SkiTrax Spring 2016 by SkiTrax

Spring/Summer 2016

HISTORIC SKI TOUR CANADA Season Finale

GEAR 2017 Inside Scoop

WORLD CUP Wrap-Up

OfďŹ cial publication of

$4.95 w w w. s k i t r a x . c o m

Plus

Biathlon Worlds XC Ski Nationals Junior/U23 Worlds Babikov Now Coaching IBU Youth/Junior Worlds Sandau and Kocher Retire

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Registration Number 9875 Agreement Number 1372521 Printed in Canada

Emily Nishikawa

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CONTENTS Spring/Summer 2016 Volume 26, Issue 4

COMPETITION

FEATURE 18 22

Gear 2017: The Inside Scoop by Katy Demong

Comp International: Americans Shine

by Nick Stapleton

by Lex Treinen

Ski Tour Canada: Historic North American Finish for FIS World Cup

by Carrington Pomeroy

Junior/U23 World Championships

IBU Youth/Junior Worlds by Nick Stapleton

Comp Canada: Haywood Ski Nationals by Julie Melanson

by Nelson Allan

Biathlon World Championships: Relay Bronze for Canada

Comp USA: XC Ski Distance Championships by Lex Treinen

36 PRO TALK

SKI TIPS

COLUMNS

42 43 44

8 14 15 45 46

High Voltage by Emily Nishikawa Spring/Summer 2016

Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dahria Beatty took home the race of her life, finishing 15th in the CL sprint in Canmore at Ski Tour Canada for a historic finish to the FIS World Cup season.

Historic ski tour canada Season Finale

GEar 2017 Inside Scoop

World cup Wrap-Up

Official publication of

Pam Doyle

$4.95 w w w. s k i t r a x . c o m

Plus

Biathlon Worlds Xc ski nationals Junior/u23 Worlds Babikov now coaching iBu Youth/Junior Worlds sandau and kocher retire

Technique by Keith Nicol Tele Technique by J. Scott McGee Waxworx

by Jack Cook and Patrick Moore

Out In Front Backcountry by Steven Threndyle Masters by J.D. Downing Graves on Nordic by Peter Graves Sasseville Report by Jack Sasseville

k pro tal

Registration Number 9875 Agreement Number 1372521 Printed in Canada

SkiTrax Spr-Sum 2016.indd 1

Emily nishikawa

7/25/16 2:22 PM

SkiTrax, a division of 1198189 Ontario Inc., is published 4 times each season: Annual, December/Holiday, February/March and Spring, at 260 Spadina Ave., #200, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4. Advertising rates/data are available on request: Phone (416) 977-2100; Fax (416) 977-9200, or write to the address above.The entire contents are the property of SkiTrax Magazine and may not be reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. Unsolicited material or contributions are welcome, but must be accompanied by return postage. SkiTrax Magazine will handle all such material with reasonable care; however, it assumes no responsibility for the safety, loss of, or damage to such photographs or manuscripts. 2nd Class Publications Mail Registration #9875, paid at 969 Eastern Ave., Toronto, ON M4L 1A5. If undeliverable or address changed, please notify: 260 Spadina Ave., #200, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4. U.S. Office of Publication: 240 Portage Road, PO Box 670-25, Lewiston, NY, 14092. Periodicals postage paid at Niagara Falls, NY. 2nd Class U.S. Publications, USPS Registration #012177. Return all undeliverable mail to: SkiTrax Magazine, PO Box 553, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.

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SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 3

publisher/editor Benjamin Sadavoy international correspondent Peter Graves contributors Nelson Allan, Jack Cook, Katy Demong, J.D. Downing, Peter Graves, J. Scott McGee, Julie Melanson, Patrick Moore, Keith Nicol, Emily Nishikawa, Carrington Pomeroy, Jack Sasseville, John Symon, Steven Threndyle, Lex Treinen photographers Matthias Ahrens, Reese Brown, CCC, Angus Cockney, Pam Doyle, Ian Harvey, Christine Hawrylow Wickins, Masters World Cup 2016, Heather Nicol, Nordic Focus, Selko Photos, Herb Swanson, Steve Threndyle graphic design Wendy Pease copy editing Claudia Brown administration & circulation Crystal Burs production CrackerJack Enterprises webmaster David Irving advertising sales Benjamin Sadavoy editorial office 260 Spadina Ave., #200, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4 Phone: (416) 977-2100; Fax: (416) 977-9200

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program and the Canada Magazine Fund toward our mailing and editorial costs.

Printed in Canada, Issued Spring/Summer 2016 4 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

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2015-16YOU / MERCI THANK

To Our: 50 000+ Members/Membres 10 000+ Volunteers/Bénévoles 2 000+ Coaches/Entraîneurs 1 000+ Partners/Partenaires 400+ Clubs 26 Ski Tour Canada Athletes/Athlètes For Inspiring Our Nation!

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Reese Brown

KICK

Jessie Diggins celebrates at the opening 1.7km Sprint FR round of Ski Tour Canada in Gatineau, as she and Simi Hamilton claimed historic double bronze, marking the first time that a U.S. man and women podiumed in a FIS Cross Country World Cup on the same day. 6 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

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Milestones in the Making

As the dust settles on this past season, there’s a sense of awe given how much was accomplished by the athletes and the teams behind them. The success of Ski Tour Canada is a testimony to the integrity, passion and skill of the people, organizations and companies behind the scenes who delivered in spades. The IBU Biathlon World Cups in Canmore, Alta. and Presque Isle, Me. can also take a bow. And the athletes stepped up as well, from Jessie Diggins, who had an incredible season, to Alex Harvey, Sophie Caldwell, Simi Hamilton, Ivan Babikov, Dahria Beatty, Susan Dunklee, Sean Doherty, the U.S. women’s relay team and the Canadian men’s biathlonrelay squad – the milestones are in the making. There have been so many special moments this season, such as the one of Diggins pictured here. It’s time to give thanks to the many players, both on snow and behind the scenes, who make it happen, along with amazing fans the world over. Have a great off-season, and we look forward to seeing you at the next start line. – BAS www.skitrax.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 7

out in front

Ivan Babikov Retires Now Team Canada Coach

Pam Doyle

by John Symon

van Babikov, 36, has retired as a cross-country skier, but starts a new career as coach with the National Ski Team, Cross Country Ski Canada (CCC). He will now work alongside Louis Bouchard. “Ivan was a tireless athlete who was known for his relentless pursuit of excellence throughout his 10 years on the National Ski Team. I expect the same drive and determination from him in his coaching career,” said Tom Holland, CCC’s high-performance director. “He brings tremendous experience and insight on what it takes to succeed on the World Cup.” Bouchard, who has been a World Cup team coach for six years, will take the lead coaching role for the World Cup squad leading to Pyeongchang 2018. Bouchard will also continue his role as head coach of Alex Harvey and the Pierre Harvey Training Centre in Quebec. Babikov will work specifically with Devon Kershaw and the men’s World-Cuplevel athletes based at the Canmore Nordic Centre (CNS), west of Calgary, Alta., while also serving as B-team coach. He will also provide coaching support to the athletes in the Alberta World Cup Academy (AWCA) at the CNS. “I’m extremely excited. Coaching is something I have always targeted as a goal of mine when I was ready to stop competing,” said Babikov, who completed a university coaching diploma in his hometown of Syktyvkar, Russia before immigrating to Canada. Bouchard and Babikov will oversee four coaches across Canada, including Charles Castonguay in Quebec, who will concentrate on the World Cup circuit. A trio of coaches will focus on the developing women’s program, including Chris Jeffries

8 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

(high-performance program diIvan Babikov pictured at Ski Tour rector at the AWCA), Kathy DaCanada has traded vies (technical coach) and Lisa in his race skis for Patterson (team coordinator). coaching skis with Team Canada. “If we truly want to put Canada’s cross-country-ski athletes on the Olympic podium in 2018, 2022 and beyond, then it is critical to put the Canadian system in the hands of coaches who are living and embedded in our training centres across the country,” says Holland, who has been full-time with the team since 2006. Each of the coaches on both the National Ski Teams will continue to report to Holland. Babikov’s career features a fourth place at the 2013 World Championships and a fifth place in the Pursuit race at the 2010 Games in Vancouver-Whistler. He had one stage victory at the 2009 Tour de Ski, along with two other World Cup podiums, three fourth-place finishes, a handful of top-10’s on the World Cup and three top-15 finishes at the prestigious 2016 Ski Tour of Canada. “Coaching has always been in my blood. Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed spending time helping younger athletes. Realizing the end was near over the last year, I started providing more advice than normal to my teammates as well, which I think helped the guys with their preparation, so I’m excited for this next challenge,” says Babikov. Babikov immigrated to Canada in 2003; he began racing domestically that fall. Babikov dominated the domestic-race circuit while wearing a Canadian National Ski Team uniform, but represented Russia at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. He competed for Canada at the 2010 and 2014 Games after receiving his Canadian citizenship in 2007.

Jessie Diggins Partners with Swix Afton, Minn.’s Jessie Diggins, a 2016 World Cup champion, is now sponsored by Swix Sport USA Inc. A steadfast competitor, Diggins has rocketed up the ranks of the International World Cup results pages since her debut at the 2011 World Championships at the Holmenkollen in Norway. “This is an exciting time to be a cross-country fan in America. With Jessie headlining our stable alongside Sadie Bjornsen and Sophie Caldwell, Swix has the most talented roster America has ever produced,” said Steve Poulin, CEO of Swix Sport USA. The 2015-16 World Cup season saw Diggins take a Tour de Ski stage victory and a win at the Toblach 5km skate plus podium finishes in the 10km skate in Nove Mesto (third), Lahti skate sprint (second), Gatineau skate sprint (third) and 10km Pursuit Classic (third) during the Ski Tour Canada. “Winning my first World Cup was a huge moment for me because it broke the glass ceiling that U.S. women’s distance skiing had been under,” said Diggins. “Previously, I had thought it was nearly impossible to keep up with the Scandinavian [athletes] in distance races. . . .” Kikkan, Jeff and Breck

Kikkan Randall and Jeff Ellis Welcome New Baby Boy Kikkan Randall and Jeff Ellis are the proud parents of a baby boy, Breck Stuart Randall Ellis, born on April 14. Randall tweeted, “Overwhelmed with love and happiness to welcome Breck Stuart Randall Ellis into our family last night. “Breck arrived on April 14 at 7:47 p.m. Alaska time at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage,” said Jeff Ellis, the new father. “He entered the world at 8 lbs., 11 oz. (3,946g) and 21” (53cm) long. He’s named after the six-day stage race called the Breck Epic, which takes place in Breckenridge, Colo. I raced it in 2013. Kikkan picked the name. “Mom is doing very well. Eager to get back to training, but isn’t in Continued on page 10 www.skitrax.com

Russia’s Doping Saga Continues

s the 2016 Rio Olympics approach, questions remain about Russian athletes, especially those in track and field. The story began with allegations of systemic doping in Russia as first revealed by the German TV broadcaster ARD in late 2014. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) – headed by Canadian Dick Pound – has issued two reports on the subject. While these two reports focused on track and field, other sports named by ARD included cycling, swimming, weightlifting and winter sports. Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been retesting samples from the 2012 London Olympics to find positive results in 23 athletes from five sports and six countries from 265 samples. Additionally, 14 Russians from the 2008 Beijing Olympics were found positive during retesting. ARD’s information comes from Vitaly Stepanov, a former official with the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), and from Grigory Rodchenkov, who ran Russia’s now-discredited drug-testing lab during the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. Stepanov and his wife, Yuliya, a former track star on the Russian team, exposed the state-sponsored doping prevalent in Russia; this led to the team being suspended from international competition. Rodchenkov has apparently boasted about making positive doping tests “disappear” and of having developed a cocktail of three anabolic steroids – metenolone, trenbolone and oxandrolone – reportedly

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used by many top-level Russian athletes leading up to the London Olympics in 2012 and throughout the Sochi Games. This cocktail – dissolved in either Chivas whisky or Martini vermouth – speeded recovery times, allowing athletes to compete in top form over successive days. Part of the scheme involved breaking into “tamper-proof” self-locking glass bottles made by Swiss company Berlinger, produced for international competitions. The scheme was deemed a success: at Sochi, Russian athletes won 33 medals – including 13 golds. Now living in exile in the U.S., Rodchenkov also indicates that not all athletes on the “protected” list at Sochi won medals, but one who did is a Nordic ski star, Alexander Legkov, who secured gold in the 50km freestyle event at Sochi 2014. Many Russian athletes have also tested positive for meldonium (trade name: Mildronate), which is produced by Latvian-based pharmaceutical company Grindeks primarily to treat various cardiovascular complaints. On Jan. 1, 2016, WADA added meldonium to its list of banned substances, but questions remain as to how long traces of this drug remain in the body tests in question. Vitaly Mutko, the Russian sports minister, confirmed that approximately 40 Russian athletes have recently tested positive for meldonium. Legkov was not one of them, but admitted to taking the drug before it was put on WADA’s banned list. – JS

SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 9

out in front

Kevin Sandau Retires – What’s Next for the Top Canadian?

Continued from page 8 a rush. She’s enjoying the learning curve of being a new mom, and that’s her top priority. I was in the room during the birth. We had an awesome crew of medical staff in there. It was just Kik and I present, besides them.” Randall, 33, expects to spend a few weeks laying low before restarting her training with short walks, the goal being to begin ski training in early June. Until then, it’s about healing up, returning to the new normal and being mom.

by John Symon

10 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

SnowSports Industries Returns to January Show Dates In late May,

Angus Cockney

ust after the Canadian National Championships in Whitehorse, Yukon, Kevin Sandau announced that he was hanging up his skis: “Today marks the end of my racing career. The memories are countless and the experiences beyond amazing. I can’t think of a better way to have spent the past 10+ years. Thanks so much to all the volunteers, coaches, teammates, skiers, parents, fans and role models for the journey. I’m looking forward to the next chapter and hope it’s as good as the last. KevOut,” wrote Sandau. Sandau is among the more colourful characters to have recently skied with the Canadian team. SkiTrax previously reported on the controversial video he produced after being unceremoniously dropped from the development squad after the 2014-15 season. He used humour to criticize team management in that video: www.skitrax.com/sandau-vsccc-debate-on-selection-process. Sandau did very well as a junior, recording two top-30 results in Europe before finishing fifth in the 15km skate at the 2011 U23 World Ski Championships in Otepää, Estonia. Soon after he was confronted the reality that it is difficult for North Americans to do well in Europe unless they are camped out Kevin Sandau, racing there for long periods. here at Ski Tour Canada, “My time as a U23 racer had solid results during was the best part of my ca- a 10-year career chasing his dream. reer and after my last international race then, I thought I would be on the World Cup team. What happened? Was it bad luck? I ended up racing domestically. . . . It’s just speculation what might have happened, but I wish I could have gone to Europe more. “Hanging up my skis was a tough decision. I had some big performance gains this past season and could have built off that. But it’s always a gamble saying ‘Next year will be better’; it was getting more expensive. Soon I would be 30 or 31, yet no further along in chasing this dream. Of course, it’s easier if you’re on the National Team and don’t have to blow through your savings. . . .” Referring to a spoof April 1 article claiming that he had been named head coach of the Canadian Team Sandau quipped, “Some of my acquaintances actually think I am now head coach. But I have no coaching experience; I don’t know how to prepare a training plan. I am not looking for a race coaching career, but likely will be volunteering or coaching on a lesser level.” While he has talents making videos, Sandau is

looking to become a software engineer or computer scientist. “The videos are an awesome hobby profession, but it is challenging to make the industry connections. I do not want to go from being a struggling skier to become a struggling filmmaker. A university degree is safer to fall back on. Artificial intelligence and games are things that I am passionate about.” SkiTrax also asked Sandau about his advice for youth following in his tracks: “If I could go back [in time], I would have gone to Europe for the whole year. You have to race against faster guys. Instead of giving your 98% on the NorAm circuit, push it to 105% in Europe and just try to hang on. Get in the draft of someone faster; get out of your comfort zone. Go to Europe where fast guys are. If [there was] support for this from Cross Country Canada, it would be so beneficial!” SkiTrax joins the ski community both at home and abroad in wishing Sandau the very best in his future endeavours. Perhaps we haven’t seen the last of this guy.

SnowSports Industries America (SIA) announced that it was returning to late-January dates for its SIA Snow Show and On-Snow Demos for the 2016-17 winter season. In late 2015, SIA announced it had rescheduled the shows nearly two months earlier starting in 2017, “moving them to December, to better align with the industry’s buying season.” This would have put the Snow Show in early December 2016. After engaging in comprehensive meetings with stakeholders and listening to members of the SIA community, Nick Sargent, the new SIA president, and the board of directors came to a unanimous decision that it is in the best interest of the industry to maintain the late-January show dates henceforward. The revised Snow Show schedule now begins Jan. 26, 2017 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colo., to finish Jan. 30 at Copper Mountain, Colo.

Elan Terminates Ski-jumping Program In May, the Elan Group based in Slovenia announced it was ending its sponsorship program for ski-jumping skis with the hope that another company will acquire it. Elan’s board of directors has adopted “new strategic objectives” and its ski-jumping sponsorship program, which accounted for a significant share of the company’s marketing resources, was focused on marketing, not on sales. Elan sponsors local Slovenian jumper Peter Prevc, winner of the 2016 World Cup. The company began making skis for Yugoslav Resistance fighters in World War II, and now makes a wide variety of sporting equipment. www.skitrax.com

Justin Wadsworth, one of the most accomplished head coaches in the history of the Canadian National Ski Team, announced his retirement on the heels of the inaugural eight-race Ski Tour Canada, where he guided 26 Canadian athletes to numerous personal-best performances, including Alex Harvey’s fifth-place finish in the overall standings. Wadsworth is married to Beckie Scott, a former Olympic gold-medalist skier. They have two young children. “Beckie and I have dedicated nearly our entire lives almost exclusively to the sport of cross-country skiing – both as athletes and in coaching – but I feel now it is time to take a break and concentrate my time on being a father and husband,” said Wadsworth. “Cross-country skiing is in our family’s blood, but at some point, it is time to step away.” An Olympic cross-country skier himself, Wadsworth has been part of the high-performance system in both Canada and the U.S. for more than 25 years. He notably coached Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey to a historic gold medal in the Team Sprint at the 2011 World Championships. “I was very fortunate to join a program that had a talented pool of athletes, a fantastic wax team, an established sport-science program and experienced staff in place. No program is successful without all of these core pieces in place, and I can’t thank the entire team enough for their support,” said Wadsworth. www.skitrax.com

by John Symon

ina Kocher, a three-time Olympian, announced her retirement following the end of the biathlon season. The veteran athlete, now 33, was a National Team member for 15 years, earning bronze in the 15km Individual race in November 2006 at the IBU World Cup in Ostersund, Sweden. She also helped guide the women’s relay squad (with Rosanna Crawford, Megan Imrie and Megan Heinicke) to a stunning fourth-place result in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France in 2013. Kocher was also part of a group of five biathletes (along with Crawford, Imrie, Sandra Keith and Megan Tandy) who posed “tastefully” nude for the Bold Beautiful Biathlon calendar in 2009. The same group also rollerbladed wearing only shorts, race bibs and rifles through downtown Calgary, Alta. to raise awareness. This was also to provide fundraising for the biathlon team and a

Pam Doyle

Justin Wadsworth Resigns from CCC

Zina Kocher Retires

Nordic Focus

executive director of the National Nordic Foundation (NNF) on May 1, and will work in tandem with outgoing director James Southam to ensure a smooth transition. Kashiwa comes to the NNF after a stint in retail management at Boulder Nordic Sport and coaching at the University of Denver. “I don’t see any significant changes on the horizon, but rather opportunities for growth,” says Kashiwa, indicating no dramatic changes are in store. “I know that James Southam has put a huge amount of work and passion into the NNF, and I hope that I can help to carry on his good work. I see my role coming into the NNF as supporting those who have dedicated themselves to junior and U23 skiing.”

