Stillwater Criterium. Huge crowds once again turned out, especially on the incredibly steep Chilkoot Hill. Kristin Armstrong showed exceptional strength in dropped her breakaway trio on the final lap to take the womens victory and overall title. The mens race provided some real fireworks as Floyd Landis helped open a lead group that threatened the overall lead of Tom Zirbel.
Related:
Photoset: Womens race - 119 photos, Mens race - 126 photos
Results: Womens, Mens
NVGP: Mankato Road Race
Chippewa Triathlon Coverage
June 13, 2009
A bit of rough weather for the Chippewa Triathlon on Saturday as showers rolled through off and on. The canoe-mountain bike-trail run triathlon is a favorite among the Nordic skiing community. Dave Nelson won the solo division, Bill Dossett and Kathryn Ladig won the doubles division titles, Jan Guenther collected the doubles mixed title.
Related:
Photoset from Bill Grundy: 53 photos
Results: Chippewa Triathlon
NVGP: Uptown Criterium
June 13, 2009
Big crowds turn out Friday evening to line the course of the new Uptown Criterium in Minneapolis. The circuit course carved through the heart of Uptown, including a run up Hennepin Ave past Calhoun Square. Once again, the races came down to pack sprint finishes. Sebastian Haedo and Brooke Miller collected the victories. The NVGP series wraps up this weekend with races in Mankato and Stillwater.
NVGP: Cannon Falls Road Race
June 12, 2009
Thursday's stage 3 in Cannon Falls featured rolling SE roads and one crash that shook up some of the standings in the womens race. Field sprints marked the finish of both the mens and womens races with Alejandro Alberto Borrajo and Erica Allar taking the victories.
NVGP: St. Paul Criterium
June 11, 2009
Nature Valley Grand Prix finished the opening day double-header with criterium racing on the streets of downtown St. Paul Wednesday evening. No major shake ups in the overall standings as both the mens and womens races featured big pack sprint finishes. Sebastian Haedo and Kirsty Broun took the victories.
NVGP: Time Trial Coverage
June 10, 2009
The Nature Valley Grand Prix started on Wednesday morning with a time trial along Lilydale Rd just across the river from downtown St. Paul. Off-and-on drizzle put a dreary look on the course but had little impact on the riders performance. Time trial star Kristin Armstrong dominated the womens field, averaging 26 mph. Tom Zirbel posted the top mens time. The series continues with an evening criterium in St. Paul tonight then hits the roads near Cannon Falls for stage 3 on Thursday.
Related:
Photoset: Womens TT - 129 photos, Mens TT - 159 photos
Results: Womens TT, Mens TT
NVGP Time Trial Course Details, Start List
Cycling News Stage 1 Recap
Midwest MTB Racing Recap
June 9, 2009
WORS Big Ring Classic recap, Jolly Rogers downhill race summary, and a look at some alternate singletrack opportunities highlight Jay Richards' weekly MTB report.
Grand Old Day Coverage
June 7, 2009
Despite cool and drizzling weather, there was another big turnout for the Grand Old Day inline and running races on Grand Avenue in St. Paul Sunday morning. Kassaye Gemeda and Amy Lyons sailed to clear victories in the 8K run; skiers Johanna Winters and Laura Dewitt finished 3rd and 5th respectively. The inline race came down to photo finishes between David Savmiento and Mike Anderson for the men and Susan Welch and Sarah Oftedahl for the women.
Related:
Photoset: 8K Inline Race - 66 photos, 8K Running Race - 92 photos
Results: 8K inline, run
Jun 13 Baxter Inline Marathon
Friday Night Frenzy Coverage
June 5, 2009
The Rice Creek Boat Club kicked off their three day race weekend with sprints on Long Lake Friday evening. Strong NW winds made for some tricky early conditions but the winds slowed down as the evening progressed. Saturday paddlers will return for the Long Lake Lap and then head over to the Mississippi River for the final event on Sunday, the Jensen Handicap.
Related:
Rice Creek Boat Club Race Weekend
Photoset: Friday Night Frenzy - 57 photos
NMU XC Racing Club Team Announcement
June 4, 2009
Sten Fjeldheim announces the formation of the XC Racing Club Team at NMU to help athletes continue pursuing the skiing goals.
