U.S. Ski Team News - Cross Country

Randall Just Shy of Podium in Norway

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

BEITOSTOELEN, Norway (Nov. 15) - The U.S. Cross Country Team wrapped up three days of pre World Cup racing Sunday with even more unexpected success as World Championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) took fourth and Kris Freeman (Andover, NH) fifth in the women's 5K and men's 10K classic FIS races in Norway.

"That has to be one of Kikkan's best longer distance races ever and it really bodes well for the upcoming season and reflects well on the training she's done this summer," Cross Country Head Coach Pete Vordenberg said. "It's early. We don't look too specifically at results, but we do look for the effort and she was hammering from start to finish. It was more than we could hope for result wise and exactly what we were asking for effort wise."

Marit Bjørgen of Norway won the women's race, leading a Norwegian sweep of the podium followed by Kristin Størmer Steira in second and Marthe Kristoffersen in third.

In the men's race Norwegians took the top two spots with Martin Johnsrud Sundby taking the win, Petter Northug in second and Nikolay Pankratov of Russia in third.

It was the second race in a row for Freeman to finish fifth and Vordenberg was pleased with the consistency.

"After his fifth in the skate race, we knew he was going to be up there. We wanted to see how he did in the back-to-back races and he stayed strong in all of them. It's something we have been working on this summer," Vordenberg said.

According to Vordenberg the conditions in Norway were once again very similar to what conditions will potentially be like in Whistler during the Olympics.

"It was raining and really giving us some Whistler-like conditions, so we had a great test of our preparation for those kind of conditions," Vordenberg said. "We do have great skis and the athletes skied really well."

While top results by Randall and Freeman were exciting, Vordenberg emphasized that the races this weekend were merely preparation for the bigger picture this season.

"These results are great, but they're not what we're judging the races off of," Vordenberg said. "We're looking at this whole part of the season as prepration. It was great skiing by all and it was a really fun day."

The Cross Country Team will remain in Norway for the season's first World Cup cross country races in Beitostoelen. The Team will compete in a women's 10K and men's 15K freestyle on Nov. 21 followed by men's and women's relays on Nov. 22.

"We're excited, not just because of this weekend, but because we feel like we've been preparing well all summer. We have some big goals and we're looking ahead to those," Vordenberg said.

Click here for complete results.

Freeman Shines in Norway

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST

BEITOSTOELEN, Norway (Nov. 14) - The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team is a leg up on the competition scene after competing in two days of FIS races in Norway where Kikkan Randall (Anchorage), Kris Freeman (Andover, NH), Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VY) and Morgan Arritola (Ketchum, ID) have all had great early season results.

"It was a really good start for the year. It was our first competition racing of the season. Our expectations were only to have a good training outing and that is what we got," Cross Country Head Coach Pete Vordenberg said.

The series of races kicked off Friday with a classic sprint where Randall led the way for the U.S. making it through to the second round of racing.

"I definitely have some good endorphins flowing after a hard effort yesterday. Pushing the body through a whole race is definitely a shock, but I am feeling good," Randall said.

Saturday's men's 15K freestyle race topped the charts for excitement as Freeman fought his way within two spots of the podium, finishing fifth in a World Cup caliber field.

"The race went really well today. I've been feeling really good the last couple weeks before coming over here, so it's not a big surprise," Freeman said. "It's very nice to have my legs healthy and my body healthy and just go out and show what I can do."

According to Freeman, the snow in Norway was a very familiar consistency and one that he has been preparing himself for.

"It was really soft snow today and that's very similar to how it will probably be in Whistler. That's the type of condition I've been tailoring my training for and it paid off today," Freeman said.

According to Vordenberg, while the coaches hadn't been looking for top results, Freeman's fifth was a welcome addition to the weekend of racing.

"I'd say it was his best early season result. We weren't looking to have great results so early, but he nailed it and I was really pleased with it," Vordenberg said.

On the women's side Vordenberg was pleased with Stephen's 16th and Arritola's 24th given the athletes' experience racing against a World Cup field.

"Usually they'd be in West Yellowstone now, but it was good to get them up against a World Cup field so early in the season," Vordenberg said. "They both didn't know what to expect at this level of racing, but we got the jitters out of the way and we had some good races, too."

The racing continues in Norway on Sunday with a women's 5K and men's 10K classic as well as a women's 12.5K and men's 15K mass start.

"I really don't know what to expect going into tomorrow, but I am looking forward to going out, skiing a 5K and having fun," Randall said.