Matthias Ahrens

NNF Names Kashiwa as Executive Director Hennie Kashiwa became

role model of beautiful, muscular female bodies. Biathletes need to do well in two sports: Kocher skied very well during her Olympic appearances, but her shooting fell short. Her fourth in the Pursuit in Pokjluka, Slovenia in late 2009 was notable in her words because “I went from 10th to fourth and was close to the podium, shooting 20/20 for my first time in a World Cup.” Kocher closed out her career in her hometown of Canmore, Alta. at the IBU World Cup in 2016. She scored silver there at the 2015 IBU Cup. Looking back over 15 years, Kocher sees an evolution in Biathlon Canada. “It has changed in terms of funds, which although have been up and down over the years, there’s still improvement from when I first made the team. More development in sourcing out what’s necessary to succeed, i.e., working with an IST – group (from top) Kocher (l) of professionals – coaches, closed out her career physiologist, strength coach, with a silver medal at physiotherapist, psycholothe 2015 IBU Cup at home in Canmore, Alta. gist. [And] athletes staying Zina Kocher claims IBU in the sport longer, putting in World Cup bronze in the time to get to the top.” 2006. SkiTrax also asked how Team Canada (l-r): important was this past Rosanna Crawford, season’s IBU World Cup in Megan Imrie, Megan Heinicke and Zina Canmore for the future of biKocher celebrates their athlon in Canada? “I think it’s best-ever relay result an awesome step forward. Now there’s talk of making a bid for hosting a future World Championships. “I’m happy and satisfied with my career overall. I had a lot of great times both competing and with the team throughout the years. Of course, there are some goals I left undone; things I wish I had done differently or whatever, but I was able to leave the sport when I wanted to and at a time when I was ready to.” Her short-term plans in late May involved a vacation: backpacking, camping, climbing and sightseeing in Turkey and Greece. “I also took my doula course (someone who provides non-clinical support and care to families during childbirth and the postpartum period) last summer, so am hoping to start up being a doula for some Bow Valley moms this summer. In the longer term, I hope to get admitted into Midwifery at Mount Royal next year. And one day in the future, I plan to start a family too!” SkiTrax joins the ski community both at home and abroad in wishing Kocher the very best in her future endeavours. SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 11

high voltage by Emily Nishikawa

Ski Tour Canada Highlight of the Season

ule with many races so close together and a lot of travel in between each stage. I was able to remain healthy throughout the entire event. We had an amazing support team of coaches, wax techs, massage therapists and staff all working tirelessly to make sure we had everything we needed to succeed. It was an honour to be a part of such a hard-working team. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible and such a success. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to race the Ski Tour Canada. I really hope to get another chance to race on home soil because it is just so much fun!

12 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 16

Nordic Focus

Christine Hawrylow Wickins

ki Tour Canada was the event that concluded the 2015/2016 World Cup season. In case you missed it, it was eight races in 12 days in four cities across Canada in a tour format. This event was by far the highlight of my season! The Tour was an incredible opportunity for development skiers from across North America. Canada and the U.S. were able to start many more skiers than the typical World Cup quota. This resulted in a total team size of 26 athletes from Canada. It was so exciting to watch many of my teammates start their first World Cups and have breakthrough performances here on home soil. This was also an incredible opportunity for the next generation of racers to see a World Cup in person. It is not (above) Emily Nishikawa with young fan Clara – already looking like a pro. the same as watching on TV! (right) Nishikawa was excited to race on As a racer, this was the event home snow at Ski Tour Canada with fans I looked forward to all season. I and family cheering her on. was thrilled to be part of such a great team of Canadian skiers. The Eastern venues were all very unique and showcased some of Canada’s most beautiful cities. Canmore, Alta. put on a show with its world-class trails and some amazing spring weather as well! The best part for me was seeing so many North American fans lining the trails to cheer. I could hear so many people calling my name, and that energy really carried me along. It was exciting to see so many young Canadian fans out watching and cheering on their heros and being inspired. Each day, I would give my race bib to a young fan after the race, and it was inspiring for me to see how many young people are getting excited about our sport. I remember watching the World Cup races in 2005 at Sovereign Lake, B.C. and thinking that someday I’d like to be there. I know countless others who had that same experience this year at the Ski Tour Canada, and I find that incredibly exciting. Another perk of racing at home was having my family there. My younger brother lives in Montreal, and he was able to watch the second stage. My parents came from Whitehorse to watch the Canmore stages, and my older brother and sister-in-law were able to make it to the last stage. It was so special having family and friends out cheering me on every day of the entire Tour. I was really proud to finish the Tour. It is a very grueling sched-

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backcountry by Steven Threndyle

photos: Steve Threndyle

Travails of the Traverse A Week in the Selkirks

very skier worthy of the name needs to try a traverse at some point in his/her career. Sure, lift-accessed slackcountry offers some security and easy first tracks. And it’s pretty great to be able to sit down and dry your socks and powder-soaked jackets in the cozy confines of a backcountry lodge. To truly experience wilderness, though, you need to throw off the cloak of external comfort and immerse yourself for at least a week in the high mountains of British Columbia. The Bugaboos to Rogers Pass traverse was first completed by a group from Calgary, Alta. that included the legendary Chic Scott way back in 1960’s, and had seen very few crossings since, due not just to its remote location – the start near the CMH Bugaboos lodge is pretty much heli-access only – but also because of significant route challenges – including a vertigo-inducing rappel between two massive glaciers. The trip was guided by internationally certified mountain-guide Karl Nagy of Canmore, Alta. and organized through the Alpine Club of Canada. Food, clothing, tents and stoves were carried in overstuffed expedition backpacks. On most days, we tied ropes into our climbing harnesses while skiing on glaciers creased and gashed by crevasses. When the sun came out, it was blazing, but that heat also created thick afternoon clouds that could also brew up flash snow squalls and brief, violent storms. It often took a couple of hours to roust off the effects of fatigue and to carefully fold and pack all of our gear into our bulging packs and then heft ’em up for several hours of skinning. One day, the fresh snow that had fallen overnight heated up so quickly that avalanches thundered down the mountainsides around us. On two occasions, slides obliterated our tracks mere minutes after we had finished traversing a slope, meaning that speed was of the essence when it came to negotiating the heavy, sloppy snow that, by now, was sticking and weighing down the climbing skins affixed to the base of our skis. On the fourth day, Nagy had us rope up and then guided us as we warily snowplowed down a crevasse-strewn glacier in a whiteout.

14 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Without doubt, though, Nagy’s most stunning trick was to set up a series of belay stations on the sheer cliff face of the Deville Icefall and then lowered all of us – and our packs – down a series of vertical pitches. Throughout it all, he remained the picture of cool; as thoroughly at home in the mountains as most of us are behind a desk. During a lunch break, Nagy said that he had spent more than 300 nights in either a tent, snow cave or hut in the previous year – a modern-day mountain man! On the final day, low clouds and fog once again obscured visibility. Snowflakes swirled and darted from dark clouds and our fearless guide was once again hunched over his faithful compass and topographical maps, charting our course to the Trans-Canada Highway and Rogers Pass. We followed our Pied Piper of the Selkirks out from under the mist and found perfect ankle-deep powder on the Illecillewaet Glacier, where you could hear the train whistles and transport trucks grinding up Rogers Pass well before you could see the road. Cruising along the valley bottom, all objective danger was relegated to the back of our minds. It was oddly comforting to be heading home (my wife was pregnant at the time) and the entire adventure seemed mildly irresponsible. And isn’t that what you hire guides for: to lead you through terrain that can kill less-experienced and foolhardy people? Tragically, Karl Nagy would die in his beloved mountains several years later while instructing a group of (left) Renowned certified mountain-guide aspiring young mountain guides Karl Nagy died in the Canadian Rockies near Moraine Lake in Banff Nationin 2000 - the Alpine Club of Canada has al Park. There is now a scholarship a scholarship in his name. fund set up in his name to both (below) Karl Nagy leads an Alpine mentor and develop home-grown Club of Canada group through the Selkirk Mountains. guiding talent.

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masters by J.D. Downing

Masters Grab-bag

Snow and Weather - Our Shared Concern I’ve written and talked about it time and again in the past decade. Climate change is a clear and present danger to the competitive end of our sport. As of 2016, that danger is at the critical stage. It is just not realistic to think that a number of ski events across the Northern Hemisphere can continue when, nearly every year, wide swaths of the cross-country-ski world are suffering from poor-to-horrid snow conditions. Already we are seeing the effects in the form of a weakening ski industry, clear declines in the number of motivated Masters and a reduction in the number of local races – all trends that are worldwide. We all know that solutions encompass much more than the cross-country-ski world. But one thing we can do annually is to take proactive steps to make our sport more resilient before the coming years and decades force our hand. What can you do this off-season to make a difference? Going To Pump You Up Guys Given the many hats I wear with the World Masters Association, I see many award ceremonies at the Masters World Cup every year. Recently, I’ve begun to pay attention to an amazingly consistent physical feature of men of nearly all ages who stand atop the medal podium. One physical characteristic that at least the male Masters World Cup medalists nearly universally share is a visibly prominent musculature in the upper arms, specifically, large biceps and visible muscular definition throughout the shoulders. While not scientific, it jives with what researchers and coaches worldwide have been saying for years about upper-body power making all the difference. Very notably, you don’t see the same visual difference with women, and I’m still working on some potential reasons why. www.skitrax.com

Masters World Cup 2016 Vuokatti

s the 2015/16 season goes in the books, there’s a bunch of Masters items large and small on my list to cover, so here goes on a grab-bag of them.

With so many issues facing the cross-country-ski world from climate change to fluro waxes Masters have to step up to the plate and act.

Cross-country Fluoro Waxing - What We Leave Behind Most skiers are aware of the dangers associated with speedy powders, blocks and/or liquid fluoro waxes and use a mask or work in a well-ventilated location. Yet recent research consistently shows that cross-country fluoro waxing leaves traces on the snow long after we’ve completed our racing. While the fumes during the process dissipate quickly they don’t magically “disappear” once into the global atmosphere. The particles left behind by fluoros are also a significant problem. We can sweep up a waxing location all we want, but some fluoro dust is always going to remain somewhere. Research is finding residue from fluoros in the soil where we ski. Thousands of loppet skiers can leave behind a noticeable amount of fluoro in the snow, which eventually melts, taking the by-products into the soil. If it’s in the soil, it’s simply a matter of time before it’s in the water table and surrounding plant matter, then onto animal life and, ultimately, all of us. I admit that I’m still trying to work it out in my head what our next move should be as a sport. But I do know that, as with climate resiliency, Masters have to step up to the plate and act.

AXCS Spring and Summer Digest issues will be coming to members this off-season, filled with exclusive content from around the cross-country-ski world. With both U.S. and international membership packages, there’s something for every Master at a low cost. Sign up today online at xcskiworld.com!

Get Your Masters Cross-country Information Year-round! Here’s yet another reminder that the best source of cross-country-ski information for Master skiers is via membership in American XC Skiers (AXCS). The acclaimed SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 15

Gear 2017 Preview

by Katy Demong

Gear lovers have plenty to look forward to next season as ski and accessory manufacturers rolled out the red carpet on their new lines displayed at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market (OR) in Salt Lake City, Utah on Jan. 7-10 and at the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) Show in Denver, Colo. on Jan. 28-31. Here’s a snapshot of some of the great new high-tech products the Nordic world will be dying to get their hands on.

Salomon Carbon Skate Lab skis

Salomon Prolink S-Lab Pro boot

Salomon Prolink Carbon SK binding

Salomon The huge buzz at the Salomon booth this year focused mainly on its introduction of the new Prolink boot and binding system, a first-ever NNN-compatible line from Salomon. For 2017, Salomon will offer its full range of boots – from the Escape Touring boot to the S-Lab Pro – in both Prolink- and SNS-sole options. Early tests show the new system is a winner, with the Classic system getting the strongest reviews. Salomon will also have a new Prolink binding line for sale in everything from a carbon option to an inexpensive Touring binding. Prolink will use the same hole pattern as SNS, and retailers were happy to hear that all skis will come pre-drilled by Salomon to facilitate quicker mounting. 18 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

In other news, Salomon will expand its Carbon Skate family. The Carbon Skate Lab will now be available in a dedicated wet-snow ski, the Carbon Skate Lab Red. Rather than being temperature-based, the skis’ performance is dependent on how much humidity is in the snow. Even if it’s really cold and humid, this ski is incredibly fast. It’s also the same ski that Jessie Diggins used to win a silver medal at last year’s Nordic World Championships. The S-Lab Skate family will add a dry-snow (blue) and wet-snow (red) offering in addition to the universal (yellow). Salomon will also make life a little easier for retail employees this coming season by creating a sticker unique to each individual ski that indicates the flex curve based on the ski’s characteristics and the skier’s ideal weight in kilos and pounds. The S-Lab Classic ski has undergone a big upgrade, now including more carbon, a new hollow tip and an entirely new camber profile. The ultralight ski has more accessible kick and stays in the tracks with less effort due to the softer, flexible tips. Salomon will also offer a full-carbon Skate boot – the S-Lab Skate Pro – which includes both Prolink and SNS cleats in the box, so athletes can choose their preferred binding. New for 2017 is the SLAB Carbon Kit Pole, featuring ultra-modulus carbon as well as a carbon handle. This super-stiff light pole will retail at $225. The Equipe line adds the Equipe 60 pole featuring high-performance 60% carbon with a new grip that allows for one-handed pole removal. This is great for marathon skiing, biathletes, parents or ski instructors who need to ditch their poles on the fly.

Fischer For the 2016/2017 season, Fischer has continued to develop and improve its Speedmax boot, which has been widely adopted on the World Cup circuit. The upcoming version is even lighter, and the biggest improvement is a better interface with the binding. Fischer has shaved down the diswww.skitrax.com

tance between the ski and the binding to provide a more nuanced feeling in the sole. Brand-new for 2017 is its incarnation of the Speedmax boot for Classic skiing. With the same seamless carbon-fibre molding and minimalist design, the new full-carbon Classic boot offers a rolling flex over the toe and the desirable quality feathering that top skiers are looking for in the tracks. The incredible lightness of the boot gives skiers the ability to quickly power up their kick. If these boots look somewhat familiar, it could be because Team U.S.A.’s Sophie Caldwell cruised to her Tour de Ski World Cup fourth-stage win in these very boots. While the Speedmax ski line continues mostly unchanged, there are new binding options available – the same zero-set binding from last year, now with either three or five degrees of camber.

Madshus Madshus has a lot of exciting developments in its line-up for 2016-17, including the all-new Super Nano Classic boot that debuts with an all-carbon sole that flexes for Classic skiing. The one-piece base is torsionally stiff for stability, while maintaining flexibility and spring to maximize kick. It’s also made notable improvements with other top-tier boots. The Nano Carbon Classic has a new heel hold for better fit and to reduce slippage, and gets a graphic update for next season. The Super Nano Skate boot is lighter for 2016, has a new look Fischer Speedmax and a new seam-sealing Classic boot process to make this top-of-theline Skate boot even more waterproof. The top two junior Race boots, the Nano JRR and Hyper JRR, received graphic updates for 2016, giving them the similar sleek look of their adult Race-level counterparts. The entire line of waxless Explorer skis all received a new facelift as well – the skis were widened for more backcountry access, with the mountains on the topsheet increasingly prominent. Take any of these lightweight fish-scale skis and head out Madshus Super Nano Classic boot your back door to the nearest backcountry, or, for the narrower skis in the Explorer line, to groomed tracks anywhere and you’re ready to go. Madshus is adding two new skin-ski offerings to complement its Terrasonic Intelligrip Classic skis released last year. For 2017, it will have an entry-level model (Ultrasonic), a mid-level model (the Terrasonic) and a Race model (Nanosonic). While the Terrasonic remains unchanged aside from a graphic update, the Ultrasonic and Nanosonic are Rossignol X-ium WC Skate boot brand-new, feawww.skitrax.com

turing the same Intelligrip skin construction that saw wide appeal in the market this past season. Some good news for both retailers and consumers: Madshus is expanding its empower™ program to encompass a larger selection of skis. The empower™ is a powerful retail tool that correlates an RFID chip in the base plate of the ski to a serial number, allowing shop employees to see what they have in store without sorting through the wall of skis. They can then match the customer’s needs to what’s in stock, complete with flex information, target weight and camber profile. The corresponding app lets consumers track their skis via GPS, and provides purchasers great data on wax and training. Previously available in only three ski models, Madshus is extending this technology further down the line this year.

Rossignol

(l) Madshus Nanosonic Intelligrip Classic skis (r) Rossignol X-ium Premium Skate skis

Salomon S-Lab Carbon Kit ski pole

Rossignol has been busy adding much refinement to its top-of-the-line Skate skis. For 2017, its X-ium Premium Skate skis, used on the World Cup, have longer glide surfaces to reduce friction and glide even better. Rossignol will bring the same World Cup technology to its production skis by adding an extra centimetre of length and redesigning the tip with a longer radius, which puts more ski on the snow. These changes help to distribute the skier’s weight over a larger area and reduce hot spots. In addition, significantly more ABS sidewall construction has been added to the ski, which helps with edging and camber profile. These minor tweaks add up to a big difference in its top-of-the-line ski that will be available in a cold, universal and warm profile, as well as for soft and hard snow. Rossignol will also make its X-ium WC Skate boot available at retail this year. The boot is full carbon, including the sole and heel counter, and has what almost appears to be a Classic lower-boot design, with just a Neoprene sock and carbon cuff around the ankle. This makes the boot extremely light, while allowing for maximum ankle flexion. These boots will come in a bolder design version than what is currently being raced on at the World Cup. Also for 2016-2017, Rossignol will release a women’s-specific-fit boot for both Skate and Classic, the X-ium WC Skate FW and X-ium Classic FW. While women on the World Cup circuit have been using these for a few seasons, the boots have not yet been offered at retail. The boots have a wider forefoot and tighter heel that give the skier more grip in the back and more room in the instep. Rossignol said that although quantities will be limited, the market is now supporting this kind of specialized technology. SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 19

Atomic Redster Carbon Classic ski

Atomic

New for 2016, Atomic is offering a full-carbon-monocoque Classic ski, the Redster Carbon Classic, that weighs in at 800g and is its lowest profile ski ever. This beauty is offered in three styles: universal (yellow), cold (blue) and warm or klister (red). All of its World Cup series skis will come with an individualized graph that’s colour-coded based on temperature and skier-weight profiles. This sticker system was developed by Atomic, and will be rolled out this coming season with Salomon, as both brands are owned by Amer Sports. Alongside Salomon’s launch of NNN-compatible Prolink options for 2017, Atomic will offer Prolink bindings as well as SNS for Classic and Combi boots, and only the SNS option for Skate boots. Atomic also has a brand-new carbon Classic boot, the Redster Worldcup Classic, that is Prolink-compatible. The boot features a carbon heel counter, adjustable heel strap and thermo-moldable liner. New for the junior racer is the Redster Skintec Jr. This is the first junior ski to feature Skintec technology, and is great for the parent who wants a race-worthy ski that uses the same base as Atomic’s top-of-the-line carbon Classic ski. Now juniors can have racing-profile ski without needing a chemistry degree to hit their wax. Atomic’s touring version of the Skintec Swix Triac 2.5 ski, the Motion 52 Grip, Start pole is easy to ski at 52mm Race wide and have come pole down in price to just $200 per pair.

