Twin Cities Marathon Coverage October 5, 2008 Rain, wind and cool temperatures made for a dreary Twin Cities Marathon Sunday morning. While the TC 10'ers avoided the rain, the marathoners were "treated" to nearly two hours of rain and wind. Fernando Cabada pulled away around mile 20 to take the mens title while Olga Glok overtook Silvia Skvortsova in the final quarter mile in capturing the womens division. The TC 10 featured a special elite womens division this year and spectators witnessed top Minnesota based runners Kara Goucher and Katie McGregor sharing the lead before Goucher pulled away for the victory (and the fifth fastest time overall). Josh Glaab topped the mens TC 10 field. Related: Photoset: TC 10 - 105 photos, Marathon Mile 2 - 76 photos, Marathon Mile 10.5 - 62 photos, Marathon Mile 17 - 58 photos, Marathon Top Finishers - 193 photos, Marathon Final Mile - 36 photos Results: TC 10, Marathon
Corcoran CX Coverage October 5, 2008 It was a beautiful, sunny fall day for the Corcoran Cyclocross events at Lions Club Park. The course featured a section of fast dirt track with a few berms that allow riders to catch some air. Frank Rowe shares the photos. Related: Photoset from Frank Rowe: A, B Races
Birkie Transportation Survey October 2, 2008 The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is seeking input from skiers on transportation issues surrounding the big race. Survey deadline is Friday, Oct 10th.
The Diablo Rouge Snowmobile September 29, 2008 Coaching legend Pat Lanin shares a memorable story about course preparation with the old 'Red Devil' snowmobile.
Fall Coaches Meeting Presentations September 29, 2008 USST coach Matt Whitcomb and CXC coach Bill Pierce will be providing presentations at the Fall Coaches Meeting, October 25th in Mora. Coaches need to RSVP for the clinics.
Duluth CX Weekend Coverage September 28, 2008 There was a double-header of cyclocross racing in Duluth. Saturday evening Snowflake hosted one of the first nighttime races with the Bikes and Lights event. Sunday was the Back to School CX just down the road at Marshall School. Related: Photoset from Scott Nesvold: 35 photos, 72 photos Photoset from Dave Johnson: Back to School CX Results: Bikes and Lights, Back to School
Roy Griak Invitational Coverage September 27, 2008 Cloudy, breezy conditions with slightly warm temperatures in the low 60s greeted the afternoon events at the Roy Griak Invite on Saturday afternoon. False starts delayed both the boys and girls Gold field races. Local favorite Wayzata came in third as Bismarck placed two runners in the top five to take the team title. Bismarck's Joash Osoro took control half way into the boys race and solo'd in for the victory. Sioux Falls Roosevelt won the girls team title with Lakeville North taking fourth as the top local team. Dowling Catholic's Katie Flood held off teammate Ashlie Decker to take first place. Related: Photoset: Boys Gold - 128 photos, Girls Gold - 146 photos Results: Roy Griak Invite
Cork Hired As Assistant Coach at Michigan Tech September 25, 2008 Michigan Tech announced that Jason Cork has been hired as an assistant coach for cross country, Nordic skiing and track and field.
Birkie Warriors Search Underway September 24, 2008 The Board of Directors for the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is searching for two tough cross country skiers to dress as Birkebeiner warriors and trek 54 kilometers from Cable to Hayward on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009. Submit your essay by the November 1st deadline to be eligible.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap September 23, 2008 Jay Richards highlights last weekend's SingleTrack Escape and Singlespeed Championships, held on the 'Jail Trail' trails in St. Cloud. Plus MNSCS plans for season ending bash.
Go!Training West Yellowstone Camp September 23, 2008 Go!Training is offering their big West Yellowstone camp, Nov 22-30. On-snow training 2-3 times a day, classic and skate. Package includes bus transportation.
Birkie Trail Run, Relay and Trek Coverage September 22, 2008 Ned Zuelsdorff reports: We had a great day and turnout for Saturday's event with 475 total participants on a colorful Birkie Trail. The new Birkie Trek Half Marathon Nordic Walk drew 98 folks. We had runners from Japan and Germany! Related: Photoset from Darlene Prois: Set 1, Set 2 Results: Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, Nordic Walk
Porkchop Challenge CX Coverage September 21, 2008 The cyclocross racing season opened this weekend with a pair of events including the Porkchop Challenge CX in St. Cloud on Sunday afternoon. The top A race provided an exciting race as Bjorn Selander, Jeff Hall, and Dewey Dickey dueled for the overall title. Dickey threw down to major attacks in the race, succeeding on the second attempt to separate himself and solo'd in for the victory. Jenna Zander sailed to the womens top title. Related: Photoset: B Race - 198 photos, A Race - 191 photos Photoset from Frank Rowe: B, A Races Results: Porkchop Challenge CX St. Cloud Racing Weekend Recap
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Fall Coaches Meeting Oct 25th September 17, 2008 The annual Fall Coaches Meeting for Minnesota high school Nordic ski coaches will be October 25th at the Vasaloppet Center in Mora. And meet newly elected President Mike Hecker.