For complete results from Norway click here.

XC Championships Return To Anchorage

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

PARK CITY, UT (Oct. 15) - For the second season in a row the ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Championships will call Kincaid Park its home as the event makes its way to Anchorage, a hotbed of cross country action, during the first week of January, just over a month from the time that top athletes competing will be Vancouver Bound.

The Championships will also play a pivotal role in the naming of the Olympic team as it is the last chance for athletes to boost their points on the USSA National Ranking List.

"There is much excitement surrounding our return to Anchorage for the U.S. Championships. These races not only represent the highest level of domestic competition in the U.S., but they mark the final chances to improve ones standing on the USSA National Ranking List which is used in part to select our 2010 Olympic Team," U.S. Nordic Program Director John Farra said. "There is a large population of skiers who dream of a chance to qualify for the Vancouver Games and performing well in Anchorage will go a long way to achieving that goal for many of them."

One of the best venues for cross country competition in the country, Kincaid Park, which is inside the city of Anchorage, will be home to the championship competitions. The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage (NSAA) will again host the event, which is set for Jan. 2-8.

"We are excited for Anchorage to host our largest domestic event prior to our athletes heading to the Olympics in Vancouver," USSA Vice President of Events Calum Clark said. "Anchorage will also serve the athletes as they compete at a sea level venue, which replicates expected conditions in the Callahan Valley during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. It will be an additional benefit to our athletes headed to that competition."

"We are excited to have the U.S. Champs back for a second year. This year being an Olympic year is a special year to host," NSAA Organizing Committee Chair Joey Caterinichio said. "Together with the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, the municipality of Anchorage and all the volunteers, we are getting ready to host a first class event, and welcome the athletes and coaches."

One athlete in particular is excited to be able to compete in her hometown before she makes her way to the Olympics. World Championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall (Anchorage, AK) said she wants to be able to share her journey with her hometown.

"For me it's nice because I get to spend a little bit more time at home and relax going into the Olympics. I think it's pretty much the best option I could ask for," Randall said. "On one hand, it's good for me being in Alaska, but at the same time it's cool for the community that's supported me to this point to be able to experience this with me. At home I can share it a bit more"

A week of cross country action kicks off on Jan. 2, just over a month before the Olympics begin in Vancouver.

The U.S. Championship long distance event will be held in Fort Kent, ME later in the season.

The 2010 ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Championships schedule:

Saturday, January 2
Sprint F Qualification and Finals

Monday, January 4
10/15km F

Wednesday, January 6
20/30km Mass Start C

Friday, January 8
Sprint C Qualification and Finals

XC Champs Long Distance Race Set For Maine

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 MST

PARK CITY, UT (Oct. 15) - Cross country athletes from across the map will descend on northern Maine following what promises to be an exciting Olympic season to hunt for one more season title at the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's (USSA) U.S. Cross Country Championships long distance event. The event will take place in Fort Kent, ME, to wrap up 2010 with a U.S. Championship long distance race and the USSA SuperTour finals.

Fort Kent has a world class venue carved on top of a mountain looking over this quaint border town in the Saint John Valley of northern Maine. The Championship event will be a women's 30K and men's 50K race, held March 24, and will be followed with the USSA SuperTour competitions March 26-28.

"We are thrilled to announce that our U.S. Championships long distance competitions will be included as part of the USSA SuperTour finals," USSA Nordic Program Director John Farra said. "The long distance race is one of the toughest tests of skiing fitness out there and is expected to be contested by all of the best U.S. skiers returning from World Cup Finals."

The long distance event includes cash prizes for the top three athletes in each gender.

The USSA SuperTour Finals is a new event and follows a unique format that mimics what is being contested in some World Cup competitions. Three days of racing includes one individual sprint, one mass start distance race and ends with a hill climb. The races will be complete with a leader's jersey, cash prizes each day, and a large purse upon the completion of the three-day event.

According to Farra, Fort Kent will be a perfect addition to national cross country competition stops.

"Fort Kent has an excellent venue and offers an experienced organizing committee who has hosted the classic version of this event in 2006, as well as holding a World Cup biathlon event in 2004," Farra said. "The trails are modern, technical, and will provide a great test to determine our U.S. marathon champions. There is a long tradition of skiing in Fort Kent, with experienced officials and volunteers excited to welcome the best in the U.S."

U.S. Cross Country Championship sprint and middle distance events will be held in January in Anchorage, AK.