Swix One Way Premio SLG 10 pole

The big story from Swix this year is a new generation of Triac pole for 2016 – the Triac 2.5. Swix is excited about the new and improved version of the trademarked triangular pole that it first introduced in 2010. This pole was introduced to the World Cup scene this season for Swix-sponsored athletes. It’s 7% stiffer and 6% lighter than the previous model and has updated graphics. Higher quality carbon and improved carbon layering are what make this pole lighter and stiffer. This third generation of Swix’s top-of-the-line pole will cost approximately $450.

One Way The Premio 9.5 Skate ski serves to bridge the disparity in performance and price between One Way’s Premio 9 Skate and the Pre20 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

mio 10 HD. The 9.5 achieves this by incorporating World Cup technology such as the Premio racing base with its universal stone grind and carbon laminate for stability and power transfer, but skips some of the HD’s bells and whistles such as the honeycomb core, so you can have a performance ski without breaking the bank. It’s hard to imagine that top-end ski poles can get much lighter. Perhaps the discovery of vast helium reserves in Tanzania is inspiring manufacturers, as One Way’s new Premio SLG 10 shaft, which uses its Super Light Diamond Carbon with a titanium insert, weighs less than 50g per metre and is about as light as you can get. The new pole will feature an updated strap design that provides a lighter, more precise and comfortable fit. Already tested on the World Cup circuit for durability, the new One Way Premio SLG 10 promises to be a winner. Bjorn Daehlie Divide jacket

Start

Start is offering a number of new poles this year, starting with the topend Race. The 100% high-modulus carbon-fibre shaft is super-lightweight, stiff and strong. The aerodynamic Race basket promises to grab the snow and help transmit energy in the right direction. A light and comfortable cork grip and an ergonomically designed strap round out the features of this super pole. Start’s Winner offers many great features in a reasonably priced pole, beginning with a 17mm-diameter HS carbon shaft for durability and stiffness. Its handle is Start’s Race Cork model with its Fit Race strap. The basket is larger, which is better for those who don’t always ski on ultra-hard-packed race trails. The Start Loppet is designed for skiers who prefer functionality, durability and a great price. The shaft diameter is 17mm and it is made with durable HS carbon composite. This pole comes with a Start’s Master Cork handle and Fit Race strap. The basket is an 8mm Race basket.

Bjorn Daehlie Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2016, Bjorn Daehlie has revitalized its brand with a new logo and many new styles as it works to encompass the entire Nordic lifestyle. One of the training pieces it is especially excited about is the Divide jacket, which has a streamlined performance fit, contouring in the arms and a full stretch back for high breathability. As the official sponsor of the Norwegian Ski Federation, Bjorn Daehlie has also come out with its brand-new Nations jacket – Team www.skitrax.com

Craft Active Extreme 2.0 baselayer

Norway’s jacket. The Intent is the retail version of the Nations jacket, and is a high-activity training piece with lots of breathability, stretch and articulated arms for a comfortable fit. Bjorn Daehlie has redesigned all of its pants for 2016. The Terminate is closer to a pair of tights than a warm-up pant, but with more protection. This lightweight training piece has softshell wind panels for the knee and upper leg, while the rest is stretchy. The Winner pant has been updated with lighter weight material and a windblock microfibre front and stretch back. This half-zip pant is easy to get on and off over boots. The Motivation training pant features three-way stretch softshell on the front and a breathable stretch on the back, as well as articulated knees for a great fit. Its new high-performance baselayers include the Dry top with polypropylene on the inside and polyester on the outside, which helps pull moisture away from the body. The Compete top is 100% micro-polypropylene and has hollow fibres that help insulate while providing maximum breathability. It also has a 100% Merino-wool performance baselayer – the Half-Zip Training Wool.

Bliz The big story from the Swedish performance-eyewear company is that its prices will all be going down approximately 10-15% – music to anyone’s ears. Bliz is also sweetening the pot on one of its most popular products - the Proflip goggle. The Proflip sits farther off the face for fog-free vision and flips up and out of the way, making it an especially great choice for biathletes. These goggles will now come with three lenses instead of two: a clear lens, lowlight lens and sunny-day lens in one kit. Bliz is especially known for its photochromatic Ultra Lens Science (ULS) lens that goes from virtually clear to blocking 85% of light on the sunniest days. Most importantly for winter sports, the lenses transition back to clear smoothly and rapidly even in the coldest weather. For 2016, Bliz is rolling the ULS lens into more of its eyewear. Continuing its trend of affordable performance eyewear, Bliz products start at just $45. Bliz Proflip goggle

Julbo Aero sunglasses

For more casual baselayers, Craft has a new Comfort Wool line that’s a 50-50 Merino wool-polyester blend. This wool baselayer stands out from the competition for two reasons: it’s seamless, and Craft has spun the fabric so that the polyester sits on the inside next to the skin, while the wool is on the outside for maximum comfort. Available in a zip-mock, the piece will retail for just $80. Craft has also launched an Active Comfort series that replaces the Be Active Classic line it started making 40 years ago. The new series features 100% synthetic materials (not Lycra) and a polyester/polyamide seamless blend with mesh ventilation zones.

Julbo Julbo has a few new things for Nordic skiers up its sleeve. The Aero are superlight sunglasses weighing in at only 58gm, with photochromic lenses that go from zero to dark in 28 seconds. The Aero features a full onepiece lens, available in either Zebra Light best for eastern conditions, or Zebra, which provides more sun protection and are great in western or sunny-ski conditions. If they look familiar, it might be because U.S. Team member Noah Hoffman regularly races in these glasses. Also new for 2017 is the Zephyr, a smaller version of its popular Breeze model. It fits any face with its fully pliable earpieces and a wrap-around design. They’re also great for cycling and rollerskiing, as these glasses don’t get in the way of a helmet and on long runs you can adjust them to sit away from your face, avoiding pressure on your temples. An option that biathletes will love is the Sniper. Toko Nordic KlisterSpray Base Green With French biathlete Martin Fourcade contributing to its design, the Sniper features a wide photochromic shield that can easily be raised for shooting in the range. The Sniper is available in Zebra or Zebra Light lenses. These glasses have great ventilation, an ergonomic design and will run you approximately $150.

Toko Craft An official sponsor of the U.S. Nordic Ski Team, Craft has already integrated athlete’s feedback into its 2017 production. When Craft learned that ski team members were not wearing baselayers under their racing suits because they were just too hot, Craft responded by launching a new line of high-performance baselayers – Active Extreme 2.0. This line is lighter and has better moisture transportation and cooling abilities than the first generation. Proprietary Coolmax air-fibre technology transports moisture away from the body and regulate temperature. Baselayer tops also feature Body Mesh under the arms for still more ventilation. New Active Extreme 2.0 pieces will also be available in high-visibility prints and short-sleeve options. Craft has also redesigned its popular active-outerwear Storm tights and Storm jacket, which now feature a windproof four-way stretch front and a breathable back. www.skitrax.com

New for 2017 Toko is its Nordic KlisterSpray Base Green. It is the same formulation as its Binder Klister Base Green. With a butane carrier, it sprays on for fast, thin and durable application. Toko has made improvements to its Express workbench in that it is more stable and at a lower price point of $135. The Arctic Split mitt has been significantly improved with a wind-blocker material in place of the nylon ripstop on the back of the hand. The improved Toko glove is now warmer and comes in two colours – a new Winter Warrior and black – available for $40. Toko is also adding a new designer print to its line, a play off the signature styles of such popular brands as Louis Vuitton or Coach, and will debut in the insulated drink belt, Lycra hat and buff. SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 21

22 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

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by Carrington Pomeroy

For the first time in history, the FIS [International Ski Federation] World Cup concluded in North America with the Ski Tour Canada from March 1-12. Eight races were held over 12 days in a grand finale to the FIS World Cup season as the world’s best cross-country skiers gathered for the inaugural Canadian Tour that was deemed a resounding success. North American’s Alex Harvey and Jessie Diggins both impressed on “home turf” with

Nordic Focus

fifth-place overall finishes.

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Canada’s Alex Harvey, dubbed the “Prince of Quebec,” did not disappoint hometown fans in Quebec City, claiming second in the sprint FR and fourth in the Pursuit to finish fifth overall. SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 23

Angus Cockney

Nordic Focus

March 1 - 1.7km Free Sprints - Gatineau, Que. Ski Tour Canada began with a bang for Team USA, with both Simi Hamilton and Diggins qualifying in second position. Both Americans skied strong in the heats as well, delivering third-place podium results at the end of the day. This marked the first time that an American man and woman stood on the podium at a FIS Cross Country World Cup on the same day. Top honours went to Norway’s Maiken Caspersen Falla and Russia’s Sergey Ustiugov who attacked on the final uphill to power away from their competition and claim the first-ever Ski Tour Canada leader bibs. Following Ustiugov was France’s Richard Jouve in second, coming through just 0.08 seconds behind, with Hamilton a toe-length back in third. “It feels really good to start off this way; I was able to really throw some moves going over the final climb,” said Hamilton at the finish. “We don’t get to do sprints of this length that often, so it was good to see that I had that power the whole way.” Harvey was the next-best North American in 15th and was happy to start off the Tour with a strong sprint: “Normally when I’m sprinting well, it means the body is there, so I’m happy,” he said. Making the sprint heats for the first time at a World Cup were American Erik Bjornsen, who finished 25th, and Canadian Knute Johnsgaard in 30th overall. Sweden’s Stina Nilsson claimed second on the women’s podium, with Diggins third. “If you had told me at the start of the year that this is how it would go, I’d be, like, you’re kidding me,” commented Diggins. “It was so cool to be able to hear my parents out there and see all the American flags.” Her teammates Sadie Bjornsen, Ida Sargent and Sophie Caldwell also made the heats, finishing 17th, 24th and 28th respectively. Canada’s Maya MacIsaac-Jones impressed by qualifying for her first-ever World Cup heats and finished in 30th overall.

March 2 - 10.5/17.5km Classic Mass Start - Montreal, Que. Switching venues from Gatineau to Montreal, the course snaked around the base of iconic Mount Royal. With little rest and snowstorm-like conditions resulting in slow and tricky conditions, the second day of Ski Tour Canada resulted in the first big time gaps of the Tour. On the men’s side, a three-man pack of Ustiugov, Petter Northug (NOR) and Emil Iversen (NOR) broke away in the early stages. Ustiugov did the majority of the pulling as the trio navigated the steep climbs and descents of Mount Royal, but in the end, Iversen proved to be the strongest. Pulling away on the last climb, he surged to the finish to take his first-ever World Cup distance win ahead of Northug in second and Ustiugov in third. The Russian collapsed at the finish, but had done enough to prolong his stay in the leader’s bib. Canada’s Harvey was the top North American in ninth and was followed by a resurgent Devon Kershaw in 17th and Ivan Babikov in 29th. For the Americans, Eric Bjornsen narrowly missed the points in 31st and Noah Hoffman was close behind in 42nd. In the women’s race, Therese Johaug of Norway held nothing back, besting the field by more than a minute despite starting in 26th position. Racing hard right from the gun, Johaug gapped the field at two kilometres and never looked back. Following her home were Heidi Weng and Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen for a Norwegian sweep. The day was not without controversy, as Norwegian star Martin Johnsrud Sundby complained openly about the narrow hills and abundance of herringbone on the course: “I’m not sure what to say. We are trying to showcase our sport, but today I am unsure what we were doing. Was it (from top) American Sadie Bjornsen cross-country . . . ?” was impressive, topping in the women’s FR sprint qualifications in Quebec City.

Reese Brown

Canada’s Devon Kershaw claimed a respectable 16th overall.

24 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Rising USA star, Katharine Ogden, 18, posted the 15th fastest time in the Classic Pursuit in Canmore. Canadian Jesse Cockney had one of the best races of his career in the FR sprints at Quebec City.

March 4 - 1.7km Free Sprint Quebec City, Que. The next stop of Ski Tour Canada was Harvey’s hometown of Quebec City, and “La Prince de Quebec” did not disappoint. In a down-to-the-wire finish, Harvey put on a show, taking silver and becoming the first Canadian male to reach the www.skitrax.com

Carrington Pomeroy

podium on home soil. “Every time I went to the start line, the crowd got louder and louder and it really gave me wings; I was pretty much floating on the snow,” Harvey explained at the finish. Baptiste Gros (FRA) took the gold with a massive finish charge, making history as the first Frenchman to win a sprint World Cup. Ustiugov claimed third to maintain his lead in the overall men’s rankings at the Tour. Following Harvey into the heats and having a strong day was Canadian Jesse Cockney. Cockney had one of the best races of his career, finishing in 10th place overall after making it into the semifinals. Hamilton joined Cockney in the semifinals, ending the day in eighth overall, while fellow Americans Erik Bjornsen and Andy Newell also made the heats, finishing in 20th and 29th respectively. On the women’s side, Sadie Bjornsen led the way for the Americans, qualifying an impressive first before getting out-gunned in the semis to finish in eighth overall. The race was won by Nilsson (SWE), ahead of Falla and Weng. Caldwell (USA) overcame illness to make the semifinals and ended the day in 10th position, just ahead of Diggins (USA), who suffered a fall in her quarterfinal to end her day in 13th, while Sargent (USA) finished 20th. No Canadians made the heats, but up-and-coming skiers MacIsaac-Jones and Dahria Beatty showed promise in 34th and 39th.

March 5 - 10/15km Pursuit Free - Quebec City, Que. On the women’s side, Norway continued its dominance, taking positions first through fourth with Weng, Johaug, Jacobsen and Falla. Diggins also continued her strong form, skiing into fifth position, passing Nilsson and Ingvild Fulgstad Oestberg (NOR). She was followed by Sadie Bjornsen in 10th and Liz Stephen in 29th. Emily Nishikawa was the top Canadian in 45th. For the men’s race, fans lined the 3.75km course to watch Harvey ski his way to fourth position in the tour. Harvey skied with Johnsrud Sundby for the majority of the race, maintaining time with leaders Ustiugov and Northug and gaining on Iversen. At the end of the day, Ustiugov won, finishing 17 seconds ahead of Northug in third. Kershaw continued to impress and was the next Canadian in 21st, just ahead of Babikov in 36th, www.skitrax.com

(above) Simi Hamilton and Jessie Diggins after he had stumbled early on. Of claimed historic third-place finishes in the note, Canada’s Andy Shield moved FR sprint at Gatineau, Que., marking the up to 65th with the 30th-fastest first time that an American man and woman course time of the day. The Amer- stood on the podium at a FIS Cross Country World Cup on the same day. icans packed spots 30 to 40, with Erik Bjornsen in 32nd, Hoffmann in 35th, Hamilton in 37th and Scott Patterson in 38th. At the finish, Johnsrud Sundby was quick to comment on the incredible condition of the course: “There is nothing to complain about here; today was perfect,” and added that he would consider coming to vacation in Quebec City.

March 8 - 1.5km Classic Sprints - Canmore, Alta. Despite crossing the country to Canmore, Alta. and swapping Old Quebec for the Rocky Mountains, the podium remained dominated by familiar faces. Day Five of Ski Tour Canada featured another Norwegian sweep of the women’s podium. Falla once again showed she is the queen of the women’s sprint World Cup, blasting away from her competitors on Canmore’s notoriously long finish straight. Jacobsen and Oestberg (NOR) completed the podium. On a day of slow conditions and huge time gaps, two North American women had career performances. Diggins appeared in her first-ever Classic sprint final, finishing in sixth position, while Beatty of Canada narrowly missed the semifinals in the race of her life, taking home 15th for the best World Cup finish of her young career. “My best result at World Juniors is 15th, so to be able to have that same result here on a World Cup is amazing,” Beatty admitted afterwards. The American women continued to generate impressive results in the top 30, with Caldwell in 11th, Sadie Bjornsen in 18th and Sargent in 22nd. On the men’s side, the race was won by Federico Pellegrino (ITA), who took home his first-ever Classic sprint victory just ahead of Eirik Brandsdal (NOR) and Maurice Manificat (FRA). However, this was overshadowed by Norwegians Northug and Finn Hagen Krogh skiing very slowly in their SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 25

Angus Cockney

final heat in order to avoid an evening awards show. Len Valjas of Canada returned from illness to show that he can still hold his own with the best, ending his day in the semifinals in 11th. Harvey finished in 21st and Kershaw was agonizingly close to the heats in 33rd. The American sprinters had an off-day, led home by Erik Bjornsen in 44th. There was no end to the celebrations for Pellegrino and Falla, as they were awarded the FIS World Cup Sprint Crystal Globes to commemorate being the top male and female sprinters on this year’s World Cup. This was the first time that these globes have ever been given out in Canada, with both Pellegrino and Falla being first-time recipients.

March 9 - 15/30km Skiathlon - Canmore, Alta. Day Six featured Johnsrud Sundby back to his winning ways in the 30km Skiathlon, while the Canadian men posted an impressive result in putting four athletes in the top 30. A lead pack of 11 formed early on in the skate portion and skied together until the final kilometres, where Johnsrud Sundby slowly pulled away to win by three seconds and pull back time on overall leader Ustiugov. Harvey and Babikov finished in the lead pack in seventh and 10th respectively. Babikov was happy to see some of his old form return: “Finally! Everything just came together today. The skis and the body were both really good. I’m super-happy,” he said, following the racing. Not to be outdone, Graeme Killick (CAN) had a career-best World Cup placing in 19th, just ahead of Kershaw in 24th. The Americans were led home by Hoffman, who showed signs of things to come by placing 35th, just outside the points. Diggins put in another impressive performance in the women’s 15km Skiathlon, finishing 11th, just ahead of Sadie Bjornsen in 18th. Norwegians continued to rule the podium, as Weng out-kicked Johaug for the win after they broke away from the pack and Jacobsen once again rounded out the podium. While Diggins was impressive, what was perhaps more significant was the depth of American women. The U.S. managed to put eight women in the top 35, showing that there is still more to come from this talented group of women. Most notable was Rosie Brennan in 25th, with 18-yearold Katharine Ogden finishing just shy of the points in 32nd.

Angus Cockney

March 11 - 10/15km Free Interval-Start - Canmore, Alta.