Noquemanon Ski Marathon Announces New Title Sponsor September 17, 2008 The Noquemanon Ski Marathon will celebrate its 11th anniversary on January 24, 2009 with a new title sponsor on board. Marquette General Health Systems has become the title sponsor of the marathon.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap September 16, 2008 Jay Richards has an extensive breakdown on the big Chequamegon weekend including interviews with winner Jonathan Page and runner up Jeff Hall, plus a full race recap from Short and Fat champion, Jake.
Graystone Trails Fundraiser Weekend September 16, 2008 The mountain bike racing season winds down and the cyclocross season kicks off with a double-header event weekend in St. Cloud, with proceeds going back to trail development. Saturday is the Single Track Escape MTB race, Sunday the Porkchop Challenge CX.
Birkie Trail Run, Relay and Trek Set for Saturday September 16, 2008 Runners, Nordic walkers and fitness walkers are ready to embark on a journey along the American Birkebeiner Trail this Saturday, September 20th. Over 340 people including 32 marathon relay teams have already registered.
Minnesota Canoe Championships Coverage September 14, 2008 Brett Arenz reports: Overcast skies and calm conditions greeted the 38 participants in the 1st Annual Minnesota Canoe Championships, held Saturday, September 13th in Bemidji. Racers started on the north side of Lake Irvine and continued upstream into the Mississippi river before branching into the winding Schoolcraft river and finally returning to finish at the start area after rounding a bouy in Lake Marquette. Dave Dahl and Rick Lorenzen won the 1 lap, 8 mile stock boat race in a time of 1:07:45, while Todd Johnson and Al Rudquist won the 2 lap pro-boat race in a time of 2:04:49.
Related: Photoset from John Arenz: 42 photos Results: Minnesota Canoe Championships
Northshore Inline Marathon Coverage September 13, 2008 The Northshore Inline Marathon came down to a photo finish as less than 8/1000 of a second separated Adam Miller and runner-up Julian Aparicio. Over 2400 skaters participated in the 26.2 mile race from Two Harbors to the lakefront in Duluth. Leidy Galeano was the winner of the womens race, although Marcy Turek, racing in the masters category, actually posted a faster time by more than four minutes. Related: Photoset: Duluth Tribune Results: Northshore Inline Marathon Duluth Tribune: Womens race summary Duluth Tribune: Mens race summary
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Wisconsin Wife Carrying Championships September 11, 2008 The 2008 Wisconsin Wife Carrying-Wife Ferrying-Pike Carrying Championships will be held at Torpy Park in Minocqua on Sep 20th. New this year, a kids division with stuffed pikes.
SuperTour Update September 10, 2008 The 2008-09 SuperTour schedule is out. And on the calendar again, Midwest stops at Mt. Itasca, Duluth, Telemark, Madison and Hayward. The racing season kicks off with an opening series at West Yellowstone in late November.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap: Chequamegon Preview September 9, 2008 Jay Richards posts his annual preview on the leading contenders for the mighty Chequamegon 40, plus a recap from last weekend's Smokin Spoke WORS race.
St. Paul Classic Bike Tour Coverage September 7, 2008 Thousands of cyclists hit the streets on Sunday morning for the annual St. Paul Classic Bike Tour. The ride offered 15 and 30 bike routes, both taking scenic roads along the Mississippi River and through downtown St. Paul. The 30 mile route also passed Lake Phalen and Como while the 15 mile riders were treated to the infamous Ramsey Hill climb before finishing down Summit Avenue. Related: Photoset: 55 photos
Skildum Named New St. Olaf Coach September 5, 2008 Mark Skildum has been named head Nordic skiing coach at St. Olaf, athletic Director Matt McDonald announced on Thursday.
Big Ring Flyers Time Trial Challenge Coverage September 3, 2008 Nate Phelps reports: More than 18 miles of rolling hills, speedy descents and flat sections came down to a matter of seconds at the Big Ring Flyers time Trial Challenge near Hudson Saturday. Dan Casper captured the overall men's win on the 18.7 mile course with a time of 40:59, just edging out Tim Mulrooney by three seconds. "I got lucky and eeked out a very narrow margin of victory," Casper said. Joan Carlson took the overall women's win with a time of 49:50. Related: Video: Big Ring Flyers Time Trial Challenge Recap Results: Big Ring Flyers Time Trial Challenge
Midwest MTB Racing Recap September 2, 2008 Laddies Loppet, the big stage race at Maplelag, is the main course in Jay Richards' weekly MTB racing recap. Plus get the latest on the Cheq conditions and course updates. Related: CyclingNews coverage on Laddies Loppet
Midwest JOQ Preliminary Schedule September 2, 2008 CXC has released a preliminary schedule for the upcoming JOQ season. Key stops on the circuit this year will be Wolverine, Rainbow, Mt. Itasca, Telemark, and possibly Theodore Wirth.