Hoigaards Canoe Derby Coverage
June 4, 2009
A beautiful opening night for the Hoigaards Canoe Derby with temperatures soaring into the upper 70s and a mild SW breeze. We joined in the action, playing catch up most of the way as we learned on the fly how to get our timing down in the racing canoes. The series continues Thursday nights into early August. A limited number of rental canoes are available for those wanting to test the waters (or prep for the Tri-Loppet).
Related:
Hoigaards Canoe Derby
Photoset: 21 photos
Midwest MTB Racing Recap
June 2, 2009
Jay Richards covers a full plate this week: WORS and MNSCS recaps, plus National and even Canadian racing updates.
Rice Creek Boat Club Race Weekend
June 1, 2009
The Rice Creek Boat Club is hosting a weekend long race series in the Twin Cities, June 5-7. Sprints on Friday, Long Lake Lap Saturday, and Jensen Handicap (on the Mississippi) Sunday.
Afton Avalanche Coverage
May 31, 2009
Moderate temperatures with gusty winds and dry weather generated some dusty conditions for the annual Afton Alps stop on the MNSCS series. The series popularity continues to soar this year with another big turnout on Sunday.
Related:
Photoset: Sport Race - 90 photos, Kids Races - 26 photos, Expert/Comp Race - 170 photos
Results: Afton Avalanche
US Ski Team: 2009 Team Named
May 27, 2009
World Championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall, along with World Cup sprint medalist Andy Newell, Kris Freeman and three-time U.S. champion Liz Stephen are among the athletes headlining the newly named 2010 U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. Midwest skiers Garrott Kuzzy and Lindsey Williams were named to the B team.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 27, 2009
With a slow weekend for the Memorial holiday, Jay weighs in with some observations on the variety of mountain bike setups, especially the growing trend of 29" wheel sets.
Ski to Sea 2009
May 26, 2009
Brian Gregg of the CXC team recaps the 2009 Ski to Sea race. The race is a relay event with cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, running, road biking, canoeing, mountain biking and sea kayaking segments. Dave Christopherson, a regular participant, was the other Midwest competitor.
Related:
Results: Ski to Sea
US Ski Team: XC Trains On Snow in Oregon
May 21, 2009
Following a season of incredible success, including Kikkan Randall's World Championship silver medal, the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team reunited this week in Oregon to begin its training season in the lead up to the 2010 Olympics.
Minnesota Half Marathon Rollerski Race Cancelled
May 20, 2009
Update from race organizers: Due to the majority of the race surface being concrete and several roller skiers letting us know that it is an impossible surface to rollerski on, for safety reasons we will produce the MN Half Marathon for inline skaters and runners only.
Related:
Minnesota Half Marathon
Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 19, 2009
A busy weekend on the off-road calendar with the Cable Area Off-road Classic, the MNSCS Spring Cup and WORS Iola Bump and Jump races providing a lot of racing action. Jay Richards recaps all the events plus a look ahead.
Spring Cup Coverage
May 17, 2009
The MNSCS series opened on Saturday with one of their biggest fields ever, as perfect weather attracted over 500 riders out to Harmon Park for the Spring Cup races. Temperatures eased into the lower 60s with light winds and bright sunshine for the events. The lack of rain this spring made for some loose conditions (and some creative cornering) and the organizers added another twist by running the race course the opposite direction this year. Brendan Moore and Jenna Zander solo'd away from the expert fields to easily capture their respective titles.
Related:
Photoset: Sport - 199 photos, Expert/Comp - 387 photos
Results: Spring Cup
Cable Area Offroad Classic Coverage
May 16, 2009
Jay Richards reports: Riders were greeted with snow showers and temps in the lower 30's at the Cable Area Off Road Classic. Yesterday's rain showers provided a near perfect conditions (albeit a bit chilly) compacting the sand and tacking the singletrack. Sections of singletrack were removed from previous race courses making for a fast course. Back from Arizona, TJ Woodruff pulled away from the main field after 30 minutes into solo in for the win followed by Matt Kurke and Charly Tri who posted some personal bests. New mom, Sara Kylander-Johnson, took womens' honors.
Related:
Photoset from Darlene Prois/Patrick Pfister: 13 photos
Results: Cable Area Offroad Classic
Synergy Time Trial Coverage
May 16, 2009
Strong northwest winds and cool temperatures made for a tough morning out on the Synergy time trial course on Saturday morning. Winds were in the mid 20s gusting at times to the 30s as temperatures scratched their way up into the 40s.