2010 U.S. Cross Country Championships and Super Tour Finals Schedule:

March 24, 2010 Fort Kent, ME
U.S. Championships
30/50km

Mar. 26-28 Fort Kent and Madawaska, ME
USSA SuperTour Finals
5/10k C, Sprint C, 5/6km F Hill Climb

XC Wraps Up Camp in Whistler

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 MST

WHISTLER, BC (Sept. 14) - The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team wrapped up camp this week at its 2010 Olympic venue in Whistler and, according to Cross Country Coach Matt Whitcomb, everything is falling right in line with where the Team wants to be.

"This was our fifth time up here in the past two and a half years and everything is feeling right on time. Nothing is rushed, nobody is panicked. The Team is collected and confident, the training is hard and we wrapped up our preparation in Whistler on a high note," Whitcomb said. "We've gotten a lot of work done up here with these camps and the whole team knows it."

Whitcomb also added that the crew at the Olympic park in Whistler was key to the success of the Team's camp.

"It's been great training all week at the venue, and the folks at Whistler Olympic Park have been very accommodating to our group," Whitcomb said. "And their roller ski track and trail system are excellent."

According to rising star Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT), the Team's athletes have come to know Whistler like the back of their hands.

"As a team we are all super knowledgeable and feel very comfortable with the Olympic venue," Stephen said. "We have had a number of training camps here since the Olympics and it has become our second or maybe even first home!"

Whitcomb reported that, as far as fitness goes, the team is in top form.

"Everyone has been looking much improved in their training. Technique is strong and fitness is beginning to ramp up to higher levels," Whitcomb said.

The team had a chance to test that fitness out as, in addition to their individual training, the athletes were able to race head to head.

"We have had one classic sprint race in which Andy Newell [Shaftsbury, VT] beat Torin Koos [Leavenworth, WA] by a scratch. Erik Bjornsen, a National Elite Group (NEG) athlete out of the Methow Olympic Development (MOD) team in Washington was on their tails in the last two heats which was great to see," Whitcomb said. "Kikkan Randall [Anchorage, AK] dominated the women's field, with Erik's sister, Sadie, finishing second."

For Whitcomb, having National Elite Group athletes able to attend the camp was very beneficial to the future of the cross country program.

"The group consists of our best 10 junior athletes in the country, and it's been inspiring to watch them try to chase down the best in the U.S.," Whitcomb said. "As a coach, you can step back from the path just a bit and see a big piece of our development pipeline working together. It's incredible."

With the camp wrapped up, athletes have returned to their dry land training in the lead up to another camp in Lake Placid in October.

"I am feeling really good about the way the camp has gone. From my perspective, the Team is training and getting along better than we ever have before. As always, every training session has a focus and as this is one of our first true intensity camps of the year," Stephen said. "Hammering out hard sessions with your teammates is really beneficial and motivating, not to mention super fun. I feel very confident with the progress I have made over the training period so far."

XC Heads South for Snow Time

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 00:00:00 MST

WANAKA, New Zealand (Aug. 4) - With a summer already full of rollerskiing, the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team is in the southern hemisphere to get some vital on-snow time prior to the start of the 2010 Olympic season. Based at Snow Park Resort in New Zealand, the athletes are getting some time to test new equipment as well as transfer their rollerski skills to the snow.

"The conditions down here at the Snow Farm represent what we often see in our northern hemisphere winter. The snow is can range from hardwax to hairies conditions, so we can test a fair amount of new equipment," U.S. Cross Country Coach Matt Whitcomb said. "The tracks are wide and long and the terrain is varied. Athletes will take what they've been tackling on rollerskis and transfer it to daily on snow technique and video work."

According to Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT), the camp is one of the biggest components of the team's summer training period. The Team has thus far spent a majority of its time at the newly opened U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's Center of Excellence.

"This is such an important camp for us. You really can't beat the skiing in New Zealand. We train some of our biggest hours of the year during these weeks so to be able to be on snow is a huge bonus," Newell said. "We spend so much time cross-training during the summer that these few weeks of on snow training let us remember the real feeling of skiing. It reminds us what we're training for."

For Whitcomb, being on snow is also an important way to pinpoint parts of skiing technique that needs to be improved by each athlete.

"Rollerskiing is very similar to ski-specific movements, but nothing can compare to training on snow. The surface is faster and less-stable and can magnify technique deficiencies, placing a lot of dependency on balance and strength," Whitcomb said. "And, it's a nice break from the hottest part of the year in the states. These guys go home motivated and ready to tackle the tar until winter."