International Canoe Classique Day 1 September 1, 2008 Cheryl DuBois reports from Quebec on the International Canoe Classique, a 3 day, 140km, canoeing stage race. A number of area teams are competing, including the team of Al Rudquist/Devin Arenz who were in 10th place after the first day.
Laddies Loppet Day 2 Coverage August 31, 2008 Laddies Loppet wrapped up Sunday with the big cross-country event. Strong winds, dusty conditions and warm temperatures made for a tough afternoon of riding for the Expert/Comp fields. TJ Woodruff held off Sam Oftedahl to take the mens Expert victory, and the overall weekend title. Jenna Zander breezed to another victory in the womens division. Related: Photoset: Kids Comp - 56 photos, Citizen - 114 photos, Sport - 132 photos, Expert/Comp - 247 photos Results: Cross-Country
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Laddies Loppet Day 1 Coverage August 30, 2008 Maplelag's big stage race, Laddies Loppet, kicked off Saturday with a morning time trial and late afternoon short track events. Doug Swanson put his stamp of the events, topping the mens Expert field with tightly contested victories in both the time trial and short track event. Jenna Zander and Kyia Anderson dueled through much of the short track womens race before Zander pulled away in the final laps. Earlier in the day, Kyia Anderson lead a mountain biking skills clinic that proved quite popular. Racing action continues on Sunday with the big cross-country events on Maplelag's famous singletrack course. Related: Photoset: Time Trial/Skills Clinic - 31 photos, Short Track Citizen - 44 photos, Short Track Sport - 117 photos, Short Track Comp/Expert Women - 105 photos, Short Track Expert Men - 120 photos Results: Time Trial, Short Track
Biathlon: Bailey Leads US Team in Rollerski Races August 29, 2008 Lowell Bailey finished fourth in the 12K Rollerski race Friday in Ostersund, Sweden, the first of three days of competition for the US Biathlon Team.
Job Hunt August 29, 2008 A number of job postings have been added recently, including coaching and even ski instructor.
Price Hikes August 28, 2008 A couple of price hikes coming up this Labor Day... Mora Vasaloppet Trail Loppet
Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Course Report August 28, 2008 Most of the Chequamegon course is shaping up nicely for the big race in a few weeks. Martel's Pot Hole has a fair amount of erosion is quite rocky and rutted.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap August 26, 2008 Jay Richards provides the low down and the Border Battle and the Pre-Fat as he prepares for the big Laddies Loppet stage race at Maplelag this weekend.
Midweek Fun Runs August 26, 2008 A couple of fun runs going on this week... Aug 27 Festival 5.1k - Held in Duluth, road and trail run finishing with bluegrass band and BBQ. Aug 28 Geezer Chase - St. Louis Park cross-country runners chase down the older folk in a two-mile race. Related: Sep 20 Birkie Trail Run, Relay & Trek
Kingswood Offroad Triathlon Results August 25, 2008 Stuart Thomas reports: Saturday, August 23rd was the first ever Kingswood Offroad Triathlon held at Kingswood Camp in Minnetristia. Chad Milner of Eden Prairie finished first in a field of 32 followed closely by Tim Andrew of Duluth. With temperatures in the low sixties it was a cool start for the 1/2 mile swim in Little Long Lake. As the sun warmed up the competitors took off on the 10 mile mountain bike portion of the event through singletrack trails and roads of the camp. Everyone finished up with a 4 mile rugged trail run. Folks from the Kingswood Camp provided a nice after-race cookout for all the volunteers and participants.
Border Battle Coverage August 24, 2008 The MNSCS and WORS mountain biking series came together on Sunday for a showdown on the newly built trails at White Tail Ridge in River Falls, WI. The course featured loads of fast single track, with a couple of prairie segments mixed in. While the trails were bit dusty, the cool weather and constant breeze were welcomed. Jesse Lalonde powered off the front early to take the victory over TJ Woodruff in the mens expert race. Jenna Zanders had a similar performance in distancing herself from WORS leader Abigail Strigel. The WORS series won the inaugural Border Battle trophy, edging out the MNSCS series by less than a dozen points. Related: Photoset: Sport - 312 photos, Expert/Comp - 340 photos Results: Border Battle Velonews: The Badger State prevails in the inaugural Border Battle Trophy
Midwest MTB Racing Recap August 19, 2008 Salsa 24, the 24 hour race at Afton Alps, the Jamestown Gear Grinder are featured this week, along with a look at the Olympic MTB events and the upcoming Border Battle WORS vs. MNSCS series showdown this weekend.
Marchablanca Goes Off in Superb Conditions August 17, 2008 Matt Muir reports on the 22nd Marchablanca, held just outside of Ushuaia, Argentina, on Sunday. American Sam Evans-Brown took the mens title, Mara Caviglia topped the womens field.
Chequamegon Bicycle Art Exhibit August 17, 2008 Artists are invited to participate in a bicycling theme art exhibit to be held during the September 12-14 Chequamegon off road bicycle festival weekend at Telemark Resort.