26 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

After a much-needed day off, racing resumed with interval-start skate races on the notoriously hard Canmore distance courses. Oestberg returned to the podium in style, showing some of the form she had earlier in the season by taking the win by more than 20 seconds. Teammate Weng (NOR) and Krista Parmakoski (FIN) completed the podium. Diggins continued her run of strong races, placing fifth, just 34 seconds behind Oestberg. She was followed home by Sadie Bjornsen in 17th, Caitlin Gregg in 19th – her best result of the season – and Chelsea Holmes in 22nd for her first-ever World Cup points. On the Canadian side, Emily Nishikawa continued to improve, finishing in 35th position, just 10 seconds from 30th. Matti Heikkinen of Finland took a surprise win in the men’s race in his best performance since winning the 15km Classic at the 2011 World Championships in Oslo, Norway. The rest of the podium was also filled with surprises, as Evgeniy Belov (RUS) and Marcus Hellner (SWE) took their first podiums of the year. Harvey (from top) Canadian Graeme Killick also had a surprisingly good day, finishmatched his career-best World Cup ing in fourth. Traditionally, Harvey has result, placing 19th in the Skiathlon struggled with climbing heavy courses at at Canmore. altitude, but was ecstatic about how his American Sophie Caldwell overrace went. Joining Harvey in the top 10 came illness to finish 10th in the Quebec City sprints. with an equally impressive performance Ivan Babikov was happy to see was Babikov in 10th, followed by two some of his old form returning, more Canadians in the top 30 – Kershaw claiming 10th in the Skiathlon. in 20th and Killick in 29th. For the Amer(left) Rosie Brennan showed the ican men, Hoffman broke back into the depth of the U.S. women’s team, top 30 with a 23rd-place showing. finishing 24th overall. www.skitrax.com

Pam Doyle Pam Doyle

Pam Doyle

(top) History was made when overall FIS World Cup series winners Martin Johnrud Sundby (l) and Therese Johaug from Norway received the fabled Crystal Globes in Canmore, marking the first time they were awarded outside of Europe.

March 12 - 10/15km Classic Pursuit - Canmore, Alta.

The final day of Ski Tour Canada saw Weng of Norway and Ustiugov of Russia start off in the overall lead, but were both overthrown before the day was (above left) Maiken Caspersen Falla done. (NOR) with the women’s Sprint Cup Norwegians Johnsrud Sundby and Globe following the final event in Canmore. Johaug left no doubt that they were the top overall skiers on the World Cup (above right) Federico Pellegrino (ITA) is all smiles winning the men’s this year. Both started with more than Sprint Cup Globe in Canmore. 30 seconds to the leaders, but quickly reduced that gap to nothing. As if they were of one mind, both then continued right past their competitors and never let off the gas, putting close to a minute into the nearest skier. Weng was the next female to cross the line, and was then followed in by Oestberg. Parmakoski finished fourth with the fastest time of the day, and Diggins ended up fifth for a historic American result. Sadie Bjornsen was next in for the Americans in 11th overall, narrowly outsprinting Swedish star Charlotte Kalla. With the 14th-fastest time of the day, Brennan moved up to an impressive 24th overall. Many more Americans found themselves just outside the top 30, and were led by Ogden who skied an incredible race; posting the 15th-fastest time of the day. Canadians were led home by Nishikawa in 37th and up-and-coming skier Cendrine Browne in 40th. Ustiugov and Northug rounded out the men’s podium, finishing just ahead of time-of-day winner Manificat of France. Harvey capped off an amazing Ski Tour Canada with a fifth-place finish overall. Babikov and Kershaw both secured top-20 results, coming in 14th and 16th, while Killick managed yet another top-30 day in 27th overall. Hoffman used the 19th-fastest course time of the day to be the first American across the line in 34th-position, while Erik Bjornsen also moved up to 42nd. www.skitrax.com

When all was said and done, Johaug and Johnsrud Sundby were 2016 Ski Tour Canada champions. But their awards did not stop there, as both were awarded the 2015/2016 FIS Distance and Overall World Cup Globes. “It has been a dream season,” said Johaug, having collected her second Distance and Overall Globes. In Johnsrud Sundby’s case, these were his second Distance and third overall titles. All participants agreed that the Ski Tour Canada was a great success. “The organizers have done a great job. It’s been a success and I would love to come back,” said Oestberg. 2015/2016 FIS Veissmann Cross-country World Cup Final Standings Overall Sprint Men 1. Federico Pellegrino (ITA) 553; 2. Petter Northug (NOR) 476; 3. Finn Hagen Krogh (NOR) 414; CAN/US 10. Simi Hamilton (USA) 222; 18. Alex Harvey (CAN) 143; 27. Andy Newell (USA) 96; 35. Len Valjas (CAN) 62; 55. Jesse Cockney (CAN) 26; 65. Erik Bjornsen (USA) 17; 101. Knute Johnsgaard (CAN) 1; Women 1. Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR) 726; 2. Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg (NOR) 646; 3. Stina Nilsson (SWE) 602; CAN/US 7. Sophie Caldwell (USA) 303; 8. Jessie Diggins (USA) 297; 14. Sadie Bjornsen (USA) 193; 23. Ida Sargent (USA) 108; 52. Dahria Beatty (CAN) 16; 68. Maya MacIsaac-Jones (CAN) 2. Overall Distance Men 1. Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR) 1,444; 2. Maurice Manificat (FRA) 763; 3. Niklas Dyrhaug (NOR) 729; CAN/US 13. Alex Harvey (CAN) 422; 29. Devon Kershaw (CAN) 128; 32. Ivan Babikov (CAN) 106; 38. Noah Hoffman (USA) 87; 58. Graeme Killick (CAN) 31; 67. Erik Bjornsen (USA) 15; Women 1. Therese Johaug (NOR) 1,533; 2. Heidi Weng (NOR) 1,145; 3. Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg (NOR) 976; CAN/US 9. Jessie Diggins (USA) 547; 14. Sadie Bjornsen (USA) 338; 28. Liz Stephen (USA) 136; 43. Rosie Brennan (USA) 31; 46. Caitlin Gregg (USA) 26; 55. Katharine Ogden (USA) 16; 62. Chelsea Holmes (USA) 12; 70. Caitlin Patterson (USA) 8; 75. Sophie Caldwell (USA) 4. Overall World Cup Men 1. Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR) 2,634; 2. Petter Northug (NOR) 1,602; 3. Finn Hagen Krogh (NOR) 1,584; CAN/US 7. Alex Harvey (CAN) 889; 32. Simi Hamilton (USA) 222; 35. Devon Kershaw (CAN) 204; 38. Ivan Babikov (CAN) 186; 54. Noah Hoffman (USA) 123; 62. Andy Newell (USA) 96; 73. Len Valjas (CAN) 62; 82. Graeme Killick (CAN) 47; 97. Erik Bjornsen (USA) 32; 100. Jesse Cockney (CAN) 26; 152. Knute Johnsgaard (CAN) 1; Women 1. Therese Johaug (NOR) 2,681; 2. Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg (NOR) 2,302; 3. Heidi Weng (NOR) 2,172; CAN/US 8. Jessie Diggins (USA) 1,128; 14. Sadie Bjornsen (USA) 735; 27. Sophie Caldwell (USA) 307; 33. Liz Stephen (USA) 184; 43. Ida Sargent (USA) 108; 54. Rosie Brennan (USA) 59; 73. Caitlin Gregg (USA) 26; 80. Katharine Ogden (USA) 16; 81. Dahria Beatty (CAN) 16; 86. Chelsea Holmes (USA) 12; 95. Caitlin Patterson (USA) 8; 101. Maya MacIsaac-Jones (CAN) 2. SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 27

COMP INTERNATIONAL

by Lex Treinen

Feb. 6-7 - Oslo, Norway Norway’s Martin Johnsrud Sundby charged from the gun to ski away from all of his opponents and take a huge victory in the 50km Classic at the legendary Holmenkollen Stadium, his fifth consecutive victory there. He beat his compatriot Niklas Dyrhaug and Russia’s Maxim Vylegzhanin. Harvey was 20th for Canada, just ahead of his teammate Devon Kershaw, who finished in 23rd. U.S.A.’s Noah Hoffman was 24th, and Graeme Killick squeaked into the points with a 30th-place finish. The next day in the women’s 30km Classic, Therese Johaug allowed for no surprises and smoked the rest of the field, finishing 3:46 ahead of fellow Norwegian Oestberg for the largest time-spread victory ever at the Holmenkollen. Finland’s Anne Kylloenen delivered her best-ever performance to finish third. Sadie Bjornsen was the top American in 22nd, just ahead of Liz Stephen in 23rd and Diggins in 25th. 28 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Nordic Focus

Feb. 3 - Drammen, Norway Petter Northug used his signature double-pole to win the 1.2km Classic sprint in downtown Drammen, Norway, besting two teammates, Ola Vigen Hattestad, who also skied without grip wax in second and Erik Brandsdal on Classic skis in third. It was Northug’s first Individual World Cup victory since 2014. Simi Hamilton was satisfied with an 11th place in his traditionally weaker Classic technique. Canada’s Alex Harvey, a Worlds silver medalist in the Classic sprint, was 20th and Len Valjas was 28th. In the women’s race, it was Norway again taking gold and silver with Maiken Caspersen Falla in first and Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg in second. Russia’s Natalia Matveeva surprised in third. Jessie Diggins of Team U.S.A. finished 13th after qualifying for the first time in Drammen, placing a strong seventh while Sadie Bjornsen ended up 18th with Sophie Caldwell in 19th. Andrea Dupont was the lone Canuck in 59th.

Nordic Focus

Toko/Ian Harvey

Nordic Focus

Americans Shine in Period Three on the World Cup

Feb. 11 - Stockholm, Sweden (clockwise from top) American Jessie DigRussia claimed the top step of the gins raced to a stellar second place in the women’s 1.6k freestyle sprint in Lahti. podium after a long stretch of Norwegian winners, as Nikita Kriukov Sophie Caldwell (USA) placed a strong 11th in Stockholm. blasted by Hattestad and Northug on the final straightaway to win his Solid results for the U.S.A.’s Sadie Bjornsen. first World Cup of the season. KriuAlaska’s Erik Bjornsen led the North Americans in the distances kov was the 27th qualifier, but was races at Falun and Lahti. able to best the top double-polers in the world in the final stretch of the downtown sprint. Harvey of Canada just missed the finals, finishing in seventh, while Hamilton ended up 21st and Andy Newell was 26th. In the women’s race, Falla won her fourth consecutive World Cup sprint, beating teammate Oestberg and local Swede Stina Nilsson, who settled for third. Caldwell was the top North American, finishing 11th after winning her quarterfinal for a strong debut in Stockholm. Diggins was 21st, while the other American women uncharacteristically didn’t qualify for the rounds. Feb. 13-15 - Falun, Sweden The U.S.A.’s Diggins raced to a fifth-place result in the women’s 5km Classic www.skitrax.com

Individual, just ahead of her teammate Sadie Bjornsen, who was seventh. Johaug claimed her 13th victory of the season, leading a Norwegian clean sweep with teammates Heidi Weng in second and Oestberg in third. In the men’s 10km Classic Individual Start, Erik Bjornsen led the North Americans with a 21st-place finish in a race won by Russian Vylegzhanin. Second place went to another Russian, Alexander Bessmertnykh, who finished 0.1 seconds ahead of third-place Maurice Magnificat of France. Johnsrud Sundby was fifth at 9.5 seconds back. In the women’s 10km Mass-Start Freestyle, World silver medalist Diggins finished fourth behind another Norwegian clean sweep. Johaug again won, ahead of Weng and Astrid Jacobsen, securing her 14th victory of the season. Stephen finished 15th, while World Cup newbie Caitlin Patterson earned her first points in 25th. In the men’s 15km Mass Start, Sergey Ustiugov finally got a victory, narrowly beating Italy’s Francesco De Fabiani in second, with Johnsrud Sundby in third. Kershaw was the top North American in 28th.

Feb. 20-21 - Lahti, Finland Diggins continued her recent climb in the results, nabbing a second-place podium spot in the women’s 1.6km Freestyle sprint behind Norwegian star Falla, with Weng in third. “It’s really exciting to be on the podium,” said Diggins. “The stadium was great and very loud with lots of fans. It was a lot of fun to compete here.” U.S.A.’s Sadie Bjornsen finished a solid 10th, while Caldwell was 13th. In the men’s race, the U.S.A.’s Hamilton was the top North American in 17th in a race won by Emil Iverson, leading a Norwegian sweep with Finn Hagen Krogh in second and Northug in third. In the women’s 15km Skiathlon, Sadie Bjornsen was the top North American, finishing in 15th ahead of Diggins in 17th and Patterson in the points again in 29th. Johaug won by more than a minute ahead of Weng and Oestberg. It was another Bjornsen to lead the American men, as Erik finished 27th in the 30km, while Johnsrud Sundby won with a 4.9-second margin over Krogh and third-placed Hans Christer Holund. For the final rounds of the FIS World Cup, see pages 22-27.

CXC News CXC Personal-Coaching Program Now is the time to kick-start a new training season! No better way to get ahead of the pack than with a personal coach who guides skiers every step of the way, making their ski season better than ever. Central Cross Country Ski Association’s (CXC) new personal-coaching program gives skiers access to training plans, weekly coach communication, video analysis and much more. The best part of the program? It’s available to anyone, anywhere in the United States. “[Its] focus on ski technique, balanced training plans suited to each individual and being involved with a program that has a fit for each generation of skier [has resulted in] a tremendous experience.” – CXC Master skier Since 2006, CXC has developed unique ways to periodize, monitor and adjust training based on performance-testing results. In addition to training development, CXC has also created a high-performance training centre in Madison, Wis. The training centre is equipped with a rollerski treadmill, complete with instant video-feedback equipment and wearable sensors to help athletes pinpoint their technique and training needs. With these tools, CXC has developed highly experienced coaches who work day-to-day with many high-level athletes. Two former CXC Team coaches have moved on to the US Ski Team coaching staff, supporting National Team athletes. Now CXC is offering all of these tools and insights to skiers ranging from beginners, to weekend-warrior racers, to skiers chasing the dream of completing a first marathon or moving up a wave in the Birkie, to elite-level athletes looking for professional coaching. “Big improvements in technique lead to faster times. With help from the CXC training program, I surpassed this year’s time goal by three minutes and lopped off a whopping 11 minutes from last year’s time.” – CXC Master skier CXC’s personal-coaching program has two levels of membership: the Expert Coaching Program and the Elite Coaching Program. No matter which program level individuals participate in, there are several valuable benefits included in each one. Both the Expert and Elite Coaching Program include: • A personal CXC/USSA Level-200 coach

• • • • • • • • •

An individual training plan Monthly training evaluation and adjustments if needed Unlimited email communication with the coach Weekly phone calls to go over training and questions the athlete may have Weekly remote video analysis through video upload for the athlete Easy access to log activity in the training plan through the Training Peaks Program Annual CXC Academy subscription Access to CXC Masters Team training camps Marathon wax-support service

Additional perks included in the Elite Coaching Program: • Up to three phone calls per week with the coach • Remote video analysis through video upload, up to three times a week Members of the personal-coaching program will also have access to performance testing at the CXC Center of Excellence in Madison. CXC coaches recommend at least two performance tests (ideally three) per year: one at the beginning of training, one mid-training period and one before the race season. A full performance test takes two days. The performance testing includes: • VO2 Max test (aerobic- and anaerobic-thresholds determination, intensity-level set-up, evaluation of oxygen-utilization efficiency at different levels of intensity) • Balance test • Flexibility test • Strength test • Technique evaluation (Classic and skate on a rollerski treadmill with instant feedback) • Poling-efficiency evaluation • Striding-/skating-efficiency evaluation Start the training season off strong with this one-of-a-kind personal-coaching program. Enhance training now to make the 2016-2017 season the best one yet.

Visit www.cxcskiing.org/personal-coaching for more information regarding this program or contact Yuriy Gusev at yuriy.gusev@cxcskiing.org. www.skitrax.com

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Biathlon

David Allen

#6 - Antholz-Anterselva, Italy - Jan. 21-24 Russia’s Olga Podchufarova won the 7.5km sprint in Italy for the women by shooting clean. Italy’s Dorothea Wierer was second and Russia’s Ekaterina Yurlova was third. No North Americans made the top 30. In the men’s 10km sprint, Germany’s Simon Schempp beat Russia’s Maxim Tsvetkov and Norwegian Tarjei Boe. Tim Burke led the North Americans, finishing 17th with one miss. Russia’s Yurlova took the victory in the Pursuit ahead of Switzerland’s Selina Gasparin, with Wierer in third. Russia continued its strong showing with a win in the men’s 12.5km Pursuit, as Anton Shipulin missed twice, but still overtook Schempp to win by 10.3 seconds. Johannes Thingnes Boe (NOR) skied into third place despite three misses. Burke dropped to 22nd, and Lowell Bailey moved from 32nd to 28th.

tive. “It’s just a wonderful, wonderful feeling.” The finish was the best ever for an American woman on the World Cup. Poland’s Guzik was third, 1.3 seconds behind Dunklee. Fourcade bested his competitors by 24 (far left) Team USA finished a seconds to take the win in the 12.5km Pursolid sixth in the men’s relay at Antholz-Anterselva, Italy. suit. Johannes Thingnes Boe was second and Russia’s Shipulin was third. Burke moved (left) The U.S.A’s Tim Burke grabbed two sixth-place finishes up from 20th to seventh, while Bailey also adat the final round. vanced to 14th, but Doherty dropped to 20th. In the women’s race, Soukalova held her start position to win by 34 seconds ahead of Kaisa Makarainen and Dorin-Habert. Dunklee dropped from second to fifth with four misses, while her teammate Clare Egan had a strong day, moving up from 32nd to 23rd. Dreissigacker also made gains from 27th to 24th. Norway won the men’s 4x7.5km relay by more than 30 seconds, beating France, who skied without its star, Fourcade. Germany was third. The U.S.A.’s team narrowly missed the podium by six seconds, taking fifth in a photo finish with Russia. The Czech Republic won the women’s 4x6km relay, overcoming 14 misses to win by 25.2 seconds. Ukraine’s team was second with 12 misses but no penalties, and Germany finished third. The U.S.A. placed 10th, while the Canadians were lapped.

France’s star-studded team won the women’s 4x6km relay, using eight spare rounds and no penalties. The Czech Republic skied into second and Russia raced to third. Team Canada skied into 14th place, while the U.S.A. was lapped. In the men’s relay, Russia got the better of Germany, winning by a second. Norway was third at 23 seconds behind the leaders. The U.S.A. finished a solid sixth, led by Leif Nordgren’s third leg, which was the fourth fastest on the day. Canada was 11th. #7 - Canmore, Alta. - Feb. 4-7 The World Cup moved to North America for its once-every-five-year tour, and the opening day’s men’s 10km sprint featured no surprises as Martin Fourcade (FRA) shot clean to beat Shipulin of Russia and Schempp of Germany. The U.S.A.’s Burke and Bailey were 23rd and 24th, while Canada’s Macx Davies was 25th. In the women’s 7.5km race, Olena Podhrushna of Ukraine shot clean to win by 7.5 seconds over Krystyna Guzik of Poland. Wierer of Italy was third. Julia Ransom of Canada finished 19th and American Hannah Dreissigacker was 28th. Italy’s Dominik Windisch was the surprise winner of the next day’s 15km Mass Start, besting Germany’s Benedikt Doll and France’s Quentin Fillon Maillet. Burke finished in seventh with three misses, while Canada’s Nathan Smith was 16th and Lowell Bailey (USA) was 20th. In the women’s 12.5km, Wierer of Italy won with just one miss ahead of Marie Dorin-Habert of France and Gabriela Soukalova of the Czech Republic. In the next day’s Single Mixed Relay, France’s star duo of Dorin-Habert and Fourcade dominated by more than 45 seconds over Austria, with Norway third, another 10 seconds back. Canada was 12th and the U.S.A. team was 16th. Germany won the Mixed Relay by a margin of 72 seconds, with Italy second and Norway third. The U.S.A. had a stellar day, just missing out on the podium, finishing two seconds behind the Norwegians. Dunklee skied the fifth-fastest opening leg, while Bailey delivered the fourth-fastest anchor. Canada was sixth, less than 10 seconds behind the Americans. #8 - Presque Isle, Me. - Feb. 11-13 Johannes Thingnes Boe won the 10km sprint, shooting clean to beat Shipulin by almost 30 seconds. Fourcade was third with one miss. The U.S.A. showed depth with three top-20’s: Doherty in 13th, Bailey in 15th and Burke in 20th. The women’s 7.5km race was won by yellow-bibbed Soukalova, who shot clean. In second was home-course favourite U.S.A.’s Dunklee, who also shot clean. “My family is here; so many friends and supporters are here,” said the Vermont na30 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

skitrax.com

Max Cobb

(above) Susan Dunklee shot clean for Sprint silver at home in Presque Isle, Me – the best-ever result for an American woman on the World Cup.