Morgan Arritola (Ketchum, ID) echoed her coach and teammates excitement for being back on snow.

"Being able to come to winter enables us to make a lot of progress on our skis," Arritola said. "Life is really simple at the Snow Farm; sleep, eat, train."

While he is getting his skiing technique dialed in, Newell said that he has seen his biggest strides in the fitness area.

"So far some of the biggest improvements have been in fitness. I will train somewhere around 24 hours this week with quite a few hard workouts. This is the time of year when the big progress is made," Newell said.

Morgan Arritola (Ketchum, ID) said that the athleticism she has seen at this camp has her eager to get the season started and see how her team contends.

"I know that I am bringing my best to the table every day and I know that all of my teammates are too. These weeks are filled with some hard days followed by some quality rest when we get home," Arritola said. "I believe in what I am doing and am confident in it. I can't wait to see everyone race fast this year."

With the camp going in such a strong direction, Newell said he's looking forward to showing the world what the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team can do.

"I think that the team is looking stronger than ever. After such an incredible World Championships last year it feels like the whole nordic team has a new motivation for the Olympics," Newell said. "Last year was just the beginning, we surprised a lot of people but this season at the Olympics we're going to make some serious noise."

The Team will remain in New Zealand through the end of the week before returning to their rollerskis in the states.

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Freeman Speaks Out About Diabetes

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team's Kris Freeman had an outstanding year in 2009 as he earned two U.S. titles and a fourth place at World Championships. But, even with intense training for the 2010 Olympics at the forefront of his mind, Freeman is taking the time to speak to youth about Diabetes.

PHOTO: Kris Freeman skis in the FIS Nordic Ski World Championships. (Getty Images)

A Type 1 diabetic, Freeman was told when he was diagnosed that he would have to end his career as an endurance athlete because the disease would keep him from that type of competition. But, nearly nine years after his diagnosis, Freeman is spreading the word throughout the diabetic youth community that diabetics can reach their dreams.

"I want to make sure that no other children get that message from their healthcare providers or the environment they're in, so it's really important for me to get out there and say, you can do anything with this disease as long as you manage it properly," Freeman said.

So, Freeman, along with his sponsor Eli Lilly, got together to find a way for the cross country star to spread his message. The duo settled on the idea of sending Freeman to a handful of summer camps for children with diabetes.

"I've been through seven so far this summer. I did the same thing last summer as well. I have a 15 or 20 minute presentation and I basically just tell my story and how I overcame the circumstances I was dealt and that I've been successful and there is no reason they can't be successful, too," Freeman said. "And then I open it up to questions and answers, and it's always interesting to see what the questions are."

According to Freeman, his time with the children is all about encouraging them that anything is possible.

"I always use sports as an example because that is what I am so passionate about. But people like to put limits on people with diabetes mostly because they don't understand it," Freeman said. "I like to express that they can go on to become doctors, scientists, artists, that nothing needs to get in their way. There's no reason for that as long as you learn the proper way to take care of yourself."

And the summer camps are exactly where the children learn how to do just that.

"These camps are for children with diabetes. They are just like any other children's camp except that there is some educational portion to it as far as how to take care of your disease, and also there's much more staff to help supervise them," Freeman said. "For many of them, it's kind of a gateway because it is their first time away from their parents. When they are diagnosed very young, their parents always take care of their diabetes for them, and as they get older into their teens, they need to become more independent, so it's kind of a bridge towards treating yourself."

At the end of the day, Freeman is just happy that he can have an impact on the children.

"The kids are always very interested in meeting me, and a lot of them ask for autographs," Freeman said. "I wear my insulin pump on my arm, and a couple of times the kids have gone to the nurse's station afterwards and requested to have their pump moved from their abs to their arm because that was the way I was wearing it. There's some flattering mimicry there, and you can certainly see that you're touching them."

With another camp visit scheduled for the late summer, Freeman is focusing on reaching his Olympic goals.

"I'm headed to New Zealand in two weeks and I'll be down there for 20 days training with the national team."

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National Training Group Works at Center

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

PARK CITY, UT (June 26) - Inspired by the new Center of Excellence, U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Coaches Peter Vordenberg, Matt Whitcomb and Pat Casey are spearheading a select development training program this summer for young cross country skiers. The National Training Group (NTG), which is comprised of a group of rising athletes, allows the cross country coaches to use these exceptional resources to provide real exposure and superior training to the next group of future Olympians.

