Johannes Klaebo takes the freestyle pursuit title, Quebec World Cup, March 19, 2017

Jessie Diggins showing off a prototype of the Reignsuit, April 1, 2017

Hiawathia Golf Course, April 1, 2017

First in line for new waxing service, April 1, 2017

Highlights

Sundby Receives Two Year Suspension for Motor Pacing
April 1, 2017
Norwegian star Martin Sundby has received a two year suspension by FIS after he was caught on video motor pacing behind a snowmobile earlier this month during the Norwegian Birkebeiner.
Related:
Alex Harvey supports new ski-joring division for World Cup

Minnesota High School Coaches Tighten Waxing Restrictions
April 1, 2017
After much confusion with the waxing truce that limited the use of fluoro waxes last season in Minnesota high school cross-country skiing, the MN coaches association has voted to simplify the waxing policy by limiting glide wax to canning or candle wax only. Taking it a step further, kick waxing will be restricted to 100% pure pine tar.

Birkie Develops Alternative Race Scenarios
April 1, 2017
Given the meltdown of the 2017 race course, American Birkebeiner officials have already developed a series of alternative ski races they could host in future low-volume years. Some of the scenarios include moving the race north of the border, to Thunder Bay, and self-propelled water ski racing across Lake Hayward.

Podiumwear Purple Reignsuits
April 1, 2017
Podiumwear celebrates Prince with a new lineup of purple ski suits, called Reignsuits. Minnesota's own Jessie Diggins has already signed on to wear the purple Reignsuit in the upcoming World Cup season, complete with a raspberry beret (watch for a video premiere next week).

Russians Caught with New Equipment Cheating Scheme
April 1, 2017
At the recent Lahti World Championships, a Russian skier was found cheating with a new equipment modification - poles filled with helium! Officials discovered the sleight when the skier fell during the 50K mass start, splitting open his pole, and then yelling for a new pole in a rather strange �Donald Duck� voice.

Boulder Nordic Offers Drone Delivery Service
April 1, 2017
Boulder Nordic jumps into the drone delivery market by offering trail side drone delivery service, including race day kick wax delivery, solving the dreaded fear of every classic skier. Note: Hot box drone waxing service was suspended last month after an accident involving a dachshund (resulting in one hot dog).

Super Bowl Finish for the Loppet
April 1, 2017
In an incredible partnership guaranteed to bring cross-country skiing, and the Loppet, to new levels, the Super Bowl organizing committee and the Loppet Foundation announced that the City of Lakes Loppet races will finish inside US Bank Stadium just before the opening kickoff of the 2018 Super Bowl!

World Cup Moves to Ban U23 Skiers
April 1, 2017
In mounting pressure from the veterans on the World Cup circuit after the recent of success of younger skiers like Stina Nilsson and Johannes Klaebo, FIS has proposed banning athletes under the age of 23 from World Cup events beginning with the 2017-18 season. Relatedly, organizers are seeking to put Norway under a �leveling act� that will restrict their team size to four skiers.

Waxing The City Offers New Services
April 1, 2017
With an aggressive move into ski waxing services, local shop �Waxing the City� is piloting a set of packages targeting Nordic skiers.

Metro Area Teams Claim Wire Tapping at Giants Ridge
April 1, 2017
A number of Twin Cities clubs/schools have taken to Twitter to allege that a "northern team" was involved in a wire tapping scheme at Giants Ridge during the 2017 Minnesota State Meet. As a result, many of the teams are now lobbying for the State Meet to be moved to a safe and secure facility, like Camp Ripley.