Related:
Photoset: 20K - 36 photos, 40K - 144 photos
Results: 20K, 40K
Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 12, 2009
Jay Richards recaps the short-notice Spring Fling race in Elk River last weekend and highlights a busy upcoming weekend as both WORS and MNSCS series fire up.
TNT Time Trial Coverage
May 12, 2009
The Tuesday Night Time Trial (TNT) series greeted riders with strong and gusty cross winds and some off-and-on rain for the opening event of the series. This season the course starts at near Baker Park and rolls east first before turning around shortly after Holy Name Lake and heads straight back west.
Related:
Photoset: 86 photos
Results: TNT #1
Tuesday Night Time Trial Series (TNT)
USSA Honors
May 12, 2009
USSA highlighted top coaches, athletes and clubs recently:
- Coaches
- Athletes
- Clubs
Giro on Universal
May 11, 2009
Universal Sports, which offered on-demand free video coverage from the World Cup Nordic season, is now showing live daily coverage of the Giro d'Italia.
Kim Rudd's Fossavatn Ski Marathon Report
May 7, 2009
Kim Rudd recently traveled to Iceland to ski in the Fossavatn Ski Marathon. Rudd was awarded the opportunity after series champion Mary Beth Tuttle was unable to attend due to a family emergency. Rudd provided a pre and post-race recap while traveling in Iceland.
Race Recap: Ham Run Half Marathon
May 6, 2009
Jonathan Rova highlights the recent Ham Run Half Marathon and their green initiatives.
Related:
Gunflint Nordic Ski Trails Carbon Off-Set to Gunflint Green Up
Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 5, 2009
Jay Richards weekly report touches some new races, including a short-notice one this weekend at Hillside in Elk River, and even goes "on-road" to highlight rising Minnesota native Rolf Eisinger.
Related:
Bike Dr: CXC Ski Clinic, Bike Routes, Women's Sale, Youtube
Minnesota Half Marathon Rollerski Race
May 4, 2009
Organizers of the Minnesota Half Marathon inline race have announced a rollerski race. The course will use much of the same route as the St. Paul Inline Marathon running along the St. Paul riverfront. The race goes down on August 15th. Note: The rollerski event has been cancelled due to unsafe road conditions for rollerskiing.
Marty Road Race Coverage
May 4, 2009
Jay and Julie Joy Wenner have sent in some great shots from the Marty Road Race held last Saturday.
Related:
Photoset from Jay Wenner: 55 photos
Photoset from Julie Joy Wenner: 59 photos
Results: Marty Road Race
Snake River Canoe Race Coverage
May 2, 2009
Hundreds of paddlers turned out for a beautiful day of racing down the Snake River to Mora in the annual Snake River Canoe Race. Conditions were nearly perfect for the race with temps in the upper 50s and a moderate water level (compared to last year's near flood). We caught the action at the CR 19 bridge.
Related:
Photoset: 291 photos
Results: Snake River Canoe Race
Midwest MTB Racing Recap
April 29, 2009
Jay Richards reports on last weekend's Decorah Time Trials and files some more updates on races this season in his weekly MTB racing recap.
Minnesota Ironman Coverage
April 26, 2009
The forecast delivered on its promise with a clap of thunder and some heavy rains around 9 am to make this 2009 Minnesota Ironman bike ride just a little tougher than usual. Rains persisted much of the rain, varying from light drizzle to heavy downpours as temperatures remained in the mid 40s.
Related:
Photoset: 79 photos
Midwest MTB Racing Season Preview
April 23, 2009
Jay Richards kicks off another season of mountain racing with an opening article on the big Minnesota and Wisconsin series plus a number of featured events on the calendar. Richards also just returned from the huge Sea Otter Classic out in broiling heat in southern California and provides a local report.
Trail Mix Coverage
April 18, 2009
Runners were treated to another beautiful spring morning for the annual Trail Mix run at Hyland Lake Park in Bloomington. Temperatures were in the low 50s for the early morning start with plenty of wildlife, especially birds, to distract the competitors during the 25K and 50K runs.
Related:
Photoset: 50K solo - 80 photos, 25K solo - 190 photos
Results: Trail Mix
Opus Criterium Coverage
April 14, 2009
The Minnesota cycling season kicked off with the Opus Criterium series start on Tuesday evening in Eden Prairie. The weather was perfect, especially for this spring, with temperatures in the low 60s and light winds. The series featured a new staging/finish area, just downhill from the old area.