YWCA Women's Triathlon Coverage August 17, 2008 YWCA of Minneapolis hosted a women's triathlon Sunday morning at Baker Park. The event turned out nearly 500 competitors, mainly who were participating in their very first triathlon. The field swam a 500 yard course on Lake Independence, biked 15 miles over rolling roads around Baker Park, and finished with a 5K run through the park. Related: Photoset: Swim - 87 photos, Bike - 272 photos, Run - 125 photos Results: YWCA Womens Triathlon
Aro Wins Headlands 100 August 16, 2008 Matt Aro, top skier and endurance runner, topped the field in the Headleads 100, a 100 mile endurance run held last weekend in hills of Marin County, California.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap August 12, 2008 A busy weekend on the mountain bike calendar with the major Ore to Shore event and series events in MNSCS and WORS. Jay Richards has recaps and rider stories. Related: Laddies Loppet Race Weekend
MSC Fall Program August 12, 2008 Lead by Kevin Brochman, the Minneapolis Ski Club will offer a fall training program beginning on September 3rd. The afternoon and weekend program will offer a wide range of dryland training options.
Town Hall Team Time Trial Coverage August 12, 2008 Eighteen teams competed in the Town Hall Team Time Trial on the rolling roads just west of Stillwater Sunday morning. Team Gear West posted the top time of the day, averaging nearly 29 mph. Birchwood field the top womens team. Michael Paris provides the pics. Related: Photoset from Michael Paris: 65 photos Results: Town Hall Team Time Trial
Tierra del Fuego Nordic Ski Championships August 11, 2008 Matt Muir reports on the recently completed Tierra del Fuego Nordic Ski Championships, held the previous week in Ushuaia, Argentina. American skiers Sam Evans-Brown captured the 1.2K classic sprint title on Saturday. The Marchablanca ski race is this Sunday, August 17th.
Skiers vs Cyclists TT August 11, 2008 The R&G Skiers vs Cyclist TT event will be next Tuesday, August 19th. Last year about 100 people participated with the cyclists thumping skiers. An optional raffle will raise money for ski equipment scholarships for local high school skiers and assist with fuel cost for grooming at William O'Brien and Lake Elmo parks. Pre-registration is required.
Buck Hill Birch Bump Coverage August 10, 2008 The MNSCS series returned to Buck Hill for the first time in a number years in a new race called the Birch Bump. The dry summer and warm conditions set up a course that was sandy and dusty for much of the loop. In the Expert race, Brendan Moore and Jeff Hall rode away early then sprinted out the finish with Moore edging out Hall for the victory. Jennifer Fisher distanced herself from the womens elite to take the title. Related: Photoset: Sport - 220 photos, Expert/Comp - 294 photos Results: Birch Bump
Ore to Shore Results August 9, 2008 A strong downpour greeted the riders in the short version of the Ore to Shore, the 24 mile Soft Rock, but set up a near perfect course for the riders in the main event, the 48 mile Hard Rock. Michael Simonson three-peated in taking in the mens Hard Rock race in a tight finish over TJ Woodruff. Jenna Zander women the womens event, nine minutes in front of Kyia Anderson. Soft Rock winners were Jeff Adamcik and Kellie Stahl. Nearly 1500 riders participated in this premiere point to point race. Related: Mining Journal: Simonson three-peats on nice, damp course Mining Journal: Marquette women sweep the Soft Rock’s top 5 spots
Midwest MTB Racing Recap August 5, 2008 Jay Richards' weekly MTB recap highlights the 24 Hours of 9 Mile and the national championship team of Rochester Velo, and hits the plains for the Aberdeen MTB race.
Eatough, Sawicki Repeat as 24-hour Mountain Bike National Champions August 3, 2008 Chris Eatough withheld a strong challenge from Josh Tostado to repeat as Men’s Solo Champion at this year’s USA Cycling 24-Hour Mountain Bike National Championships held at Nine Mile in Wausau, WI. On the women’s side, Pua Sawicki led from wire to wire to repeat as champion.
St. Paul Inline Marathon Coverage August 3, 2008 Hundreds of pro and citizen inline skaters took to roads along the St. Paul riverfront for the annual St. Paul Inline Marathon early Sunday morning. Cloudy skies offered just a few sprinkles but increasingly stronger south winds made for a tough downstream leg for the later competitors. Related: Photoset: Pro/Advanced Men - 139 photos, Open/Advanced Women - 188 photos Results: St. Paul Inline Marathon
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Ringer Roll Coverage August 1, 2008 Year after year, the Ringer Roll seems to pull in some of the best weather of the summer for their annual rollerski race. Friday morning featured blue skies and temperatures in the low 70s. Caitlin Compton and Matt Liebsch posted for the top times in the field of over 100 skiers. Top juniors were Andy Keller and Edwina Gantzer. Related: Photoset: 130 photos Results: Ringer Roll
Midwest MTB Racing Recap July 29, 2008 Recaps on the MNSCS Powder Monkey and WORS Alterra Bean Classic along with photosets are all part of Jay Richards weekly MTB racing summary.
Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultra Coverage July 29, 2008 Eve Stein worked the Peterson aide station at the 41.5 mile point of the 50 mile Voyageur ultra trail run, held last Saturday, July 26th. The course snaked through Jay Cooke State Park, Mission Creek and roads and trails near Spirit Mountain. Eve shares photos from the warm day of racing. Related: Photoset from Eve Stein: 111 photos
Midnight Run Results July 29, 2008 Chad Salmela provides a recap on the third annual Midnight Run, a 5K race at the stoke of midnight Friday evening, July 26th.
Minnesota State Criterium Coverage July 29, 2008 Rich Spielberg supplied photos from the Minnesota State Criterium Championships at the Capitol on Sunday. Related: Photoset from Rich Spielberg: Mens 50+ - 33 photos, Jr Men - 6 photos, Cat 3 Men - 21 photos
Lumberjack Days Coverage July 26, 2008 Beautiful conditions for the annual Lumberjack Days in Stillwater with light winds and temperatures in the mid 60s. Patrick Russell and Maria Michaud topped the 5K fields. Chris Lundstrom and Kim Magee were the 10 mile champions. Related: Photoset: 5K - 164 photos, 10 mile - 68 photos Results: 5K, 10 mile
Midnight Sun Midnight Run July 25th July 21, 2008 The third annual Midnight Run 5K in Duluth will be at the stroke of midnight Friday, July 25th.
Red Wing Memorial Classic Coverage July 20, 2008 The MNSCS series hit Red Wing on Sunday for the popular singletrack filled Memorial Classic. The race winds around the bluff at the top of Memorial Park and features the grueling 'Stairway to Heaven' climb and a nasty descent through the 'Rock Quarry'. We dropped in for the Sport race late morning as the sun broke out and things started getting steamy. Related: Photoset: Sport Race - 355 photos
Hopkins Criterium Coverage July 16, 2008 Rich Spielberg shares photos from some of the racing action last Sunday at the Hopkins Criterium. Related: Photoset from Richard Spielberg: 79 photos
Midwest MTB Racing Recap July 15, 2008 Jay and Jake Richards are competing out on the East Coast in some of the National series events. Last weekend they raced with a number of other top Midwest riders in cross-country and short track events Windham Mountain. Full report and selected photos.
Ben Popp Wins Fireweed 400 July 13, 2008 Endurance Athlete founder Ben Popp won the Fireweed 400 over the weekend in Alaska. Popp hammered out the 400 mile course in just under 22 and half hours. The event is a qualifier for the Race Across America (RAAM). Related: Results: Fireweed 400
Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Coverage July 12, 2008 Saturday morning brought nearly a 30 degree temperature change, delivering much welcomed cooler and less humid weather for the annual Lifetime Fitness Triathlon. The pro division featured tight battles in both the mens and womens events with lead changes right into the running leg. Emma Snowsill captured yet another title, overtaking bike leader Becky Lavelle on the running path around Lake Nokomis. Simon Whitfield broke way from the leading mens trio to take the victory by just three seconds. Related: Photoset: Swim - 83 photos, Bike - 155 photos, Run - 79 photos Results: Lifetime Fitness Triathlon
Midwest MTB Racing Recap July 8, 2008 Jay Richards checks in with his weekly recap as he prepares to head east to compete in some of the National series events. Corey Coogan provides a full report on the popular WORS Firecracker race.
Race Story: Al's Round Robin July 8, 2008 Chuck Ryan reports on the Round Robin canoe races held last Saturday on Crystal Lake near Grand Rapids, MN.
Duluth Duathlon Results July 8, 2008 Nearly 200 competitors turned out Sunday for the 3rd Annual Duluth Duathlon at Lester Park. Thunder Bay's Jonathan Balabuck topped the mens field, posting the fastest splits in the run and biking legs. Local Marlo McGaver was way out front in the womens division, winning by over eight minutes.
Northfield Criterium Coverage July 4, 2008 A Fourth of July tradition, the Northfield Criterium races through the historic streets of downtown Northfield. Friday morning offered nearly perfect conditions with light winds and temperatures in the low 70s. We caught the action in for the morning races. Related: Photoset: Masters 50+ - 54 photos, Masters 3/4 35+ - 64 photos, Juniors - 84 photos, Mens 4/5 - 87 photos Photoset from Jim Wellbrock: Cat 1/2/3 - 100 photos
Tofte Trek Results July 4, 2008 Greg Fangel reports: Approximately 250 runners showed up for the 29th Annual 2008 Tofte Trek 10k Wilderness Run and kids races. Seven-time Tofte Trek winner Greg Hexum from Duluth repeated another win with a time of 36:41. Michelle Volz from Lakeville, MN eked out a win ahead of Suzi Smith of Duluth.