Through this program, the coaches' goal is not only to offer specialized instruction, but also to provide contact with pro skiers in hopes that their living habits and training routines as elite skiers will influence those of the younger, developing athletes.

"It's a program that is a start-up from around 2000 with athletes like Andy Newell and Kris Freeman. It's the first year we've done it since 2001 and one of the goals is to use this new training center to its full potential and get some athletes here," said Casey.

By offering the NTG athletes exposure to some of the top skiers in the circuit, and to one of the greatest training facilities in the world, they are getting a real glimpse into what it truly means to be a professional athlete, and to live the lifestyle of one as well. After this intensive summer program, which lasts eight weeks and lands between two camps, Bend and Whistler, the athletes will be able to realize if being on the national team is in fact what they want.

Spending a significant amount of time with national team athletes, whether that is in the van on the way to work outs, in the training center, or on the snow at future races, the younger athletes will "see what these guys bring to the table, in terms of preparedness and equipment. These may seem like small things but they end up making a difference," said Casey.

Fresh from high school, the skiers have chosen to focus on becoming elite athletes. "They've either put their college career on hold or have committed fully. Those are the athletes we were looking for, the ones that wanted to just do this and do it right. It can be a really big motivator, but it can also be a really good educator," Casey said.

One of the five athletes in the NTG program is David Norris of Fairbanks, AK.

"I thought it would be a good opportunity to build a relationship with these coaches, to learn from them and take advantage of all that they know," Norris said. "I kind of saw it as a stepping stone to being on the U.S. Ski Team in the future."

From the regional development pipeline, Matt Whitcomb, the Cross Country Head Development Coach, and Casey began the search for athletes who would be a good fit for the NTG.

"We were looking out there to see who was doing it right; who was taking the steps without our help," Casey described.

For Norris, being able to work with the national team athletes will be the highlight of his summer.

"What will be especially valuable is when we start training harder, and seeing what these athletes like Andy Newell are doing to train during the summer," Norris said. "Back at home, there is no one really faster to train with, so it's cool being around such fast, professional skiers."

According to Casey, while the program is a benefit to up-and-coming athletes, it also allows his team to plan and build for the future of the sport.

"This program represents working toward excellence at all levels. Lowering the ladder one step further and dropping it down so that we can introduce that lifestyle to the group below," Casey articulated.

Maintaining a high standard of excellence, the program upholds the USSA's vision to help make the United States the best in Olympic skiing.

"This is just one of many efforts to ensure that we continue our progress toward winning at the highest levels of the sport," said John Farra, the U.S. Ski Team's Nordic Program Director.

To maintain this athletic distinction, it is important to look to the future, to dedicate time and effort to developing the Olympians of the years ahead. Farra highlights, "Our top World Cup skiers are on track to win, but who is going to be next? Who will challenge our World Cup athletes?" These are the questions this program works to answer.

Only about two weeks into their joint training, both the national team athletes and the younger athletes have responded very positively so far.

U.S. Ski Team cross country skier Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT) said, "We've all been training together. They are really motivated athletes so it should be awesome for them. I think that the program is really going to benefit these athletes, and hopefully it will grow into something even bigger in the future."

For both the athletes and the coaches, it is invigorating to be working with passionate, energized people in a remarkable facility.

"It is an exciting time to be a part of this great sport. There's lots of talent out there and great club programs pushing athletes to higher levels. This is a winning combination," said Farra.

The NTG will remain with the U.S. Ski Team through July.

Randall Empowers Through Sport

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Though World Championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) is best known for carving out the history of her sport for U.S. Women, Randall has an equally large passion in building up the future of the sport through the organization Fast and Female.

Fast and female is an organization that aims to build confidence in young girls and women while showing them the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle by getting them on a pair of cross country skis.

"The motto is 'Empowerment through sport' so it's all about getting girls out, participating and using role models and athletes to show the girls that they can have big dreams and they are able to go out and accomplish goals," Randall said.

While Fast and Female is a Canadian organization, through a close friendship with the organization's creator Randall took hold of the philosophy and ran her own Fast and Female camp at the 2009 U.S. Cross Country Championships last season in Alaska.

"I am really good friends with Chandra Crawford, who started Fast and Female in Canada, and I talked to her about it," Randall said."She was excited to get it going in the U.S. So I asked if I could host an event in Alaska and she said that she'd be happy to help."

According to Randall the response to the camp was more than she expected.