Related:
Photoset: Cat 4 Race - 41 photos, Womens Race - 40 photos, Mens 1/2/3 Race - 43 photos
Results: Opus Criterium
MiSSeries Banquet Recap
April 14, 2009
The Minnesota Skinnyski Series wrapped up another successful season with their annual awards banquet on April 4th at the Vasaloppet Center in Mora. Lars Kindem and George Hovland were honored for their significant contributions to the skiing community. Photos from the banquet are now available.
Related:
Photoset from Odd Osland: 13 photos
Easter Bunny Hoppet Results Posted
Ski Junket of a Lifetime
April 12, 2009
Pat Lanin shares his experience of skiing the Suomi Rajalta Rajalle Hiihto, a ski tour across Finland from the Russian border west to the Swedish border.
Related:
Americans in Finland by Dave Dahl
World Cup Highlights from Universal Sports
April 10, 2009
Mark Lahtinen breaks down some of his favorite World Cup moments from the 2008-09 season via the Universal Sports coverage.
Short-Notice Race: Easter Bunny Hoppet
April 7, 2009
With plenty of snow still in the UP, the Copper Island Ski Club is putting together a short-notice ski race, the Easter Bunny Hoppet, for this Saturday, April 11th.
Mud Run Coverage
April 7, 2009
Gear West held a 5 mile trail run on Saturday dubbed the Mud Run (their dirtiest run of the year). Robin Thomas captured all the action.
Related:
Photoset from Robin Thomas: 48 photos
Birkie 2010 Wave Seeding Info Posted
April 4, 2009
Information on seeding for Birkie waves, including a conversion factor for skiers who have not done the Birkie recently, has been posted.
CXC Junior Development Program Application Process Opens
April 2, 2009
Central Cross Country Ski Association is pleased to announce the opening of the application process for the CXC Junior Development Program. This year the CXC Junior Development Program will be led by Igor Badamshin. Igor has been coaching at Gunstock Ski Association in New Hampshire for the past five seasons.
USSA Launches Level 100 XC Coaches Certification
April 2, 2009
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has launched a cross country coaches level 100 certification program, the first level of a multi-level cross country-specific coaches education certification system. The curriculum is based on up-to-date practices used by the U.S. Ski Team in the quest for Olympic medals.
Nationals: Marathon
March 29, 2009
US Nationals wrapped up on Sunday in Fairbanks with the marathon distance races. James Southam and Liz Stephen capped great runs this week with another set of titles. Canadian Stephan Kuhn and Ivan Babikov took first and second in the mens race. Top Midwest races include: Caitlin Compton 6th; Bryan Cook 6th, Chris Cook 9th, Garrott Kuzzy 10th.
Related:
Results: 30K, 50K Classical
Nationals Articles from Fairbanks News Miner
Nationals: Pursuit
March 27, 2009
US Nationals turned to the pursuit races on Friday using a skiathlon format. Liz Stephen hammered from a fourth place position after the classic portion to take first overall and the US womens title. Ivan Babikov dominated the mens race, with Lief Zimmerman moving up the field throughout the race to take second overall the mens US title.
Related:
Results: 15K, 30K Pursuit
Race Story: Norwegian Birkebeiner
March 26, 2009
Dan Josephson shares his experience last weekend at the Norwegian Birkebeiner, complete with the 3.5 kilo backpack and kick wax frustrations.
Related:
Nikki’s Norwegian Birkebeiner Adventure
Nationals: Team Sprints
March 25, 2009
The Team Sprints, another make-up event from last January, provided some exciting match ups on Wednesday. The duo of Chris Cook and Torin Koos just edged out Garrott Kuzzy/Lief Zimmerman for the mens title. The midwest pair of Caitlin Compton and Maria Stuber gave Morgan Smyth and Elizabeth Stephens a tight race, finishing just a half second behind the Eastern duo.
Race Recap: 24 Hour of Lappe
March 25, 2009
Jim Cameron reports on a number of record setting efforts at the 24 Hours of Lappe last weekend as skiers enjoyed very fast course conditions.
Birkie Survey
March 25, 2009
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is seeking input via an online survey from skiers who attended as well as those who weren't able to make the 2009 event. The survey also has a section seeking specific input from women skiers.
Nationals: Short Classical
March 24, 2009
The US Cross-Country Ski Championships opened Tuesday with the 5K/10K classical races, an event that was originally scheduled back in January but was frozen out. A couple of veterans, James Southam and Kristina Strandberg collected victories (Morgan Smyth was the womens US champion). Top midwest results include: Chris Cook 4th, Bryan Cook 7th, Andre Watt 10th; Caitlin Comption 5th.