Race Story: Minneapolis Kids in the Tri-Loppet July 2, 2008 Johanna Winters, Caitlin Compton and Brandan Ostroot worked with Minneapolis youth in an after school program for endurance training. A number of the youth competed in the Tri-Loppet last Saturday.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap July 1, 2008 Bluff Riders Charge in Mankato, the Wisconsin Singlespeed Championships, and racing in National Mountain Bike Series at Deer Valley, Utah, are all covered in Jay Richards' weekly round up of the Midwest mountain biking scene.
Race Story: Blackwater Barge Festival Canoe Race June 30, 2008 Chuck Ryan reports on the Blackwater Canoe Race held on the Mississippi River near Cohesset last Saturday. The race featured a two laps with a number of portages.
Race Story: Wisconsin Singlespeed Championships June 29, 2008 Mark Parman reports on the Wisconsin Singlespeed Championships, this year held on a tough course at Levis/Trow Mound that featured more than 2000 feet of climbing in the race.
Stride Ride the Divide Coverage June 29, 2008 The annual Stride Ride the Divide at Buena Vista ski area, north of Bemidji, attracts races for the rough terrain and scenic vistas. Saturday race had the added thrill of some spring rainstorms that made for a muddy mountain biking event. Related: Photoset from Bill Grundy: 38 photos Results: Stride/Ride the Divide
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Spotlight: Duluth Summer Youth Program June 27, 2008 Patti Harvieux shares photos from the Thursday evening workout session for the Duluth Summer Youth Training Program. Patti reports: A perfect night! We've got about 30 high school kids enrolled this summer! Most of our local schools are represented with kids from Duluth East, Marshall, Duluth Central, Two Harbors and Proctor. Coaches are Andre Watt, Anders Osthus and Nikolai Anikin, Jr. with help from some gals from the College of St. Scholastica Nordic ski team.
Hoigaards Kids Canoe Derby Coverage June 26, 2008 The Hoigaards Canoe Derby Thursday evening featured a special kids format race under postcard perfect conditions on Lake Calhoun. The kids derby had the adult partners shoving off the boats with the teams then racing half way up Calhoun and back before the kids hopped out to sprint the Thomas Beach sand to the finish. Before the kids race, members of the Rice Creek Boat Club held a mini high school derby, complete with a finish through the "Milfoil farm" in the far SW corner of the lake. Note: The Canoe Derby will be off on July 3rd, then resumes the following week. Related: Photoset: 90 photos
Midwest MTB Racing Recap June 25, 2008 Jay Richards recaps a busy weekend of mountain biking racing, highlighting the Dirt Spanker, Reforestation Ramble, and Superior Bike Festival.
29th Annual Tofte Trek June 25, 2008 The 29th annual Tofte Trek will be held on Friday, July 4th, and features 10K of trail running through the Superior National Forest along the North Shore.
Birkie Bottom Line June 24, 2008 Wanna get in on the ground floor? Register by June 30th and you'll get the lowest pricing on 2009 American Birkebeiner registrations.
Ringer Roll Scheduled for August 1st June 23, 2008 Minnesota's largest rollerski race, the Ringer Roll, is set for Friday, August 1st at Baker Park.
Richmond Road Race Coverage June 21, 2008 A gusty north wind and a nearly mile long climb made for a tough finish on the Richmond Road Race circuit Saturday. The 10 mile circuit featured rolling winds and a long, wind assisted downhill on the west side before riders had the long climb to the finish on the east side. We collected photos from the morning set of races. Related: Photoset: Morning Races - 187 photos
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Race Story: Red Bridge Run June 19, 2008 Chuck Ryan reports on last weekend's Red Bridge Run canoe race on the Fish Hook river near Park Rapids.
Bieg Piastow Enters Worldloppet Circuit June 18, 2008 Ned Zuelsdorff reports: The Polish cross-country ski marathon, Bieg Piastow has been added to the Worldloppet bringing the total number of events to 15. The 50K and 23K classic races will be on March 8, 2009.
Hoigaard's Kid's Derby Jun 26th June 18, 2008 Hoigaard's annual Kid's Canoe Derby is coming up, Thursday, June 26th. The event pairs kids and adults for a fun evening of low-key racing. Register your team today!
Midwest MTB Racing Recap June 17, 2008 WORS held their big stage race event last weekend and featuring cross-country, short track, and super D using an interesting Le Mans start. Jay Richards provides the usual full recap, plus a look ahead.
Duluth Duathlon Quickly Approaching June 16, 2008 This July 6, Lester Park in Duluth will attract some of the best multisport athletes in the region for the 3rd annual Duluth Duathlon. The trail run, road bike, trail run format event features the cross country ski trails at Lester Park and biking along the back country roads up Lester River Road on Duluth's East end.
Tri-Loppet Hats for Participants and Volunteers June 16, 2008 Hi-tech hats will be presented to participants and volunteers in the 2008 City of Lakes Tri-Loppet. The race is just over 10 days away... Saturday, June 28th.
NVGP: Stillwater Criterium June 16, 2008 The Nature Valley series wrapped up Sunday with the popular criterium format at Stillwater, featuring the insanely steep Chilkoot Hill. Kristin Armstrong capped off her fantastic week with yet another victory, winning by over a minute in front of the womens field. David Veilleux outsprinted a pack of 25 up the final climb to collect the mens stage title. Armstrong and Rory Sutherland won the overall series titles.