#9 - Khanty Mansiysk, Russia - March 17-20 The final races of the 2015-16 season started with a surprise win for Julian Eberhard of Austria, who shot clean in the 10km sprint to take his first-ever World Cup win. Germany’s Schempp was second, and his teammate Arnd Peiffer was third. Burke finished in sixth place with one miss. Finland’s Makarainen missed once, but won the women’s competition by three seconds over clean-shooting Soukalova. Norway’s Marte Olsbu finished in third and U.S.A.’s Dunklee was 25th. In the 10km Pursuit, Makarainen held off France’s Dorin-Habert, who finished 1.5 seconds behind the Finn. Italy’s Wierer was third at 5.7 seconds back. Dunklee moved up to 22nd, while Canada’s Ransom moved up to 34th. In the men’s 12.5km Pursuit, Schempp took an 8.5-second win, while Johannes Thingnes Boe of Norway made up almost a minute to move into second. Germany’s Erik Lesser was third. American Burke kept his start position to finish in sixth, while his teammate Bailey moved from 31st to 22nd. The Pursuit races ended up being the last races of the season, as the next day’s Mass-Start competitions were canceled after strong Siberian winds knocked over a light pole at the venue. IBU World Cup 2015/16 Final Overall Standings Men 1. Martin Fourcade (FRA) 1,152; 2. Johannes Thingnes Boe (NOR) 820, 3. Anton Shiplin (RUS) 806; CAN/USA 15. Tim Burke (USA) 467; 17. Lowell Bailey (USA) 443; 28. Nathan Smith (CAN) 338; 45. Sean Doherty (USA) 147; 55. Brendan Green (CAN) 80; 57. Leif Nordgren (USA) 66; 58. Macx Davies (CAN) 65; 68. Scott Gow (CAN) 44; 86. Christian Gow (CAN) 13; Women 1. Gabriela Soukalova (CZE) 413; 2. Marie DorinHabert (FRA) 336; 3. Dorothea Wierer (ITA) 327; CAN/USA 13. Susan Dunklee (USA) 182; 45. Rosanna Crawford (CAN) 59; 48. Hannah Dreissigacker (USA) 50; 52. Julia Ransom (CAN) 41; 57. Clare Egan (USA) 34; 73. Annelies Cook (USA) 16; 75. Zina Kocher (CAN) 14; 91. Sarah Beaudry (CAN) 3. www.skitrax.com

Nordic-combined

U.S. Ski Team/Tom Kelly

Seefeld, Austria - Jan. 29-31 Eric Frenzel struck in Seefeld, Austria on Day One of the Triple, winning his ninth consecutive race at the site of the 2019 World Championships. The German crossed the line 6.2 seconds ahead of Akito Watabe of Japan, who won the jumping portion, and German Fabian Riessle was third following Norwegian Jarl Riiber’s disqualification (due to a missing transponder). Bryan Fletcher of U.S.A. finished 20th with the third-fastest cross-country time. On Day Two, Frenzel set a record with his 10th-straight win at a venue as he eclipsed teammate Riessle in the overall World Cup standings. Watabe and Riessle held their spots from Day One. Bryan Fletcher moved up to ninth by the end of the day with the sixth-fastest ski time. On Day Three, Frenzel did the unthinkable, winning the “triple-Triple” – his third Triple victory in the three years it has taken place – and setting a record of 11 straight victories at a venue. Frenzel overcame a landing mishap that

gave him a 56-second deficit to eventual second-place finisher Watabe going into the cross-country race. Frenzel caught and passed Watabe just before the finish, while Riessle held on to third. American Bryan Fletcher had the fastest cross-country time of the day to finish seventh. Oslo, Norway - Feb. 6 Eighteen-year-old Riiber of Norway ended Frenzel’s winning streak, winning by 16 seconds. Veteran Watabe finished second and Frenzel was third in Oslo with the third-best jump. Bryan Fletcher again led the Americans with a 20th-place finish. Trondheim, Norway - Feb. 9-10 Joergen Graabak took his first win of the season in front of his home crowd in Trondheim, Norway, beating Frenzel by 5.1 seconds. Riiber finished third with the longest jump and the 26th-fastest ski time. Bryan Fletcher moved up 12 spots from his jump with the fifth-fastest cross-country time of the day, while Taylor Fletcher finished 28th. Frenzel returned to the top the next day to beat rival Watabe of Japan. Third went to Graabak, who finished almost a minute behind the leader. Aside from extending his overall World Cup lead, Frenzel’s 29th victory overtook his jumping coach Ronny Ackermann and moved him into second place on the list of all-time most victories held by Finland’s Hannu Manninen with 48. Bryan Fletcher finished 17th. Lahti, Finland - Feb. 19-21 World Cup leader Frenzel profited from the young Norwegian Riiber’s wrong turn at the very finish in Lahti, Finland, which left the 18-year-old disqualified for the third time this season. Frenzel ended 1.7 seconds ahead of Watabe, with whom he skied most of the race. Norway’s Jan Schmid was www.skitrax.com

third, 32 seconds behind. Taylor Fletcher was the top American in 24th. In the Team Sprint, Germany’s duo of Johannes Rydzek and Riessle took the win beating two Austrian teams, who out-sprinted Germany’s second team. Norway’s Riiber had another unlucky break and suffered a dislocated shoulder on one of the last laps and was forced to stop for help from his physiotherapist, while neither of U.S.A.’s two teams started in the cross-country portion. Riessle took another victory on the third day, this time in the Individual Gunderson, beating his teammate Frenzel by 5.1 seconds. Watabe was again on the podium another six seconds back. Bryan Fletcher was 25th and Taylor Fletcher was 28th. Kuopio, Finland - Feb. 23 In Kuopio, Finland, Rydzek took back 34 seconds after the jump to beat Watabe by 6.2 seconds, while Austrian veteran Willi Denifl surprised with his first podium appearance since 2014 to finish third. Bryan Fletcher had the second-best ski time to finish 12th. Val di Fiemme, Italy - Feb. 26-28 The second Team Sprint of the season saw the Norwegian duo of Magnus Krog and Graabak take the top spot, 6.7 seconds ahead of Germany 1 and France 1. The Norwegians led after the jumping by just one second over France and skied from the front. Germany’s Tobias Haug broke a ski pole during the race, but his partner Tino Edelmann managed to ski the team back up to second place by the finish. U.S.A.’s duo of the Fletcher brothers finished in sixth after starting the cross-country race in ninth. Gruber of Austria won the Individual Gunderson 37 seconds ahead of Frenzel, while Graabak finished third. American Taylor The U.S.A.’s Bryan Fletcher Fletcher was 24th, and Bryan Fletcher 26th. secured 20th overall for a top-20 The final day at Val di Fiemme was won by finish to his World Cup season. Norway’s Krog, who overtook the best jumper, Frenzel, to win by 5.8 seconds over his teammate Graabak. Riessle finished in third, but Frenzel’s fourth-place finish was enough to secure his fourth-straight World Cup title. Bryan and Taylor Fletcher finished in 25th and 26th respectively. Schonach, Germany - March 4-6 The final relay of the season saw Norway steal the show when Riessle crashed in the finish lane after tangling with Graabak. Austria ended up third at 22 seconds back. Germany’s team started the ski 24 seconds ahead of Norway, but were caught by the end of the first leg. Team U.S.A. finished in ninth out of nine starters. Day Two offered another exciting sprint finish, this time with a twist: Krog crossed the line first by a mere boot-length, but was disqualified for obstruction, giving Frenzel the win. Schmid ended up second and Watabe in third. Taylor Fletcher was 27th. The final World Cup of the 2015-16 season went to Norwegian Graabak, who bested Germany’s Riessle at the line. Lukas Klapfer of Austria was third, just 3.1 seconds back. Local Faißt had the best jump of the day and led Watabe going into the cross-country race by 27 seconds. Watabe faded in the long 15km ski, but held on to his second-place overall ranking. Taylor Fletcher was 23rd with the fastest cross-country time of the day. 2015/16 FIS Nordic-combined World Cup Final Overall Standings 1. Eric Frenzel (GER) 1,389; 2. Akito Watabe (JPN) 1,070; 3. Fabian Riessle (GER) 1,064; USA 20. Bryan Fletcher (USA) 235; 31. Taylor Fletcher (USA) 105. SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 31

Ski Jumping

Women’s Ski Jumping USA

Sapporo, Japan - Jan. 30-31 Slovenia swept the podium in Japan with Peter Prevc on top with a combined total of 299 points, Peter’s brother Domen in second, and Robert Kranjec in third for his first podium in two years. Japan’s Noriaki Kasai almost snuck on the podium, but ended in fourth. Kevin Bickner was the only American, and finished in 39th, while Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes of Canada was disqualified. The next day was a different story, with Norwegian world-record holder Anders Fannemel winning with jumps of 143.5 and 136.5 metres for a total of 265 points. Norway’s Andre Forfang was second, followed by Kasai, who gave home fans something to cheer about. Prevc, the World Cup leader, missed the podium for just the second time this season. Boyd-Clowes and William Rhoads of U.S.A. did not qualify for the final competition, finishing in 46th and 47th respectively. (clockwise from the top) Nita Englund (USA) led the North American women in 13th overall. Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes (Can) was the top North American man in 44th.

Oberstdorf, Germany - Jan. 30-31 Sara Takanashi won in Oberstdorf, getting her sixth straight win and setting Hill records in both rounds. Her jumps were 104.0 and 107.0 metres. Austrian Daniela Iraschko-Stolz and Slovenian Ema Klinec rounded the podium, more than 25 points behind Takanashi. Nita Englund had a fantastic eighth place for U.S.A. and Canada’s Taylor Heinrich was 23rd. Takanashi won again on the second day of competition, though with slightly shorter jumps of 102.5 and 97.0 metres. Iraschko-Stolz again jumped into second, 14 points back, and Maren Lundby, whose 104-metre jump was the longest of the day, finished third. Englund had another solid ninth-place finish, and Heinrich was 20th.

Ski Jumping Canada

FIS

Nordic Focus

Japan’s Sara Takanashi remains untouchable. Peter Prevc (SLO) dominated the men’s field.

Kraft of Austria was second and Kasai had a monster final jump of 143 metres to finish third. Boyd-Clowes was 46th and Nicholas Alexander of U.S.A. was 47th.

Oslo, Norway - Feb. 4 Takanashi was again the winner in Norway, this time with jumps of 137.5 and 136.0 metres to beat home-country hero Lundby by 20 points overall. Russia’s Irina Avvakumova was third. Canada’s Heinrich was 16th and U.S.A.’s Englund was 18th.

Vikersund, Norway - Feb. 12-14 Kranjec beat local Gangnes and Kasai to take a surprise win with huge jumps of 236 and 239.5 metres. Peter Prevc settled for fourth, missing the podium for just the third time. Canadian Boyd-Clowes snuck into the finals with a 29th place. American Alexander was 50th and teammate Bickner was 53rd. Prevc got his revenge the next day with the two longest flights of the day for his 10th win this season. He jumped 238.5 and 230 metres to beat second-place Forfang by almost 20 points. Kranjec of Slovenia was third. Boyd-Clowes was 38th. Prevc won again with massive jumps of 237 and 249 metres, despite sitting down at the landing of his second jump. Kraft of Austria was second and Andreas Stjernen of Norway was third. North Americans had a strong day, with Boyd-Clowes finishing 22nd and U.S.A.’s Bickner making the finals in 30th.

Hinzenbach, Austria - Feb. 6 Takanashi won her 40th World Cup victory to set the record for the most ski-jumping victories in all World Cup skiing. Her jumps of 93.5 and 93.0 metres beat hometown-hero Iraschko-Stolz and Lundby of Norway. It was also her ninth straight World Cup win. The North Americans were solid, with Englund in 10th and Heinrich in 16th. Takanashi continued the next day, winning her 10th straight World Cup with jumps of 98.0 and 90.0 metres. Austrians Iraschko-Stolz was second and Jacqueline Seifriedsberger was third for her second podium of the season. Englund finished ninth and Heinrich was 13th.

Ljubno, Slovenia - Feb. 13 Maja Vtic of Slovenia finally found a way to beat Takanashi, winning by a narrow margin of 4.5 points. She had two jumps of 91.0 metres to unseat the Japanese star for just the second time this season. Spela Rogelj of Slovenia gave the home fans something to cheer about with a third-place finish, while U.S.A.’s Englund had a great seventh place. The next day, Iraschko-Stolz again bested Takanashi, who finished fourth. Iraschko-Stolz finished with jumps of 91 and 95 metres, ahead of Slovenians Vtic and Chiara Hoelzl. Englund was 20th for the top North American result.

Oslo, Norway - Feb. 6-7 Slovenia didn’t disappoint in the Team competition in Oslo, beating the home-country Norwegians. All four Slovenians had jumps of more than 126 metres. The Norwegians were pulled by Kenneth Gangnes and Andre Tande, who landed jumps of 130 metres in the final round. Japan finished a surprise third, just 12 points ahead of the German team.

Lahti, Finland - Feb. 19-21 Takanashi wrapped up the overall World Cup title early by winning with 251.3 points. She finished ahead of Vtic and Yuki Ito, also of Japan. Vtic finished 12 points behind Takanashi. Englund jumped to 12th place, while her teammate Tara Geraghty-Moats had a solid 15th. Michael Hayboeck of Austria won the first day’s men’s competition with 128- and 129-metre jumps. Norway’s Tande was second and German star Severin Freund found his way back to the podium after a seven-competition-long hiatus. Boyd-Clowes just missed the finals in 31st. After the Team competition was canceled the next day due to high winds, Hayboeck won again with 98.5- and 100-metre jumps. This time,

Trondheim, Norway - Feb. 10 Prevc battled difficult winds to win again in Trondheim, jumping 135 and 132 metres, while his main opponents for the overall World Cup struggled. Stefan 32 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

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he beat Germany’s Karl Geiger, who scored his first-ever podium, and Taku Takeuchi, on the podium for the first time since 2013. Boyd-Clowes was 41st. Kuopio, Finland - Feb. 22-23 Norway’s team handily won the Team competition in Kuopio, with Tande, Forfang, Fannemel and Gangnes all jumping more than 126 metres. Tande set a Hill record with a 136-metre jump. Germany ended in second, 54.4 points back, while Japan settled for third, just ahead of Slovenia. The next day, Hayboeck of Austria completed his hat trick by winning his third straight race in Finland, this time with jumps of 131 and 129 metres. Tande of Norway and Kraft of Austria finished in second and third. Boyd-Clowes was 33rd. Almaty, Kazakhstan - Feb. 27-28 Takanashi won the maiden competition of the ski-jumping women’s World Cup in Almaty, jumping 101 and 103 metres for 252.6 points. Austrians Iraschko-Stolz and Seifriedsberger were second and third, seven and 13 points back respectively. Englund was eighth and Geraghty-Moats just missed the top 10 in 12th. Prevc again won the men’s with jumps of 141 and 137.5 metres. He beat Hayboeck and Freund. U.S.A.’s Rhoads was 45th. Takanashi took an incredible 14th win this season the next day, jumping 96.5 and 102.0 metres and grabbing 236.9 points. Iraschko-Stolz again was second for her eighth time this season, while Vtic was third. Englund was seventh in the final women’s competition, Geraghty-Moats was 15th and Heinrich finished in 17th. Prevc won the second day as well, with jumps of 139.5 and 139, his 13th win of the season. That number tied the all-time record for men and secured him his overall World Cup title. Freund set a Hill record, but settled for second, ahead of Tande of Germany. Michael Glasder of U.S.A. was 48th. Wisla, Poland - March 4-5 Czech Roman Koudelka won the first competition in Poland – his first of the season – jumping 127.5 and 133 metres to beat first-round leader Gangnes. Third place went Kasai of Japan. Boyd-Clowes was 30th and U.S.A.’s Bickner was 46th. The second day in Wisla was canceled due to winds. Titisee-Neustadt, Germany - March 12-13 Forfang won his first World Cup in the first day at Titisee-Neustadt. World Cup leader Prevc was second, just four points back, while Gangnes jumped up from 11th in the first round to finish third with a 140-metre jump. Boyd-Clowes was 34th for Canada, Glasder was 35th for U.S.A. and his teammate Alexander was 47th. As in the previous weekend, the second day of competition was canceled due to winds. Planica, Slovenia - March 17-20 Prevc won in front of a home crowd at the final round for his 14th victory this season. His jumps of 223 metres and 232 metres put him seven points ahead of Forfang and gave the 23-year-old the all-time record for wins in a season, as well as World Cup points scored. Prevc’s teammate Kranjec was third. Boyd-Clowes finished a solid 18th and U.S.A.’s Bickner was 32nd. Prevc settled for second the next day behind Kranjec, who jumped 223.5 and 236 metres. Prevc was sitting back in sixth after the first round, but his second jump was the longest of the day. Forfang was third. Boyd-Clowes continued his streak with a 19th place. The last day’s Team competition finally saw the Slovenians unseated, as Norway took a win with Fannemel, Tande, Gangnes and Forfang posting 1,627.4 points, almost 80 points ahead of the second-place Slovenians. Fans still had something to cheer about though, as Prevc posted the longest jump of the day in 246 metres, but held their breaths as Austria finished only 0.1 points back of Slovenia.