"When I first thought about doing it I thought, 'If I can get even 50 girls out there, it would be awesome.' I advertised it and did online registration and we ended up with 150 girls at the event," Randall said.

Randall led the day camp, which included cross country skiing as well as some motivation from athletes who were in Anchorage to race at the U.S. Championships.

"It was super fun. We had a lot of the top female cross country skiers there. We did an hour-long ski session with the girls, we had an inspirational story time and we had posters and tee shirts for everyone. It was a really fun event," Randall said.

With the first camp a success, Randall said she is looking forward to being able to bring Fast and Female camps to more U.S. girls in the future.

"I'm hoping to pull off another similar event when the championships come back to Anchorage in January. From there I would like to have two events a year in different spots around the country," Randall said. "My life revolves around sports and I've experienced firsthand the benefits of being involved. I'm just looking forward to having the opportunity to help girls get involved in sports and look at good pathways to have a lot of fun."

2010 XC Team Named

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

PARK CITY, UT (May 26) - World Championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall (Anchorage, AK), along with World Cup sprint medalist Andy Newell (Shaftsburry, VT), Kris Freeman (Andover, NH) and three-time U.S. champion Liz Stephen (East Montelier, VT) are among the athletes headlining the newly named 2010 U.S. Cross Country Ski Team.

Six athletes were named to the A Team and five to the B Team. The 2010 Olympic Team, which will be named primarily from current season results, will be announced Jan. 19, 2010.

"The Team experienced significant improvement in the past season and that talent shines through in our 2010 roster," U.S. Nordic Program Director John Farra said. "Our A squad has grown with the addition of athletes who have proven themselves, and the B Team is populated with athletes who are fully committed to international success and anxious to keep the trend of improved results going for the U.S. Ski Team."

"It's a young team, but it's also an experienced team. A lot of them have already been through the Olympic cycle. We feel like we're on the right path with this group," U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Head Coach Pete Vordenberg said. "Performing at the Olympics is the big goal for the season, so that's really our focus."

At the forefront of making history for U.S. women's cross country, Randall set the standard again in 2009 when she earned her World Championship medal. In 2010 she will once again lead the way for the women in the hunt for further U.S. success.

"With Kikkan leading the way, we have good hopes for this and future Olympics," Vordenberg said.

On the men's side, Newell remained a strong contender in World Cup sprints all season while Freeman narrowly missed a medal in the 15K classic at World Championships.

Constantly improving her skills over the years and one of the most steadily improving athletes in cross country, Stephen's success in the World Cup arena, including a fourth place in a team sprint with Randall, has pushed her to the A Team where she'll continue to thrive. Joining her in the move up from the B Team is Morgan Arritola (Ketchum, ID) who found success at the U23 Championships and World Championships in 2009.

"Liz and Morgan are both growing and it's really nice to have new faces on the World Cup team," Vordenberg said. "The atmosphere is really good right now with the whole team."

The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team has already begun training in preparation for the 2010 season and will utilize its new home, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's Center of Excellence in Park City.

"Many of our athletes will be coming to Park City this summer for training," Farra said."It is going to be a tremendous asset for the athletes in terms of fitness, testing and in recovery between hard training sessions."

2010 U.S. Cross Country Ski Team
(including date of birth, hometown and club program; * indicates Olympian):

A Team
Morgan Arritola (5/13/86; Ketchum, ID; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation)
Kris Freeman (10/14/80; Andover, NH; Andover Outing Club)*
Torin Koos (7/19/80; Leavenworth, WA; Leavenworth Winter Sports Club)*
Andy Newell (11/30/83; Shaftsbury, VT; Stratton Mountain School)*
Kikkan Randall (12/31/82; Anchorage, AK; Alaska Pacific University Nordic)*
Liz Stephen (1/12/87; East Montpelier, VT; Burke Mountain Academy)

B Team
Noah Hoffman (8/1/89; Aspen, CO; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation)
Garrott Kuzzy (11/26/82; Hayward, WI; CXC Elite)
Taz Mannix (6/14/86; Talkeetna, AK; Alaska Pacific University Nordic)
Morgan Smyth (2/10/86; Vernon, VT; Northern Michigan University)
Lindsay Williams (6/16/84; Hastings, MN; Northern Michigan University)*

XC Trains On Snow in Oregon

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 MST

BEND, OR (May 20) - Following a season of incredible success, including Kikkan Randall's (Anchorage, AK) World Championship silver medal, the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team reunited this week in Oregon to begin its training season in the lead up to the 2010 Olympics.