CXC Announces Elite Team for the 2008-09 Season June 15, 2008 CXC has announced their elite team for the 2008-09 season. Caitlin Compton rejoins the team after a year in the US Biathlon program. Bryan Cook also returns after the previous season spent assistant coaching at NMU. New members include Maria Stuber, Heather Zimmerman, and Gus Kaeding.
NVGP: Mankato Road Race June 15, 2008 The Nature Valley Grand Prix rolled into Mankato on Saturday for the fourth stage of the series. Kristin Armstrong continued her dominance taking the victory with a solo break that extended her overall lead. Rory Sutherland took the two-up sprint against Anthony Colby for the mens win.
Chippewa Triathlon Coverage June 14, 2008 It was an ideal summer day for the annual Chippewa Triathlon as racers competed across lakes, roads and trails in solo, double and team divisions. Bill Grundy provides the photos and results. Related: Photoset from Bill Grundy: Canoe leg - 82 photos, Bike leg - 2 photos, Run leg - 68 photos Results: Chippewa Triathlon
NGVP: Minnepolis Downtown Criterium June 14, 2008 Enjoying dry conditions, a real switch from the previous two years, riders raced thru the streets of downtown Minneapolis Friday evening in the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Kirk O'Bee took another victory, just edging out Ivan Stevic in a sprint finish. Brooke Miller won an equally exciting field sprint in the womens race.
NVGP: St. Paul Riverfront Time Trial June 14, 2008 Kristin Armstrong dominated the womens time trial in the Nature Valley Grand Prix on Friday morning, taking the overall lead in the series. Benjamin Jacques-Maynes topped the mens field in a tightly contested battle.
NVGP: Cannon Falls Road Race June 13, 2008 The Nature Valley Grand Prix raced Thursday under much better conditions, hitting the rolling roads around Cannon Falls. Kirk O'Bee and Tina Pic took the stage victories after completing a final five lap circuit course.
NVGP: St. Paul Lowertown Criterium June 12, 2008 Heavy rains on Wednesday evening forced the neutralization of the opening stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix in downtown St. Paul. Both fields did race with the womens field only scoring for placement. The mens field was eventually cancelled after a motorcycle crash by one of the officials.
Midwest MTB Racing Recap June 10, 2008 Afton Avalanche is fully recapped in Jay Richard's weekly column, along with a look ahead at the weekend races.
Tri-Loppet Volunteer Registration Open June 9, 2008 The City of Lakes Tri-Loppet is seeking volunteers to help with the big race, Saturday, June 28th. Positions available include: course marshalling, course marking, aid station assistants, boat schlepping and grill masters.
Blue Mound Trail Run Results June 9, 2008 Over 200 racers participated in the annual Blue Mound trail run on Saturday. Winning the 15K distance were Will Smith of Mt. Horeb and Stacie Scrivens of Waunakee. Chris Doyle and Laura Flanagan were the 6K champions.
Afton Avalanche Coverage June 8, 2008 Damp and humid conditions made for a tough day of racing at the Afton Avalanche on Sunday. The recent wet weather forced some course alterations but still provided the lung busting course riders have come to expect. While the sun rarely peaked out, the high dewpoints made it feel a lot warmer than the mid 70s temperatures. Brendan Moore took to the front early and never looked back as the Expert field shattered. Jenna Zander dominated the womens event. We captured images from the Sport and Comp/Expert events. Related: Photoset: Sport Race - 139 photos, Expert/Comp Race - 328 photos Results: Afton Avalanche
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New Brighton Triathlon Coverage June 7, 2008 Enduring cool temperatures in Long Lake and successfully dodging yet another spring thunderstorm on the road, well over 100 athletes completed the annual New Brighton Triathlon Saturday morning. We collected photos from the cycling leg. Related: Photoset: Cycling leg - 317 photos Results: New Brighton Triathlon
Midwest MTB Racing Recap June 3, 2008 Jay Richard's weekly mountain biking recap highlights the Big Ring Classic WORS race from last weekend.
Hoigaards: Experience Kayaking June 2, 2008 Hoigaard's is offering beginning kayaking classes all summer long on Wednesday evenings, starting June 4th and running August 20th.
Grand Old Day Coverage June 1, 2008 A warm and humid spring morning heated things up for the annual Grand Old Day inline and running races Saturday morning in St. Paul. Participants were treated to a new course this year, with the race basically reversing the course to start and finish on the east end. Related: Photoset: 8K Inline Race - 101 photos, 8K Running Race - 106 photos Results: 8K inline, 8K run
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Midwest MTB Racing Recap May 28, 2008 In this week's roundup, Jay Richards interviews Mike Phillips from Milwaukee who is racing on the Nationals circuit this season. Plus the usual look at upcoming events.