Related:
Results: 5K,10K classical
News-Miner: Skier takes the money — but not the title — on first day of cross country ski championships
ADN: Redoubt gives Southam assist at nationals
Salomon: Strandberg wins 5km classic at US Spring Nationals
SISU Ski Fest Preview
March 24, 2009
ABR is rolling forward with plans for a new early season marathon that will include a downtown finish in Ironwood. Tentative map and early registration announced.
US Ski Team: Distance Nationals Head To Fairbanks
March 23, 2009
With the World Cup tour wrapped up for 2009, U.S. cross country skiers are getting ready to close out the season as they head to Fairbanks for the second time in as many years for the 2009 U.S. Distance Cross Country Championships March 24-29.
Related:
Video:  Alaska's Mount Redoubt Volcano Erupts 5 Times
LA Times: Volcanic ash snarls air traffic in Alaska
ADN: Redoubt erupts in sixth major explosion
Fairbanks Daily News: Fairbanks Flights Canceled
Junior National Photos
March 23, 2009
Steve Hoffman has published a huge selection of photos from Junior Nationals held in Truckee, California.
Universal Sports Final Weekend of World Cup Coverage
March 23, 2009
Universal Sports has posted on-demand coverage from all six final World Cup races last weekend in Falun, Sweden.
Related:
Rossignol Newsletter: Final Tally from World Cup
USSA World Cup Survey
ONE WAY Racing news
Lake Johanna 4 Mile Coverage
March 21, 2009
The Minnesota Distance Running Association (MDRA) kicked off their season with the Lake Johanna 4 mile in Arden Hills Saturday morning. Nearly perfect weather with temperatures in the upper 40s to lower 50s under sunny skies and relatively dry roads.
Related:
Photoset: 150 photos
Results: Lake Johanna 4 Mile
Season-ending Celebration at Elm Creek on Sunday
March 16, 2009
The entire Nordic skiing community is invited to the Elm Creek Chalet on Sunday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a season-ending potluck. Opportunities to help skier Matt Liebsch, winner of the 2009 Mora Vasaloppet and the American Birkebeiner, in his 2010 Olympic quest will also be available.
Race Story: Japan Vasaloppet
March 17, 2009
Dr. David L. Clemens shares his Japan Vasaloppet from March 7th.
Lapham Connection
March 16, 2009
Lee Borowski writes on the connection between Lapham Peak and the recent top results by the US Ski Team.
A Moment In Time with Bjorn Daehlie
March 15, 2009
Ian Duncan shares his experience with Bjorn Daehlie during the five day Birkie trip which ended up raising more than $100,000 for Multiple Sclerosis research.
St. Urho Up and Down Recap
March 15, 2009
David Harrington reports: 22 skiers braved the rising temps to compete in the St. Urho Up and Down held on the Black Lake trails. Leif Ronnander posted the fastest lap and skied 40k to outdistance Jonathan Carpenter for the total distance award. However, it was Ken McBride who won the lucky draw and was named the Grand Champion of the race. The team of John and Wanda Arenz were the best dressed couple, but everyone knelt down to Kris Nielsen who came with his grapes and grasshopper hat, St. Urho ski suit, and secret St. Urho "tonic".
Related:
Photoset from David Harrington: St. Urho Up and Down - 9 photos
ABR Spring Race Results
March 15, 2009
Paulette Niemi capitalized on ABR's Spring Race equalizer format to capture the overall title in the 19K freestyle event on Sunday. Joan Rundman was second, followed by Paul Haltvick.
Last Ditch Switch Results
March 15, 2009
The racing season at Elm Creek wrapped up Sunday morning with the Last Ditch Switch duathlon. John Swain and Caitlin Compton made to 2-for-2 this weekend, sweeping the Chili Bowl and then Last Ditch Switch races.
Nordic Combined: Demong Wins King's Cup
March 15, 2009
World Champion Billy Demong ended the season Sunday with a strong win in the final DKB FIS Nordic Combined World Cup in Norway, winning the prestigious King's Cup, one of the sport's top honors. It was his fifth win of the season and eighth of his career.
Nordic Combined: Demong Sprints to Second
March 14, 2009
Billy Demong sprinted away from a huge pack in the last half kilometer to finish second behind FIS Nordic Combined World Cup leader Anssi Koivuranta of Finland. Saturday. Eric Camerota (Park City, UT) finished in a career best 24th.