FIS Ski-jumping 2015/16 Final Standings Men 1. Peter Prevc (SLO) 2,303; 2. Severin Freund (GER) 1,490; 3. Kenneth Gangnes (NOR) 1,348; CAN/USA 44. Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes (CAN) 50; 77. Kevin Bickner (USA) 1; Women 1. Sara Takanashi (JPN) 1,610; 2. Daniela Iraschko-Stolz (AUT) 1,139; 3. Maja Vtic (SLO) 908; CAN/USA 13. Nita Englund (USA) 339; 20. Taylor Heinrich (CAN) 226; 28. Tara Geraghty-Moats (USA) 92; 51. Atsuko Tanaka (CAN) 3. www.skitrax.com

NEWS ON DEMAND skitrax.com pedalmag.com SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 33

COMP U23

by Nelson Allan

Junior / U23 World Championships

Day One – Feb. 22, 2016 The week kicked off with the 1.3km freestyle sprints in warm, wet and sloppy conditions. The U.S.A.’s Logan Hanneman led the North Americans, placing 15th, with Canada’s Julien Locke close behind in 16th in the U23 men’s race. For the U23 women, it was Canadian Jennifer Jackson leading in 29th at her Worlds debut, with Kelsey Phinney finishing as the top U.S. skier in 34th. In the quarterfinals, Hanneman finished third at 2.57 seconds behind in his heat and was unable to move on as the Lucky Loser. Locke had a strong quarterfinal, also finishing third, less than a second from the lead in a tight heat. For the juniors, it was American Julia Kern (Stratton Mountain School) leading the way as the top junior woman in 16th, followed by Canada’s Marie Corriveau (CNEPH) placing 25th overall. In the junior men’s races, Henry Harmeyer placed 35th overall, while Antoine Blais (CNEPH) led the Canadians in 41st, both within seconds of qualifying for heats. The quarterfinals were close, and Kern finished fourth in her heat only 2.08 seconds from qualifying for the semifinals, ending up 16th. Corriveau pushed hard in the quarterfinal, but didn’t advance, finishing in sixth and moving up four spots from qualification to 25th. Day Two – Feb. 23, 2016 Warm conditions continued in Romania as the Individual-start Classic races took place. The U.S.A.’s Katharine Ogden (Stratton Mountain School) impressed as the top North American in 13th in the junior women’s 5km race, followed by teammate Kern in 18th. Canada was again led by Corriveau, who finished the day in 37th. The junior men’s 10km Classic race saw Cully Brown of the University of Vermont lead the U.S. junior men in 35th, while Canada’s Ryan Jackson (Hardwood/Carleton University) was the top Canuck in 46th. Heather Mooney (Craftsbury Nordic Ski Club) led the North American women in the U23 women’s 10km Classic race in 38th place, followed closely by Canada’s Frédérique Vézina (CNEPH) in 39th. World Cup contenders were present, as Russia’s Anastasia Sedova snatched first from Germany’s Victoria Carl by 13.1 seconds, followed by the Czech Republic’s Petra Novakova in third. Three U23 U.S. men made it into the top 30, as Northern Michigan University’s Adam Martin finished 23rd, Patrick Caldwell (Stratton Mountain School) finished close behind in 27th, followed by Kyle Bratrud (CXC Team) in 29th. Scott Hill brought home Canada’s best result overall, finishing in 36th. 34 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Reese Brown

ith efforts by the International Ski Federation to expand its reach into developing markets, the World Junior/U23 Ski Championships got underway in Rasnov, Romania from Feb. 22-26. Fears of having to cancel events due to a lack of snow and warm temperatures meant that some events were moved up to earlier time slots. In addition, athletes were forced to train on rollerskis in the days leading up to the Championships so as not to compromise the available snow.

American Katharine Ogden Day Three – Feb. 25, 2016 was the top North American, With Individual freestyle races being moved landing two 13th-place up a day and replacing the originally planned results at the Junior/U23 Skiathlon due to conditions, the U.S.A.’s Ogden Nordic World Championships in Rasnov, Romania. was again the top North American on the day, landing in 13th in the junior women’s 10km. Hannah Mehain led the Canadians in 54th. U.S. Ski Team Development Coach Bryan Fish commented on Ogden’s success, saying, “Katharine had an awesome day and was consistent in her race today, as well as in the results.” Ian Torchia skied his way into the top 15 in the junior men’s 15km race, just about 20 seconds shy of the top 10. Canada’s Joey Foster led the Canucks with a 33rd placing on the day. Temperatures dropped overnight and snow conditions greatly improved for what would be the last day of racing for the U23’s. In the men’s 15km Individual freestyle race, Caldwell (Stratton Mountain School) led the American U23 men, finishing 21st, just 1.3 seconds out of the top 20. Canada’s Jack Carlyle had a strong race, finishing 32nd, three seconds from the top 30, with Alexis Dumas close behind in 38th. On the U23 women’s side, Vézina was the top Canadian in 35th, followed by the U.S.A.’s Felicia Gesior (Northern Michigan University) in 38th, with Phinney in 39th.

Day Four – Feb. 26, 2016 The juniors wrapped up the competition in Rasnov with the Team relays. The American women saw high points, including Kern starting out the relay strong, moving up to third before getting tangled up in a fall, bumping the U.S. to 12th before the hand-off to Ogden. With only 2.5 kilometres to make up time, Ogden delivered gutsy moves throughout the second leg to move the U.S. into fifth at the hand-off to Vivian Hett. The Americans settled for eighth on the day. Canada did not field a team due to illness. In the men’s 4x5km relay, Norway dominated the race to finish more than 45 seconds ahead of Russia. France finished third. The American men finished in 11th place overall after anchor Zak Ketterson clawed back five places on his lap. The Canadian men rounded out their World Junior Championships with a 15th-place finish. www.skitrax.com

Nordic Focus

American Sean Doherty won the junior men’s 12.5km Pursuit for his 10th podium, ending his junior career as the most decorated athlete at Youth/ Junior World Championships.

IBU Junior/Youth World Championships

he 2016 International Biathlon Union (IBU) Junior/Youth World Championships were held in Cheile Gradistei, Romania from Jan. 27-Feb. 2.

Individual Start Germany’s Marina Sauter had two misses to beat Myrtille Begue of France and Marketa Davidová of the Czech Republic for the win in the youth 10km Individual competition. Megan Bankes of Canada overcame six misses to finish 19th, the only North American to finish in the top 30. Teo Sanchez of Canada was a strong 13th, while Adam Runnalls was 17th, despite four misses, while Harald Oeygard and Aleksander Fjeld Andersen from Norway took the top two spots in the 12.5km youth men’s competition with one miss apiece. Michael Durand of Italy finished third. In the junior women’s race, American Maddie Phaneuf had two misses, but managed to finish in an excellent fifth place, while Susanna Kurzthaler of Austria shot clean to beat Ukrainian Anastasiya Merkushnya, who had one miss. Austrian Julia Schwaiger shot clean as well and finished third. Leilani Tam von Burg of Canada was 30th with two misses. American Sean Doherty claimed third in the 15km junior men’s race for his eighth Junior Championships medal. Austrian Felix Leitner won by a decisive 1:50 over Italian Andrea Baretto, who shot clean. “Today I felt strong on the skis and in control on the shooting range. I’m looking forward to the sprint and to more racing to come,” said Doherty post-race.

Pursuit Canada’s Bankes was 18th and teammate Moser finished 24th, as Kazakhstan won its first gold of the Championships in the youth women’s 7.5km Pursuit courtesy of Arina Pantova, with one miss to grab a 3.4-second victory over Ukraine’s Kryvonos, who missed three shots. Another minute back was Sauter of Germany in third, who missed twice. Phaneuf missed four shots and dropped from seventh to ninth in the junior women’s race won by Öberg, who shot clean for Sweden’s third straight junior women’s medal. Switzerland’s Häckl, who missed six shots, was second and Chloé Chevalier of France missed two shots for third. Russia dealt another blow to the rival Norwegians, taking the top two spots in the youth men’s 10km Pursuit, as Maleev won with two misses ahead of Malinovskii, who was 1:07 back despite seven misses. Oeygard of Norway took the last podium spot, 1:13 behind the winner with two misses. Canada’s Sanchez finished 17th with one miss, while Runnalls was 19th with four misses. In the junior men’s 12.5km Pursuit, Doherty continued his podium climb, moving up to the top spot with two misses to take a 29.6-second win over the Russian Nikita Porshnev. Leitner of Austria missed three shots and dropped to third. It was Doherty’s 10th podium, ending his junior career as the most decorated athlete at Youth/Junior World Championships. “I could not be happier right now,” said Doherty. “This race today was the perfect way to end my career as a junior. I could not have even imagined a better race.”

Sprint Canadian Nadia Mosner led the North Americans, finishing 19th with one miss in the prone in the youth women’s 6km sprint, while Norwegian Karoline Erdal won by 28.5 seconds over compatriot Emilie Ågheim Kalkenberg. The Ukraine’s Anna Kryvonos was third. The top three all had one miss in the standing session on the range. In the junior women’s 7.5km sprint, American Phaneuf had another strong result, claiming seventh with one miss at 36 seconds behind winner Hanna Öberg of Sweden, who shot clean to win by just 0.6 seconds over Lena Häckl of Switzerland, who had two misses. Anna Magnusson of Sweden was third at 12 seconds back, while Canadian Tam von Burg was 28th with one miss. In the youth men’s 7.5km, Canada’s Sanchez had one miss, finishing 17th, while his teammate Runnalls was 21st with two misses. Igor Malinovskii of Russia took the win by 26.3 seconds ahead of Norway’s Endre Stroemsheim, who shot clean. Russia’s Viacheslav Maleev was third with two penalties. In the men’s junior 10km, Doherty improved to take silver at 30 seconds behind Leitner of Austria, who won for the second day in a row, with David Zobel of Germany in third.

Relays Canada’s team of Emily Dickson, Moser and Bankes finished 10th at 3:51 behind Russia, who struck again in the 3x6km youth women’s relay with Iaroslava Pervakova, Valeriia Vasnetcova and Polina Shevnina, winning by 24 seconds over the Czech Republic. Norway’s team was third, with 11 misses and one penalty, while the U.S.A. team finished 16th, at 8:27 behind. In the junior women’s 3x6km relay, Norway was the clear winner, beating Sweden by 15 seconds and Austria by 55 seconds. The U.S.A. was 12th despite Phaneuf’s fourth-best opening-leg time, while Canada did not finish. Canada’s team of Sanchez, Runnalls and Zachari Bolduc finished a stellar fifth, missing just five shots in the youth men’s 3x7.5km. Norway scored a win over the strong Russian team, winning by 39 seconds. The next-best team, Italy, was 2:06.9 behind, while the U.S. team was 15th, nearly eight minutes behind. Russia had the final word of the day, dominating the junior men’s 4x7.5km race by missing just two shots for a 1:59.6 win over Germany. The Czech Republic finished in third, another minute back, while Norway finished a disappointing fourth. Canada’s team was 14th with eight penalties, 11:12 back, while the U.S. team raced without star Doherty to finish 18th, at 17:33 back. – NS

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SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 35

COMP BIATHLON

by Nick Stapleton

Biathlon World Championships Recap

he Canadian men’s Relay Team captured a historic brilliant bronze at the Biathlon World Championships in Oslo, Norway from March 4-13, bringing a nation to its feet, while France’s Simon Fourcade did much the same, taking home four golds.

Mixed Relay France’s star anchor Martin Fourcade bested a pack of four teams for a four-second win in the opening race of the Championships. It was Ukraine’s team that had a narrow edge of less than a second going into the final leg, but Fourcade missed just once and was able to finish ahead of Germany’s Simon Schempp and Norway’s Tarjei Boe. In the first leg, Team U.S.A. got a big lift as Susan Dunklee charged to the front with Norway’s Marte Olsbu only 1.6 seconds back. France’s Anais Bescond was a distant 35 seconds behind after the first leg. But Norway’s Tarjei Boe was no match for Fourcade, settling for the silver. Germany, meanwhile, skied consistently with France and ended only 4.3 seconds back of the winners in third. The U.S. squad could not hold onto Dunklee’s heroic effort and steadily dropped in the rankings to end in 10th at 2:19.6 behind the leaders. Canada was another 10 seconds behind in 11th. Men’s 10km Sprint Yellow-bib wearer Fourcade proved he was in shape for the Championships, skiing away with a 26.9-second win over 43-year-old Norwegian legend Ole Einar Bjoerndalen. Third place went to Serhiy Semenov of Ukraine. The topthree racers shot clean, while fourth place went to Johannes Thingnes Boe, who had to ski one penalty loop. U.S.A.’s Tim Burke had one miss and finished 14th, while his teammate Leif Nordgren shot clean, but ended 18th. Brendan Green was the top Canadian in 35th. Women’s 7.5km Sprint Tiril Eckhoff of Norway shot clean to win the first Individual race by 15 seconds over France’s Marie Dorin-Habert, who also shot clean. Germany’s Laura Dahlmeier, who was recovering from an illness, was third with one miss. U.S.A.’s Dunklee continued her fantastic week and ended eighth despite a miss, while her teammate Hannah Dreissigacker was 18th, shooting clean. Julia Ransom was the top Canadian in 50th. Men’s 12.5km Pursuit Fourcade made it two Individual golds in a row with his Pursuit win, besting Norwegian legend Bjoerndalen by 20.1 seconds. Norwegian Emil Hegle Svendsen took the bronze another 11.1 seconds back despite starting 1:16 behind. Svendsen missed only once, while Fourcade had three misses and Bjoerndalen had two. Nathan Smith was the top Canadian in 15th with two misses, and Burke was the top American in 17th with three missed shots. Women’s 10km Pursuit Germany’s Dahlmeier shot clean to make up a 20-second handicap and win the women’s Pursuit. Dorothea Wierer of Italy was second, 38 seconds behind Dahlmeier, while Dorin-Habert, who started the day in second, dropped to 36 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

(above) Susan Dunklee led a stellar first leg in the Mixed Relay and was eighth in the women’s sprint for a superb week. (left) Martin Fourcade took home a monumental four golds. (opposite) Canada’s (l-r) Brendan Green, Scott Gow, Nathan Smith, and Christian Gow scored a historic brilliant bronze in the men’s relay.

third with three misses. Eckhoff, who started the day in first, dropped back to 17th after seven misses. The top American spot went to Dunklee, who missed one shot prone and three shots standing and fell from eighth to 10th in the final. Canada’s Rosanna Crawford finished 27th with four misses. Women’s 10km Individual Frenchwoman Dorin-Habert led her teammate Bescond to the top spots of the podium. Both had one miss in the final standing round, but their overall efforts saw them finish more than a minute ahead of Germany’s Dahlmeier, who had two penalties. The top-three women also had the fastest cross-country times. Crawford finished 14th as top North American while Dunklee placed 18th. Men’s 20km Individual Fourcade kept his streak going, eking out a narrow 5.1-second victory over two Austrians, Dominik Landertinger and Simon Eder, who both shot clean. Fourcade had the fastest cross-country time by 30 seconds and grabbed his fourth gold of the Championships. American veteran Lowell Bailey finished in 15th, Canadian Scott Gow was 18th and American Nordgren snuck into the top-30 in 27th. 4x6km Women’s Relay Norway’s team of Eckhoff, Olsbu, Synnoeve Solemdal and Fanny Horn Birkeland won the women’s relay ahead of France and Germany. Norway finished 5.1 seconds ahead of France, who finished the first leg more than a minute behind the leaders, but came within eight seconds by the second leg. Coming into the final leg, Olsbu had a 28-second lead over Dorin-Habert of France, but the Norwegian was able to hold off the world champion, who skied the fastest final leg of the day despite two missed shots. The American team finished the www.skitrax.com

photos: Nordic Focus

day in 13th, while Canada faded to 15th after a fantastic second leg by Crawford, who tagged off to the third leg with the race lead. 4x7.5km Men’s Relay Team Canada’s Gow brothers, Smith and Green, stole the show with a brilliant bronze as Norway handily beat Germany, winning by 14 seconds. On the first leg, Christian Gow handed off to Smith with just a 14.7-second gap to the race leader, Erik Lesser of Germany, while the U.S.A.’s Bailey was strong in second. Smith had a spectacular leg and moved Canada up to third, just 1.2 seconds behind the leaders. Smith’s time was only beat by Simon Eder of Austria. Scott Gow held his own on the third leg earning the fifth-fastest time to maintain Canada’s third-place position despite three missed shots in the standing position. Anchor Green delivered on the final leg shooting clean to finish a spectacular historic third just 23 seconds behind the first-place Norwegians, who captured the gold. “We have trained together for years in Canmore, every day, year after year, twice a day,” Smith said after the race. “We are a real team, so that makes it so much sweeter.” France finished a disappointing ninth with 10 misses. Women’s 12.5km Mass Start Dorin-Habert fed another defeat to the Norwegian home crowd, shooting clean to best German Dahlmeier and Kaisa Makarainen of Finland, who both had one miss. With the win, Dorin-Habert achieved six medals in the Championships, three of which were golds. American Dunklee finished her solid Championships in 11th place despite three misses, and her teammate Dreissigacker was the only other North American to qualify for the top-30, ending her biathlon career in 27th. Men’s 15km Mass Start Twenty-two-old Norwegian Johannes Thingnes Boe was finally able to break Fourcade’s streak, taking a home a solid victory in the men’s 15km Mass Start to the delight of the partisan crowd on the final day in Oslo. Both had one miss in the final round, but the Norwegian was able to outski the Frenchman in the last kilometre, finishing 2.8 seconds ahead. “My body was just empty today, and when I saw Johannes come up behind, I felt that my chances were not so good,” Fourcade said after the race. Bjoerndalen completed his Championships with another medal, this time bronze. Bailey of the U.S.A. skied into 10th with near-perfect shooting, his teammate Burke was 12th, while Nordgren did not finish. No Canadians qualified for the final start. www.skitrax.com