Hoigaard's Cycling Team Fundraiser May 27, 2008 Join the Hoigaard's Cycling Team members this Saturday, May 31st, in a low-key ride from Hoigaards in St. Louis Park out to Eden Prairie for a big dinner at Buca di Beppo.
NCCSEF Announces Grant Winners May 27, 2008 National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation (NCCSEF) has awarded $15000 in grants to US elite athletes under the age of 25. CXC team members Johanna Winters, Matt Liebsch, Kristina Owens and Brian Gregg were part of the 10 award recipients.
Race Story: Ski to Sea May 26, 2008 Team CXC's Brian Gregg files a photo report on his 2008 Ski to Sea experience. The Ski to Sea event is a multi-sport race from the top of snowy Mt. Baker to sea at Bellingham in Washington State. Brian posted the top ski split. Related: Bellingham Herald: Complete Race Coverage
CXC Announces Summer Training Camps May 26, 2008 CXC has announced their summer schedule of training camps. The big Birkie Camp will be held July 28-31 at Telemark. Skiers at all levels are invited to participate.
Hoigaard's Canoe Derby May 24, 2008 The 27th season of the Hoigaard's Canoe Derby kicks off this Thursday, May 29th at Lake Calhoun. The weekly race series features divisions for everyone from recreational paddlers to experienced racers.
Black Dog Time Trial Coverage May 21, 2008 A textbook perfect evening for the Black Dog time trial in Eagan as the winds went calm and temperatures settled into the lower 60s. There was a big turnout with riders having an added incentive as the event was also part of the Nature Valley Grand Prix qualifier series. Related: Photoset: 166 photos Results: Black Dog TT
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Midwest MTB Racing Recap May 20, 2008 Weather played a role in last weekend's racing action as freshly fallen trees littered parts of the Cable Off-Road Classic course and 100+ degree temperatures in California made for some dangerous racing conditions on the National scene. Jay Richard's brings all the details in his weekly recap.
Race Story: Rum River Flag Race May 19, 2008 Chuck Ryan reports on the Rum River Flag Race held last Sunday on the Rum River near Isanti, MN. The event features an upstream canoe race to a turn around point where competitors grab a flag and race back down to the finish.
Maple Grove Half Marathon Coverage May 17, 2008 The first running of the Maple Grove Half Marathon and 5km began under ideal conditions with a capacity field of runners. The course began at the Maple Grove High School stadium, and wound its way though residential neighborhoods, around beautiful Rice Lake, and beneath I-94 before completing the loop back to the high school. Half marathon winners were Nathan McCann and Katie Thompson, with 5km honors going to Eric Kalmes and Kate Wold. Related: Photoset: Half Marathon - 174 photos Photoset from Mark Lahtinen: 116 photos Results: Maple Grove Half Marathon
Midwest MTB Racing Recap May 13, 2008 The Minnesota off-road season kicked into high gear last week with the start of the Thursday Night series at Buck Hill and the MNSCS series opener at Harmon Park. Jay Richards provides the recap and looks ahead to the first point-to-point race of the season.
Victor C. Dunder Award Deadline May 15 May 13, 2008 The application deadline for the Victor C. Dunder awards is this Thursday, May 15th. The annual Victor C. Dunder Ski Equipment Awards help support first year high school skiers with equipment awards.
Hanson Team Finishes Second in Nevada Passage May 12, 2008 Peter Hanson, local skier and triathlete, competed in the G4 Challenge Nevada Passage last week, with his team taking second place and qualifying for the competition in the UK early next year. The Nevada Passage featured a wide range of events from mountain biking to towing a car uphill. Related: Photoset: Nevada Passage
Spring Cup Coverage May 11, 2008 After enduring rain for much of the previous day, the sun and brisk winds swept over Harmon Park Sunday morning to help dry the Spring Cup course out. We've posted photo sets from the Sport and Comp/Expert races. Related: Photoset: Sport - 372 photos, Comp/Expert - 254 photos Results: Spring Cup
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Synergy Time Trial Coverage May 10, 2008 There was a big turnout again this year for the annual spring time trial on the Winthrow course, this year labeled the Synergy Time Trial. Racers completed on a looped course that featured rolling terrain and a southeast wind that made the back side of the loop a tough haul. Related: Photoset: 20K - 49 photos, 40K - 125 photos Results: 20K, 40K
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Midwest MTB Racing Recap May 6, 2008 The last of the snow has melted away at Maplelag and Jay Richards is back to mountain biking again. Read his recap on the recent area races, as well as a look towards this weekend's Spring Cup MNSCS series opener.
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Victor C. Dunder Award Deadline Extended May 1, 2008 The application deadline for the Victor C. Dunder awards have been extended to May 16th. The annual Victor C. Dunder Ski Equipment Awards help support first year high school skiers with equipment awards.
2007-08 Season Highlights May 1, 2008 Catch highlights plus full results and photos from the 2007-2008 college racing season.
2007-08 Season Highlights May 1, 2008 Catch highlights plus full results and photos from the 2007-2008 high school racing season.
TC 10 - 105 photos
Big Ring Flyers Time Trial Challenge Recap