"It's an early camp, so we're really trying to lay down base fitness. We're also working on technique with each individual working on their weaknesses at the moment," Cross Country Head coach Pete Vordenberg said.

Andy Newell pumps his way uphill in Bend, OR in May (USSA)

According to Vordenberg, the athletes are already at a level of athletic and technical preparedness beyond what they have been in the past.

"The way we were working on this six years ago is so different from how we're doing it now," Vordenberg said. "We're taking on smaller things with most of these guys and it's been a really encouraging process. Everyone is coming along. Compared to previous springs, we're way ahead of where we have been."

The roster of athletes at the camp includes Randall, World Cup podium performer Andy Newell (Shaftsburry, VT) and U23 medalist Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT).

"It's hard to believe it's been a month-and-a-half since the beginning of the season. It's fun to see what everyone did with their time off during the season," Randall said. "Everyone just hops in line and we ski together. We just fit so well as a team it's like meeting up with your long lost brother or sister. It's a good dynamic."

The plan for the first camp of the summer, as far as Vordenberg is concerned, is to get athletes to refine small things as well as pace themselves in workouts for an overall better level of fitness.

"They train all year round, but what we are doing is refining how we approach the fitness. Last year we did a good job of having our best races at World Championships, but some of the athletes never had as good of races as they could have even though their fitness was really high," Vordenberg said. "To attack that we're trying to make sure everyone is doing the workouts at the right pace and nobody burns out over time. We're paying a great deal of attention to make sure everything is exactly right."

For Newell, pacing and fine tuning is a perfect way to set out for the 2010 season.

"To be able to be with the team so early in the season is a major bonus. This time of year we are taking it easy, but it's good to be with the coaches so we can dial in a lot of stuff," Newell said.

The camp wraps up at the end of May, but not before the Team has a chance to head to the coast of Oregon for a little surf.

"We try to put a little bit of a team bonding experience in the first camps of the year, so that's part of the reason we try to head out to the coast - to have some fun, do some surfing and play around in the sand and the water," Vordenberg said.

Newell, in particular, is excited to spend some time oceanside.

"This is a good time of year to do different things for training, like surfing. We'll get the whole Team out in the water and have some fun," Newell said.

Vordenberg Reflects on the XC Season

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

Two-time Olympian Pete Vordenberg has been a member of the U.S. cross country coaching staff since 2002. After a successful season, the highlight of which was a World Championship silver medal, Vordenberg reflects on what it took to get to this point, and what it will take to make it to the top.

Here is a short review of the season. You will see that the review of last season blends quickly into plans for this and the next. We are always engaged in analysis. While waxing skis, while skiing, while driving, late night, at meals, via email nonstop we look at this thing and by spring the next summer already has shape, the next season has dates and locations and pencil marks in the margins.

Even some of the most objective information has an important back-story and some facts are only relevant in light of that back-story or in light of other facts. Sometimes the facts that are left out are as important as those listed. With that here are some stats from this year:

USA World Championship Medals: 1

USA World Cup Podiums: 0

Top USA World Cup results: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th (x 2), 12th (x2), 14th, 15th.

Top USA World Championship results: 2nd, 4th, 12th, 15th.

U.S. Skiers in the Red Group for fall 2009: 3

World Cup points by the USA: 501

U.S. World Cup points including Worlds: 705

What facts are missing that are as relevant as the ones listed? In the 2008 season we scored 100 more World Cup points than we did in 2009, unless you include World Champs. In that case we scored 100 more in 2009 than in 2008. That is an example of the same fact telling different tales. The reality is that on the World Cup we did much better in the 2008 season and even in the season before that than we did this past season. Our best World Cup results in 2008 were first, second, fourth and two fifth place finishes. The year before we also had podium and top 5 results. The year before that we had our first podium in 23 years. So on the World Cup our results didn’t show improvement. Especially in light of the opportunity we had in Whistler, an opportunity we were not able to capitalize on.

There are plenty of World’s and Olympics over the past few decades to compare our 2009 World’s results to. Obviously the medal is our biggest success and it is our best ever World’s result.

For me that still has to soak in. That is our best ever…

The fourth place finish was equal to our best in 2003 and certainly is one of our best results ever as well. Another bright light was our improvement in women’s distance racing with a 15th, 17th and 22nd.

These results are equal to the best I could find in US ski history and came from ladies who are under age 23 while our past top results came from skiers generally in their 30’s.