2016 IBU Biathlon World Championships March 3-13, 2016 – Oslo, Norway March 3 - Mixed 2x6+2x7.5km Relay 1. France (0+8) 1:14:01.0; 2. Germany (0+7) 4.3; 3. Norway (0+10) 14.4; CAN/US 10. USA (0+5) 2:19.6; 11. Canada (0+11) 2:30.8. March 5 - Men’s 10km Sprint 1. Martin Fourcade (FRA) (0+0) 25:35.4; 2. Ole Einar Bjoerndalen (NOR) (0+0) 26.9; 3. Sergey Semenov (UKR) (0+0) 27.6; CAN/US 14. Tim Burke (USA) (0+1) 1:09.1; 18. Leif Nordgren (USA) (0+0) 1:16.8; 29. Lowell Bailey (USA) (1+0) 1:34.8; 35. Brendan Green (CAN) (0+1) 1:44.1; 43. Sean Doherty (USA) (1+1) 1:56.5; 46. Nathan Smith (CAN) (1+3) 1:58.7; 47. Scott Gow (CAN) (0+2) 2:03.6; 58. Macx Davies (CAN) (0+1) 2:22.0. March 5 - Women’s 7.5km Sprint 1. Tiril Eckhoff (NOR) (0+0) 21:10.8; 2. Marie-Dorin Habert (FRA) (0+0) 15.0; 3. Laura Dahlmeier (GER) (1+0) 19.8; CAN/US 8. Susan Dunklee (USA) (0+1) 48.2; 18. Hannah Dreissigacker (USA) (0+0) 1:18.0; 29. Rosanna Crawford (CAN) (1+0) 1:34.0; 50. Julia Ransom (CAN) (0+1) 2:14.6; 63. Annelies Cook (USA) (0+1) 2:32.0; 71. Sarah Beaudry (CAN) (0+2) 2:28.8; 82. Zina Kocher (CAN) (2+3) 3:28.0; 84. Clare Egan (USA) (0+1) 3:47.5. March 6 - Men’s 12.5km Pursuit 1. Martin Fourcade (FRA) (0+0+1+2) 32:56.5; 2. Ole Einar Bjoerndalen (NOR) (1+0+0+1) 20.1; 3. Emil Hegle Svendsen (NOR) (0+0+0+1) 31.2; CAN/ US 15. Nathan Smith (CAN) (0+1+1+0) 1:23.2; 17. Tim Burke (USA) (0+0+1+2) 1:27.3; 33. Brendan Green (CAN) (1+1+1+0) 2:32.9; 36. Lowell Bailey (USA) (0+0+2+3) 2:57.2; 45. Sean Doherty (USA) (0+2+1+2) 3:52.1; 49. Scott Gow (CAN) (0+3+1+2) 4:30.1; 52. Leif Nordgren (USA) (2+2+1+2) 5:10.8; 53. Macx Davies (CAN) (1+0+1+2) 5:26.8. March 6 - Women’s 10km Pursuit 1. Laura Dahlmeier (GER) (0+0+0+0) 30:49.2; 2. Dorothea Wierer (ITA) (0+1+1+0) 48.3; 3. Marie Dorin-Habert (FRA) (0+0+2+1) 57.3; CAN/ US 10. Susan Dunklee (USA) (0+1+3+0) 1:52.5; 27. Rosanna Crawford (CAN) (1+0+1+2) 3:14.9; 36. Hannah Dreissigacker (USA) (2+0+1+1) 3:43.2; 42. Julia Ransom (CAN) (0+0+2+1) 4:38.2. March 9 - Women’s 15km Individual 1. Marie Dorin-Habert (FRA) (0+0+0+1) 44:02.8; 2. Anais Bescond (FRA) (0+0+0+1) 12.2; 3. Laura Dahlmeier (GER) (1+0+1+0) 1:17.8; CAN/ US 14. Rosanna Crawford (CAN) (0+0+1+0) 2:15.3; 18. Susan Dunklee (USA) (1+1+1+0) 2:29.5; 20. Julia Ransom (CAN) (0+0+0+0) 2:33.5; 33. Hannah Dreissigacker (USA) (1+0+0+1) 3:45.2; 54. Zina Kocher (CAN) (1+1+2+0) 5:33.6; 60. Sarah Beaudry (CAN) (1+1+0+0) 6:02.3; 66. Clare Egan (USA) (0+3+0+1) 6:41.9; 77. Annelies Cook (USA) (4+2+1+0) 8:49.4. March 10 - Men’s 20km Individual 1. Martin Fourcade (FRA) (0+1+0+0) 49:13.9; 2. Dominik Landertinger (AUT) (0+0+0+0) 5.1; 3. Simon Eder (AUT) (0+0+0+0) 14.4; CAN/ US 15. Lowell Bailey (USA) (0+1+0+0) 2:43.7; 18. Scott Gow (CAN) (0+0+0+2) 3:04.9; 27. Leif Nordgren (USA) (0+1+0+1) 3:40.6; 34. Sean Doherty (USA) (1+0+1+0) 4:13.6; 42. Nathan Smith (CAN) (1+1+1+2) 5:08.3; 44. Tim Burke (USA) (0+1+0+3) 5:14.2; 46. Christian Gow (CAN) (2+0+0+1) 5:25.1; 47. Brendan Green (CAN) (0+1+1+1) 5:26.1. March 11 - Women’s 4x6km Relay 1. Norway (0+6) 1:07:10.0; 2. France (0+8) 5.3; 3. Germany (0+4) 28.6; CAN/US 13. USA (0+8) 3:47.1; 15. Canada (3+11) 4:48.6. March 12 - Men’s 4x7.5km Relay 1. Norway (0+6) 1:13:16.8; 2. Germany (0+5) 11.5; 3. Canada (0+5) 23.4; 8. USA (0+5) 1:27.3. March 13 - Women’s 12.5km Mass Start 1. Marie Dorin-Habert (FRA) (0+0+0+0) 35:28.5; 2. Laura Dahlmeier (GER) (0+0+1+0) 7.3; 3. Kaisa Makarainen (FIN) (0+0+1+0) 8.1; CAN/ US 11. Susan Dunklee (USA) (2+0+0+1) 1:00.4; 15. Rosanna Crawford (CAN) (0+1+1+0) 1:25.7; 27. Hannah Dreissigacker (USA) (0+2+1+1) 3:15.4. March 13 - Men’s 15km Mass Start 1. Johannes Thingnes Boe (NOR) (0+0+1+0) 37:05.1; 2. Martin Fourcade (FRA) (1+0+0+0) 2.8; 3. Ole Einar Bjoerndalen (NOR) (0+0+0+0) 6.7; CAN/US 10. Lowell Bailey (USA) (0+0+0+1) 41.7; 12. Tim Burke (USA) (0+0+1+1) 53.4; DNF Leif Nordgren (USA) (2+2+2+). SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 37

COMP CANADA

by Julie Melanson

CCC

Haywood Nordic Ski Nationals 2016

he 2016 Haywood Nordic Ski Nationals, held March 18-26 in Whitehorse, Yukon, had near 500 athletes and 46 Yukon Ski Team athletes competing in the largest event hosted in the Territory. Racing started with the Classic-ski Team Sprint as veteran Canmore, Alta. residents Jesse Cockney and Ivan Babikov of Foothills Nordic won the men’s race. Yannick Lapierre and Patrick Stewart-Jones from the Nakkertok Club celebrated the silver medal, while Lappe Nordic athletes from Thunder Bay, Ont., Andy Shields and Evan Palmer-Charrette, skied to the bronze. Hometown girls Emily Nishikawa and Kendra Murray stormed to the top of the women’s podium. Nakkertok skiers Alexander Slobodian and Claire Grall-Johnson finished in second place, while Hardwood Hills athletes Madison Fraser and Isabella Howden rounded out the women’s podium in third place. In the 10km CL Individual Start, Alex Harvey of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que. smashed the men’s field, demonstrating that he is still in top shape, winning by nearly 90 seconds. Toronto, Ont.’s Len Valjas skied to the silver medal, while Knute Johnsgaard grabbed the third medal for Whitehorse athletes. Building on the Team Sprint title, Nishikawa did not disappoint. The hometown crowd who lined the trails saw her capture her second-straight National title, clocking the top time of 14:47.7 in the women’s 5km CL race. “It is so fun to be racing on my home course. It was another great race, and I’m super-happy to win my second gold medal in my hometown. The

38 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

(above) Justin Wadsworth Head Coach honoured at his last race following his resignation (l-r) Valjas, Johnsgaard, Nishikawa, Wadsworth, Killick, Babikov and Harvey. (facing left) Alex Harvey shown here leading the Freestyle Sprints was unbeatable adding three National titles to his resume. (facing right) Emily Nishikawa (l) captured three golds confirming she’s the top woman in Canada while Dahria Beatty took home her first National title and then added a second for good measure.

volunteers are doing an amazing job, and it is a real pleasure to race here,” said Nishikawa. Fellow Whitehorse resident Dahria Beatty had a silver-medal finish, while Katherine Stewart-Jones of Chelsea, Que. had a firm grasp on the bronze. In the men’s 15km skate-ski race, Harvey continued his show for Canada’s next generation of elite skiers, skiing to his second consecutive National title. Harvey battled it out with two of his World Cup teammates, with Babikov and Graeme Killick (Fort McMurray, Alta.) coming in second and third. “Of course, we are all a little tired at the end of the season, but I think it is really important for all National Team skiers to come to the championships when the schedule allows,” said Harvey, who had two World Cup podium performances this year. “I think giving the up-and-coming skiers the opportunity to race against us www.skitrax.com

finish to the season, grabbing her third bronze medal of the week. Harvey left Whitehorse and the 2015-16 season with a perfect record, having won his first three starts. Working well ahead of the field as a pack of three, Harvey, Killick and Babikov jostled up and down the rolling Whitehorse terrain for the final Canadian Championship crown. Killick went head to head with Harvey until the finish, but came up a hair short of taking down the leader of the men’s team, winning the silver medal. Babikov finished seven seconds off the pace in third. The nationals also saw Head Coach, Justin Wadsworth, recognized for his contributions as he announced his resignation following Ski Tour Canada. He was one of the most accomplished head coaches in the history of the Canadian National Ski Team with a breakthrough at the 2011 FIS Nordic World Championships while coaching Devon Kershaw and Harvey to historic gold in the team sprint - the first Canadian males

leads to the uphill finish. Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt (Morin Heights, Que.) claimed the silver, while Maya MacIsaac-Jones (Athabasca, Alta.) was third. It was a clash of the Canadian titans in the men’s sprint final. While Valjas was determined to end Harvey’s golden run in Whitehorse, Yukon, the duo were matched head-on in the final; but, in the end, it was Harvey securing his third consecutive victory. Julien Locke of Nelson, B.C. skied to the bronze medal. Nishikawa and Harvey were the big winners as the Haywood Ski Nationals came to a close. The Olympic veterans proved they are the top women’s and men’s cross-country skiers in the country after smashing the field in the grueling 30km- and 50km Classic-ski races to cap off a long 2015-16 season. Nishikawa, 26, captured her third gold medal of the week in the women’s marathon. The 2014 Olympian led wire-to-wire in the four laps around the track. The hometown girl thrilled the Whitehorse crowd with a golden time of 1:43.12. “That was a fun way to cap off the season. It has been so great getting the opportunity to race Nationals in Whitehorse,” said Nishikawa. “I had another great race today, and had a lot of fun out there! It has been inspiring watching the up-and-coming racers compete here.” Cendrine Browne of St-Jérôme, Que. was the next best finisher, more than three minutes off the pace. Katherine Stewart-Jones continued her steady www.skitrax.com

CCC

shows them the speed and technique they need to be successful internationally. I remember being a junior and juvenile and wanting to compare myself in real life to the top Canadian guys.” Beatty snagged her first National title in the 10km skate-ski race, finishing ahead of Nishikawa in a battle described by Beatty as a race of “who could suffer the most.” Katherine Stewart-Jones skied to her second-straight bronze medal in the women’s action. Beatty and Harvey continued their winning streak in Canada’s North in the freestyle sprint. Following a long, competitive season, Beatty somehow discovered another gear to win back-to-back gold medals on the two-lap course for her second-straight victory. She seemed to get stronger as the day progressed, lined up against six of Canada’s top female sprinters in the head-to-head women’s final of two laps around the 600-metre course that featured one large climb, tight corners and a downhill into the stadium that

2015/16 Haywood XC Nationals March 19-26 - Whitehorse, Yukon March 19 - Team CL Sprint 1.4km 2x3 Open Women 1. Whitehorse 4 (Kendra Murray, Emily Nishikawa) 21:44; 2. Nakkertok 2 (Alexandra Slobodian, Claire Grall-Johnson) 1:08; 3. Team Hardwood 1 (Madison Fraser, Isabella Howden) 1:19. March 20 - Open Men 10km CL 1. Alex Harvey (MSA/CNEPH-NST) 24:16; 2. Len Valjas (Team Hardwood/NST) 1:26; 3. Knute Johnsgaard (Whitehorse/AWCA-NST) 1:43; Open Women 5km CL 1. Emily Nishikawa (Whitehorse/NST) 14:47; 2. Dahria Beatty (Whitehorse/AWCA-NST) 6.3; 3. Katherine Stewart-Jones (Nakkertok Nordique/Lakehead/NDC TBay) 18.8. March 22 - Open Men 15km Free 1. Alex Harvey (MSA/CNEPH-NST) 32.36; 2. Ivan Babikov (Foothills Nordic/NST) 17.8; 3. Graeme Killick (Ptarmigan Nordic/NST) 57.6; Open Women 10km Free 1. Dahria Beatty (Whitehorse/AWCA-NST) 26:08; 2. Emily Nishikawa (Whitehorse/NST) 6.2; 3. Katherine Stewart-Jones (Nakkertok Nordique/ Lakehead/NDC TBay) 44.1. March 23 - Open Men 1.2km Free 1. Alex Harvey (MSA/CNEPH-NST); 2. Len Valjas (Team Hardwood/NST); 3. Julien Locke (Team Blackjack); Open Women 1.2km Free 1. Dahria Beatty (Whitehorse/AWCA-NST); 2. Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt (Fondeurs-Laurentides/AWCA-NST); 3. Maya MacIsaac-Jones (Rocky Mountain Racers). March 26 - Open Men 50km CL Mass Start 1. Alex Harvey (MSA/CNEPH-NST) 2:20:20; 2. Graeme Killick (Ptarmigan Nordic/NST) 0.711; 3. Ivan Babikov (Foothills Nordic/NST) 7.735; Open Women 30km CL Mass Start 1. Emily Nishikawa (Whitehorse/NST) 1:43:12; 2. Cendrine Browne (Fondeurs-Laurentides/CNEPH-NST) 3:45; 3. Katherine Stewart-Jones (Nakkertok Nordique/Lakehead/NDC TBay) 6:25. SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 39

COMP USA

by Lex Treinen

photos: Herb Swanson

U.S. Cross Country Ski Distance Championships

he third annual Mixed Team Relay kicked off the U.S. Cross Country Ski Distance Championships at Craftsbury Nordic on March 24-26. As in the previous two years, the dominant teams looked to be SMS T2 and APUNSC, both of which fielded strong contingents of World Cup podium finishers and SuperTour winners. APUNSC’s first-leg skier, Erik Bjornsen, skied away from SMS T2’s Simi Hamilton before two kilometres of the five-kilometre course. SMS T2’s second-team skier Ben Saxton finished the leg in second, as Hamilton trailed a minute behind Erik Bjornsen at the tag-off. APUNSC’s second-leg skier Rosie Brennan lost just two seconds to SMS’s Sophie Caldwell, while APU’s third-leg Scott Patterson gained another 20 seconds to give them a 1:23 gap going into the final leg. It was still not done deal, however, as SMS was anchored by Diggins, whose World Cup win earlier this year came in the very 5km distance and technique. After the first lap, Diggins had gained back some 20 seconds on APU’s anchor Chelsea Holmes, but it soon became clear that the gap was too big. Holmes coasted into the finish for APU’s third-straight relay victory over SMS T2. In fact, a composite team finished the race in second, but since the racers were not registered under the same club affiliation, their finish was unofficial. The official third place went to APU’s second team of Norris, Reese Hanneman, Becca Rorabaugh and Jessica Yeaton. Racers were given another day’s reprieve before the season-finale 30/50km Classic race. In the women’s race, Diggins finished with a clean sweep after winning the SuperTour final races as well, skiing away from the field after her first of nine laps. The hometown girls Ida Sargent and Caitlin Patterson took the next two spots, finishing just seven seconds apart.

40 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

(top) Jessie Diggins of Stratton SMS T2 was unstoppable in the women’s 30km CL race. (left) APU’s Erik Bjornsen took charge on the penultimate lap for men’s 50km CL title. (above) Final Mixed Relay podium (l-r): SMS T2, APU 1, APU 2

The men’s race proved to be more dynamic. After taking the first two intermediate sprint bonuses, Hoffman bonked on his final lap, turning in the 44th-fastest time and falling from third to seventh. Erik Bjornsen (APUNSC) meanwhile pushed steadily until the 13th lap, where he was finally able to drop Tad Elliott (Vail), who ended up in second. David Norris (APUNSC) meanwhile found himself in third after skiing most of the race on his own in fourth. Conditions during the race were slow, hot and slushy, and many of the top racers suffered bonks at some point during the race. Bjornsen finished the race in an unusually slow time of 2:43:56, at 1:39 ahead of Elliott. Because of the 15-lap course and the difficult conditions, all but the top-11 finishers were lapped by the leaders in the men’s competition.

2016 U.S. Long-distance National Championships March 24-26, 2016 - Craftsbury, Vt. Mixed 4x5km 1. APU 1 (Erik Bjornsen, Rosie Brennan, Scott Patterson, Chelsea Holmes) 48:57.9; 2. SMS T2 (Simi Hamilton, Sophie Caldwell, Patrick Caldwell, Jessie Diggins) 49:31.2; 3. APU 2 (Reese Hanneman, Becca Rorabaugh, David Norris, Jessica Yeadon) 50:50.5; Men’s 50km CL 1. Erik Bjornsen (USA) 2:43:56.7; 2. Tad Elliott (USA) 1:39.3; 3. David Norris (USA) 3:35.9; Women’s 30km CL 1. Jessie Diggins (USA) 1:29:54.4; 2. Ida Sargent (USA) 1:03.4; 3. Caitlin Patterson (USA) 1:11.3. www.skitrax.com

USSA SuperTour Finals Recap Organizers at snow-starved Craftsbury, one of the few venues in the East with any sort of skiing, pulled off an impressive 3.3km loop for the final races of the season. The week began with a 10/15km freestyle race. The women’s race held no surprises, as 2016 World Cup winner Jessie Diggins of SMS T2 skied away with a 36-second victory over APUNSC’s Sadie Bjornsen. Riitta-Liisa Roponen, a guest starter and World Cup veteran from Finland, finished third, ahead of the third American, Holmes (APUNSC). The men’s race proved to be a showdown between APUNSC’s Scott Patterson and US Ski Team veteran Noah Hoffman, racing for Ski and Snowboard Club Vail. Scott Patterson missed out on the win by a fraction of a second after getting a false split with 500 metres to the finish, www.skitrax.com

saying that he was 12 seconds ahead. Patrick Caldwell finished just 11 seconds back despite skiing his final lap with a broken-off pole tip. In the next day’s Classic sprint race, Diggins was on top of the women’s field again, winning the qualifier by seven seconds over local Ida Sargent of CGRP. That was the order of the final, with Rosie Brennan of APUNSC completing the podium in third after qualifying in the same place. The men’s qualifier was won by Logan Hanneman, the winner of the season’s first sprint in West Yellowstone, Mont. The younger Hanneman, Logan, couldn’t keep up with Erik Bjornsen or his older brother, Reese, in the final, and settled for third. Erik Bjornsen, who finished a disappointing 15th in the previous day’s distance race, said the late-season win was welcome. “I’m still mentally pretty motivated, but maybe the body is a little flat,” he said. With the men’s finish, APUNSC nailed a podium sweep. When the dust settled, Caitlin Patterson was the overall women’s series winner, while Eric Packer took home his first USSA SuperTour title as well winning the men’s series.

photos: Herb Swanson

USSA SuperTour Wrap Following the U.S. Nationals in early January low snow levels forced skiers to use an alternate course instead of the scheduled Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic venue in Lake Placid, N.Y. on Jan. 30-31. The first day’s freestyle sprint featured a long climb followed by a descent into the finish. Qualifications were won by birthday-girl Caitlin Patterson of Craftsbury Green Racing Project (CGRP) and University of Vermont (UVM) senior Cole Morgan. The heats proved a different story for Morgan, who gapped the field on the climb, but was passed on the long descent in his semifinal and didn’t advance to the final. David Norris of APUNSC, who qualified in 18th, proved to have the tactics right for the day, dropping back in the climb and tuck-skating the final downhill into the finish. He beat his APU Nordic Ski Center teammate Eric Packer for the win in the final, while newcomer Akeo Maifield-Carucci of Bridger Ski Foundation was third. In the women’s race, Caitlin Patterson was unable to hold on in the final metres and was outsprinted by Middlebury College’s Kelsey Phinney. Annie Hart of Stratton SMS T2 was third. The 15km Mass-Start Classic for the following day was rescheduled as a 10km interval start on a 2.5-km loop. Norris shocked Olympian Kris Freeman of Freebird with a 44-second win and got his second-ever SuperTour victory in two days. Lex Treinen of APUNSC was third, another 14 seconds back. Caitlin Patterson received a belated birthday win, dominating the field to take a one-minute victory over her teammate Kaitlynn Miller. Chelsea Holmes of APUNSC finished in third, just days after returning from a World Cup stint in Europe. The next weekend’s races on Feb. 6-7 were again changed due to snow conditions, this time moved from Stowe, Vt. to Craftsbury, Vt. Races again were held on a relatively flat, 2.5-kilometre loop with shortened distances for both men and women. Dartmouth skier Patty Caldwell had a dominant performance to win the 10km freestyle by nearly 40 seconds over Tad Elliott of Ski and Snowboard Club Vail. Freeman was third, one second behind Elliott. Hart (SMS T2) benefited from a late fall by Holmes (APUNSC) in the 5km race and took the women’s win by three seconds. Erika Flowers, also of SMS T2, was third. The next day, Flowers was on top in the 10km Classic race, beating junior teammate Julia Kern by 12 seconds. Local CGRP racer Liz Guiney was third, just ahead of Holmes of APUNSC, who opted to double-pole the relatively flat course. Nine of the top-10 men double-poled their race, and Freeman took a seven-second win over UVM’s Morgan, who is more known for his sprinting. Morgan’s teammate Joergen Grav, originally from Norway, was third. After a weekend off, racers headed for Hayward, Wis. for the American Birkebeiner, Feb. 18-20, which gives half-points for SuperTour finishers. The men’s field was stacked with European marathon teams, as a shortage of snow in Europe forced Worldloppet organizers to include the Birkebeiner in the series. Canada’s Ivan Babikov was also on the start line, as he was sent home after lacklustre results in the World Cup. It was Norris who shocked everybody when he sprinted down Main Street after 54 kilometres to take the American and overall win, which gave him a brand-new Slumberland mattress in addition to the $10,000 in prize money and the SuperTour points he accumulated. Frenchmen Ivan Perillat Boiteux and Benoit Chauvet were second and third. In the women’s race, Caitlin Gregg of Team Gregg waited until the final few kilometres to secure her record fourth women’s victory over Frenchwoman Aurelie Dabudyk. Flowers of SMS T2 was third.