Pole, Pedal, Pant Coverage
March 14, 2009
The annual Pole, Pedal, Pant winter triathlon had its successful debut at Elm Creek on Saturday with more than 50 athletes participating in the ski, bike and run event. John Kallameyn led for much of the race, battling with Piotr Bednarski and then Peter Hanson to eventually breakaway on the run for the mens victory. Jan Guenther posted the top womens time. Full results plus photos online now.
Chili Bowl Equinox Coverage
March 14, 2009
Trollhaugen wrapped up their racing season with a fun 10K duathlon format race on Saturday. The Troll Hollow course still contains plenty of snow and surprisingly, much of the snow was still in more powder than corn snow form. John Swain shot off the front to solo in with the victory while Caitlin Compton hammered into second place during the freestyle for the womens title. The same duo also won the hillclimb event afterwords. Results and photos online now.
Birkie Video Available
March 12, 2009
CXC and the American Birkebeiner have created a two DVD set of coverage from the 2009 American Birkebeiner.
Biathlon: Jeremy Teela Third at Whistler World Cup
March 12, 2009
Jeremy Teela turned in the best result of his career with a third place finish in the 20K Individual competition at Whistler, BC, on Wednesday. Teela’s third place is the best US result in a World Cup level competition since Josh Thompson finished second in the Canmore, Canada World Cup in 1992.
Skinnyski Race Team Weekend Recap
March 10, 2009
Skinnyski Race Team members cross the border to compete against our Canadian friends in the Sleeping Giant Loppet. Read race stories from Paulette and Elaine/Grant Nelson.
Great Bear Chase Results
March 8, 2009
Over 400 skiers participated in the Great Bear Chase races on the Swedetown towns in Calumet Sunday. Nikolai Anikin held off a pack of skiers to take victory in the 50K freestyle. Kristina Owen was the womens 50K champ. 26K freestyle titles went to Tyler Jenema and Karen Jarvey. Classical 26K winners were Dan Dehlin and Gretchen Lindgren. Full results posted.
Related:
Black Lake Loppet Coverage
Wooden Ski Rendezvous
March 8, 2009
The annual Wooden Ski Rendezvous is coming up this Saturday at Snowflake. The event celebrates the early days of Nordic skiing, complete with vintage equipment and clothing.
Sleeping Giant Loppet Results
March 8, 2009
American skiers dominated the Sleeping Giant Loppet podium in Thunder Bay on Saturday. In the 50K freestyle, Andre Watt edged Adam Swank for the mens victory while Skinnyski team members Paulette Niemi and Elaine Nelson took first and second for the women. Cory Berg of Grand Marais won the 50K classical. Aurora's Kellen Witschen won the 20K freestyle with Cloquet's Kelly O'Brien finishing second female. Full results linked in.
Related:
Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal: U.S. domination
Lotvola Cup Coverage
March 7, 2009
Freshly groomed trails after the warm up earlier this week provided excellent conditions for the annual Lotvola Cup race at Maplelag Resort Saturday. Once again this season, the Roberts brothers Conrad and Wynn swept the titles. Conrad was pushed by Leif Ronnander who set a blistering early pace and hung with Conrad to the finish. Wynn went the old school route, strapping on wood skis to win the wooden ski division (and finish 11th overall). College of Saint Benedict skier Taylor Ellison posted the top womens time. Results and photos online now.
Nordic Combined: Demong Third in Finland World Cup
March 7, 2009
Billy Demong made it two podiums for the weekend, finishing third Saturday in a nordic combined World Cup in Lahti, Finland.
Related:
US Ski Team: Koos 12th in Lahti Sprint
Slush Rush Results
March 7, 2009
Racing on the man-made snow loop at Elm Creek, Bjorn Batdorf topped the field in the Slush Race on Saturday. Jamie Misner lead the womens field.
Interview: Wynn Roberts
March 6, 2009
Wynn Roberts, Battle Lake, MN, native, has had a breakout year on the racing circuit, perform well in biathlon as well as the local marathon circuit, including 7th in his first Birkie. His younger brother Conrad is keeping in step as well. Anne Ellefson provides a brief interview with Wynn.
Nordic Combined: Demong Wins Lahti World Cup
March 6, 2009
Fresh from his World Championship win in Liberec, Billy Demong showed he's still on fire Friday, earning his fourth World Cup win of the season in Finland.
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