(Top) APU’s Eric Packer snagged his first USSA SuperTour title, winning the overall men’s series. (above) Caitlin Patterson (Craftsbury Green Racing Project) topped the women’s field for her first USSA SuperTour title.

2016 USSA SuperTour Final Standings - March 21-23, 2016 Overall Men 1. Eric Packer (APU) 304; 2. David Norris (APU) 246; 3. Kris Freeman (Team Freebird) 236.5; Women 1. Caitlin Patterson (Craftsbury GRP) 411; 2. Annie Hart (Stratton SMS T2) 365; 3. Chelsea Holmes (APU) 337. Distance Leader Men 1. Scott Patterson (APU) 223; 2. Tad Elliott (Ski and Snowboard Club Vail) 204.5; 3. David Norris (APU) 199; Women 1. Chelsea Holmes (APU) 275; 2. Caitlin Patterson (Craftsbury GRP) 256; 3. Annie Hart (Stratton SMS T2) 197. Sprint Leader Men 1. Reese Hanneman (APU) 210; 2. Eric Packer (APU) 153; 3. Dakota Blackhorsevon Jess (Bend Endurance) 133; Women 1. Jennie Bender (Bridger Ski Foundation) 171; 2. Annie Hart (Stratton SMS T2) 168; 3. Kaitlynn Miller (Craftsbury GRP) 157. Grand National Champions Men Eric Packer (APU) 148; Women Caitlin Patterson (Craftsbury GRP) 240. SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 41

technique by Keith Nicol

Try the Circle Skate on Rollerskis

42 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

photos: Heather Nicol

ollerskis are increasingly becoming the “go to” summer and fall training tool for cross-country skiers. This is not surprising since rollerskis give the sensation of skiing, but without the snow. In this way, ski-specific workouts can be trained in the off-season. Rollerskis can be used for practising both Classic and skate technique – about the only techniques that don’t work on rollerskis are skidded turns such as snowplow or Christie-type turns. When I am giving clinics on rollerskis, I like to use some of the same drills that I use on snow, and a great one for improving skating is the circle skate. The circle skate aptly describes the manner in which this drill is done, and I find it useful for getting skiers to practise the idea of landing on a flat ski and pushing off an edged ski, both of which are crucial to good skating. One good aspect of the circle skate is that since the leg action occurs repeatedly on the same side, if you have trouble, say landing on a flat left ski, you can repeatedly practise this with drill. In photo 1, I am skating off my left ski. I have brought my right ski under my body and I am flexed at the ankles, knees and hips with my arms out for balance. Many skiers are too stiff in the joints and/or fail to bring their feet under their bodies. Both of these tend to unbalance skiers, and the last thing you need in the summer is a fall on pavement. In photo 2, I have now stepped on to a flat right ski. For any skating technique, riding a flat ski is essential to be able to glide as long as possible, and it one of the biggest challenges for most skiers. Next, I bring my left ski par-

allel to my right ski (see photo 3). This will set me up for repeating this – the skate-on-the-left, landflat-on-the-right-ski I skate in a circle. Be sure to practise the circle skate in both directions, and in photo 4, you can see me edging my right ski and getting ready to land on my left ski. Again, note how I have brought my feet under my body so that I can put my left ski down as flat as possible. Another difficulty for some skiers is the tendency to lean or bank into the turn, as shown in photo 5. This may unbalance you, and your rollerskis may slip out from beneath you. A good drill for correcting this is to drag your outside pole (see photo 6), which puts more weight on the outside ski, allowing you to push off with more confidence and power. You want your body to develop a “)” shape rather than the diagonal line or “/”, shown in photo 5. Another bonus of practising the circle skate is that it is also a great drill for developing step turns. For help with any aspect of your Nordic skiing, seek out the assistance of a certified CANSI or PSIA instructor.

Contributor Keith Nicol has been on four Canadian INTERSKI demonstration teams for Nordic skiing. He holds CANSI’s highest instructor ranking in both track and telemark skiing. He has a popular Nordic skiing website at www2.swgc.mun.ca/~knicol/nordic%20main.htm and many popular YouTube videos for improving your Nordic skiing (search k2nicol). He can be reached at k2nicol@gmail.com.

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tele technique by J. Scott McGee

Carve Yourself Some Railroad Tracks Trust Your Tracks to Tell You What You’re Doing

he term “carving” is often thrown around by metal-edged skiers, and yet few truly carve. To define it, carving occurs when every point along a ski’s edge passes through the same point, or, more poetically, through the same snowflake. In this sense, skate skiers carve far more than most alpine skiers. Now carving is a great sensation, but it’s more than just a good feeling. Mastering the art of holding an edge and using ski design

to scribe an arc – rather than pivoting to turn – develops expert-level edging skills. It also helps provide clear feedback, and proof, of whether both skis are edged equally, another key skill for advanced skiing. Practise on cat tracks and green runs, checking your tracks until you see you’re carving. Refine your accuracy, and soon you’ll be carving up a storm!

Selko Photo/Montage: J. Scott McGee

Try this: Start by tipping both skis equally. Follow the arc that the skis naturally scribe when edged. Increase edge angle as needed to keep from slipping sideways, a.k.a. skidding.

Look back at your tracks to see if you have two clean parallel arcs. A wide track indicates skidding; if so, edge more. Converging or diverging arcs indicate unequally edged skis.

J. Scott McGee coaches the PSIA Nordic Team (USA) and works as Snow King Mountain Sports School’s director. A former telemark competitor, he now dreams of perfect corn on spring backcountry skate-ski tours. McGee spends his summers guiding climbs in the Tetons for Exum Mountain Guides. www.skitrax.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 43

waxworx by Jack Cook and Patrick Moore

The Team behind Good Skis

ne of the common observations tough decision is going to have to be made. made about the success of the US As Colin Powell said, the role of a leader is “to Ski Team is the extent to which the cut through argument, debate and doubt; to service staff works together as an integratoffer a solution everybody can understand.” ed unit. Although the staff is not large, there Strictly speaking, Powell wasn’t talking about is a focus on a system, and U.S. athletes waxing skis, but the premise still applies! Enconsistently have some of the best skis in sure that someone is in charge. the World Cup field. Train your volunteers Similar concepts can be applied to local or regional teams and clubs to improve your HPeaks 8th ST Ann 2013_Pedal Template 11/30/15 11:55On AMaverage, Page 1 clubs tend to be short on professional waxing staff. Luckily, clubs usuchances of ski-service success. By orgaally have an abundance of parents milling nizing the potential chaos associated with around. By training those volunteers in wax large teams and volunteer waxers, you will application, you will suddenly have an army create an environment that is focused on the of available waxers. Host one or two clinics athletes. to demonstrate and have the volunteers Have a leader practise application, remembering that conWaxing race skis means that, inevitably, a sistency is key.

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Classic-ski markings A major challenge faced by volunteer waxers can be the consistency in the marking of pockets on Classic skis. This leaves them guessing as to how much wax to apply and where it should be put. Develop a consistent system of marking pockets on Classic skis. In addition to the obvious front and end markings, additional information such as camber height and the location of residual cambers will help the waxers ensure the best combination of grip and speed. Insist that all athlete skis follow the system. Names on skis It sounds simple, but ensuring that athlete names are clearly written on the skis will reduce the chance of skis going out the door with the wrong person or not being completed on time. Wax box The wax box for your club (both grip and glide) needs to be complex enough to allow for fast skis in any condition, but simple enough so as not to be overwhelming. Focus on adding additional waxes methodically and with a purpose, not just because a new product is rumoured to be the next big thing. Test skis Test skis are a critical part of any waxing program. A well-matched set of skate and Classic test skis is an investment that will last for many years to come. Learning to test by feel using single skis (and perhaps confirmation from a testing partner) allows you to double the usefulness of your fleet. For example, a fleet of five skis allows you to test 10 waxes! The number of test skis is a delicate balance – too many and the fleet becomes unmanageable. Too few and the effectiveness is reduced. The main goal of any service staff, whether club or World Cup, should be to produce consistent skis weekend after weekend. Controlling certain key variables will provide direction and ultimately support both the waxers and athletes. www.skitrax.com

graves on nordic by Peter Graves

n a winter that for those of us in the East began late, it has now ended. It always amazes me how fast time flies. This year, the West had abundant snowfall, for which we are all grateful. For many racers and coaches, the season ends in a warm-weather locale with toes stuck in the sand somewhere nice and peaceful to recharge the batteries and get ready for the summer training season. Despite snow challenges in the East this winter, the season on both sides of our North American border really was a sensational one. With heroic efforts to make snow or to snow-farm at many Nordic centres, skiing and racing happened. Those dedicated folks at the venues who made the impossible happen nearly every week deserve our gratitude and deepest thanks. We are in awe of your dedication to the sport and the money and hours you commit to the task. Despite the lack of snow, few races were actually cancelled – though many were moved – what a tribute to our collective Nordic communities. The athletes from young Jackrabbits and Koch’ers to our top-tier talent were all presented with a great season, contributing to their development and also keeping the sport alive and growing. Despite being what many term an “off year,” meaning no Olympics or World Championships to stress over, there were awesome and breathtaking events across North America. I traveled from the USSA Nationals in Houghton, Mich. to Craftsbury, Vt. to Hayward, Wis. for the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, back to Craftsbury and then on to the fabulous epic Ski Tour Canada 2016 and then back to Craftsbury for the USSA SuperTour finals. From the racing to the traveling to the announcing and watching, I would call this season a great one. Super-well-organized events with not only good, but also exemplary leadership. Thanks so much for your efforts and the late nights you endure and the flexibility you show our athletes. And a big shout-out to the Central Cross Country Ski Association folks for pulling off the USSA Junior Nationals under the most challenging of circumstances! We don’t often have World Cups in North America, and the last one on U.S. snows was in 2001 at Soldier Hollow, Utah, which was the mandatory hosting of a pre-Olympic Test Event series. Canada has shouldered an amazing load of hosting these events in Canmore, Alta. and Quebec City, Que., and we are deeply indebted to our Canadian friends. While rocketing around this season, I am truly tired and wornout, and my wife, Cami, and I need a break (hello, Florida’s west coast), but above all, my heart is smiling. Let us relish the growing success of the sport, including more young junior skiers out there than ever before! By every standard, the Ski Tour Canada 2016 was a huge success:

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photos: skitrax.com

Thanks for an Exceptional Season

(clockwise from the top) Dave Dyer (CCC Director, Events Management), Dahria Beatty, Drew Goldsack US delegates at Ski Tour Canada (l-r) Scott Petersen (Soldier Hollow), John Estle (Sport Alaska), Bill Stenquist (Utah 2017 OC Chair). Ski Tour Canada 2016 Canmore OC (l-r) Carly Lewis (Marketing), Norbert Meier (Chair), Mark Duperreault (General Manager).

terrific, well-attended races at every venue, excellent levels of organization, sensational TV ratings around the globe and, above all, a chance for our athletes to ski at home. Thank you organizers, sponsors, the media and to everyone who lent a hand. The world’s skiers love skiing in North America, and I hope we can do this on a regular basis. Cross Country Canada should feel very proud of its efforts and the years of planning in making this happen. I also want to acknowledge the absolutely vital role Dave Dyer and his staff played in making the logistics (which were frankly staggering) go so smoothly. You deserve a gold medal, Dave! I was thrilled with the crowds of fans who attended the races – this is so important in selling the sport to young juniors and motivating them. Many youngsters I spoke with after Canmore told me, “This was awesome; I want to be a World Cup racer,” and that’s the key. While we can be, at times, self-critical in this sport, we all must agree that there are many, many good things happening and that we have the magic of momentum on our side on both sides of the border. Next season, the U.S. will be hosting the FIS World Juniors and U23 Championships at Soldier Hollow from Jan. 30-Feb. 7, so we are all excited about that. We have had the benefit of some truly sensational results this season, making our case that through teamwork and passion we are making huge strides athletically. Congratulations to all the Canadian and American athletes who continue to dazzle us with brilliant results. They are the “doers of deeds.” We have the tradition of an amazingly dedicated group of coaches, wax techs, parents and family, colleges, loyal sponsors, NGB administrators, TD’s and officials, venue operators and their staffs and fans. I saw this time and again this winter, and it is both real and hugely positive. We already have so many pieces of the puzzle in place! Finally, this meaningful quote has been my touchstone as both a coach and journalist: “The credit belongs to the man (woman) who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly. . . .” Credit those who dare, those who strive and those who risk. Have a great summer and I’ll check back in the autumn. Thank you to each of you for the role you play in our sport. SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SKITRAX 45

sasseville report by Jack Sasseville

Ski Tour Canada – By every measure, the Ski Tour Canada was a huge success for Cross Country Canada (CCC). Eight great races were held across the country, with great results for the Canadian team and the American team, led by fifth-place overall finishes by Alex Harvey and Jessie Diggins. It was an excellent opportunity for younger skiers to get a taste of World Cup competition. I attended the races in Canmore, Alta. and I got nothing but positive vibes from everyone. Congratulations to Dave Dyer and everyone at CCC for a job well done. The State of Coaching in Canada – Justin Wadsworth announced his resignation in March, and the CCC had a very hard time finding a replacement. The coaching-development system in Canada has not cultivated enough good-quality coaches over the past 10+ years so as to be able to find a quality Canadian replacement, and Tom Holland, National Ski Team high-performance director, did not want to go outside of Canada to find Wadsworth’s replacement. After a lot of searching, I think that they have found a very good replacement with the hiring of Ivan Babikov. While it might have been a year or two too soon for Babikov to retire as an athlete, this new position will give him the chance to transition into coaching as a career. I know that he studied coaching at university in Russia before he came to Canada. The fact that he knows the athletes on the team very well can be good or bad. He will need to create “professional distance” between himself and the athletes to be an objective voice for them. Sometimes coaching means you have to make tough decisions that athletes may not like, especially at the professional National-Team level. He will have to make the transition from making “selfish” decisions as an athlete to making “selfless” decisions based upon what’s right for the skiers. Many elite athletes regardless of the sport have not been able to make this transition, and have not been very good coaches. The Canadian development system for cross-country ski coaches needs to be revamped from top to bottom. There are very few, if any, club, division or training-centre jobs that pay enough money for a coach to raise a family or to make a career out of it. As a result, the coaches in the system are either young and single or old and semi-retired. If a smart young coach decides to get married and have a family, there is too much travel and too little money to want to coach the National Team. Good athlete development goes hand-in-hand with good coaching development. Clubs and divisions under the leadership of CCC need to step up and begin creating some good-paying coaching jobs. We have to stop relying on volunteers. They have a short lifespan and cannot spend the time and energy necessary for Canadian skiing to improve. Independent Skiers – First, it was Petter Northug. Now Charlotte Kalla of Sweden has decided to step outside the National Team for training this summer and fall. Northug has been antagonistic toward the Norwegian team since 2006, when it left him off the Olympic team. For Northug, it is about that and money. He can make more money 46 SKITRAX SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Angus Cockney

Coaching, Doping, Klister and Crises in XC Skiing Ivan Babikov transitions training on his own with his own sponsors. For Kalla, it is about coaching. She was crit- into coaching, replacing Justin Wadswoth. icized by the Swedish women’s coach after her poor performance in 2015 at the World Championships and had a poor year last year. She feels that she is better off working with her club coach, a former National Team coach who is now a policeman in Pitea. Interestingly, both of these skiers have made overtures to the Norwegian National Team about attending some training sessions with that team, and both have been told that they are not welcome.

Klister Skiing and Double Poling on the World Cup – Last year on the World Cup circuit, there was only one race all year that was not a klister-wax race – it occurred in Montreal, Que. during the Ski Tour Canada. No wonder the skiers are trying to double pole as many races as possible. In wet-snow conditions, double poling is definitely faster than skiing with klister. You can expect more and more double-pole racing on the World Cup in the years to come. It is almost assured that there will be klister conditions at the next two Olympics in Korea and China, so every skier with ambitions to ski in the Olympics over the next six years better learn how to double pole and/or ski on klister. I heard Matti Heikinen from Finland say as much in an interview after he won the Classic race in Canmore, Alta. in klister conditions. Doping – How can we talk about sport without saying something about doping. Beckie Scott is attempting to get the International Ski Federation to investigate the allegations of systematic doping in Russia, and Jim Carrabre, International Biathlon Union’s vice-president in charge of medical, is trying to do the same thing in biathlon. Both are working hard, but making little progress. You know and I know that doping is happening, but proving it and making it stick is another matter. Biggest Crisis in Skiing – To me, the major crisis in cross-country skiing is caused by the lack of snow and cold temperatures around the world. Obviously, no snow means no races, but it goes deeper than that. Without snow, youth won’t be taking up skiing, nor will there be snow close enough to skiers to make it feasible to go skiing regularly. Sure, we can make artificial snow, but it is very expensive and can only be done when it is cold enough. This may work for the big races on the World Cup or the large loppets for a while, but for the smaller races, it is way too expensive. Who would have thought that the City of Edmonton would need to fund snowmaking for cross-country skiing. Next year, it will have 3.5 kilometres of trails with artificial snow at a cost of $1.3 million for the infrastructure, plus the cost of making the snow. I know that the ski industry is suffering. Ski sales are down worldwide, and the future does not look any better. This is, of course, one of the symptoms of a much bigger problem. We all need to become involved in trying to slow down climate change and global warming so that our children and grandchildren can have the chance, as we do, to love the sport of cross-country skiing. www.skitrax.com

Nordic Focus

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BE A PART OF CANADA’S ATHLETES QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE! MAKE A DONATION TO CROSS-COUNTRY SKI DE FOND CANADA! This March, for the first time ever, catch Ski Tour Canada 2016 where the world’s top athletes will compete live in 4 locations across Canada in the marquee FIS World Cup competition of the year!

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Nordic Focus

En Mars, pour la première fois, encouragez les meilleurs athlètes au monde au Ski Tour Canada 2016 où ils iront nezà-nez dans 4 villes à travers le pays pour l’épreuve finale de Coupe du Monde FIS de la saison!