Our World Champ results in general, like our World Cup performance this season, left potential un-actualized. While it can’t be considered a positive to have not done as well as our skiers are capable of doing, it is a positive to have to have legitimate podium potential. And of course the questions we constantly work on are, how do we better develop and actualize that potential and how do we bring in more skiers with that talent and potential so that we can develop it?

The good news is that potential is still in our stable. And by trying hard and failing, and as importantly by paying close attention to what we tried and why we failed, we have learned and can better answer both those questions. What we learn we will apply to what we do.

We have put a lot of emphasis on sprint over the past eight years. We have put a lot of emphasis on partnership and program building in the past three to five years. We have put an emphasis on women’s skiing in the past three years. The past two seasons we put our emphasis on peaking at premier events rather than looking for results all season. Last year we didn’t succeed at that. We didn’t have our best results at the pre-worlds or the Canmore World Cup both of which were target events. This year we did better with our results at Worlds, yet we still have a way to go to get everyone flying on time. These areas of focus were answers to areas of weakness and also areas of opportunity that we thought needed to be addressed or taken advantage of. This explains why we have skipped events like the Tour de Ski and not entered relay teams at times. It is a question of strategy and management toward achieving set goals and not just throwing darts at every event, every weakness, and every opportunity that comes along. To hit a target you have to aim at it. Anyone that has ever tried bird hunting knows you can’t aim at the sky or even at a flock of birds. You have to pick one out and follow through with the shot. Then aim for the next.

We had no women on the national team in, I believe it was 2006. We addressed that and have a lot more work ahead. Our lack of results in men’s distance, the fourth place result excluded, reflect a major area of weakness that we are only starting to address.

The main thought that constantly floods my mind is how much work we have to do on our strengths let alone our weaknesses. While that is a fact it isn’t really meant to be a negative statement. This is cross country ski racing and if the thought of a lot of work is a negative one, this isn’t your sport. We have work to do in sprinting, in women’s distance and certainly in men’s distance. And even with our medal at worlds this year and even with medals next year, in my view success depends on those results but also on putting the pipeline to future success in place, in making sure that programs outside the U.S. Ski Team are strong, on helping raise the level of youth coaching in the U.S. to at least that of our competition. And the U.S. Ski Team program itself must continue to build and evolve its programming.

Regardless of any or all podiums now or in the next few years if we face another 25 years with no medals and a decade of 40-point world cup seasons then that success comes with a mean asterisk.

How we shape the Team and our programs is a constant process of refinement, in some cases all out change and in others an attempt at stability and continuity. The process is similar for the athletes – what is working, what isn’t? It is spring. And spring is a good time of the year. But it isn’t really great for the reason most would think. It isn’t all boat drinks and high fives.

The best part of spring is looking forward with enthusiasm, confidence and the makings of a plan. Around the first of May I’ll share some of those plans. The thing about plans is that at some point they hit the road and the road is full of reshaping realities. So before I share some of our plans we’ll let further work go into them and the reality of the dollar sink its teeth in as well. That could be a good guideline in general, don’t fall in love with the beauty of a plan. That’s a sure way to keep doing the wrong thing even after you see how wrong you're doing it. In the meantime some things are clear. It is the U.S. Ski Team’s job to get ahead and win at the highest level. To do that we have to decide the best way to get that done regardless of how many or how few resources we have at our disposal. When we look at the results and FIS profiles of our current top skiers and look at the path they have taken it is clear where we need to invest our time and resources. We must train more young skiers to a higher level earlier and we must invest in the skiers who, from a young age, both show promise and commit to training and racing at the closest level to the best that we can design and carry out. Ultimately, of course, we must be preparing better than anyone in the world as evidenced by the fact that we are winning at the highest level of sport. And one more thing we know, the USA can win medals in cross country ski racing. A medal is now the floor, no longer the ceiling.

Finally, in all this talk about work and next season and all the seasons to come there should be a moment reserved for congratulations. We have had success. We have marked major progress. Congratulations are in order and this isn’t about the U.S. Ski Team it is about U.S. skiing. Our community is strong and has become more and more cohesive over the past few years. Our success is as shared as the work. Congratulations to the programs and coaches and supporters who have been actively involved. Congratulations to all the staff. And most of all congratulations to the athletes.

USSA Launches Level 100 XC Coaches Certification

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 MST

PARK CITY, UT (April 2) - The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has launched a cross country coaches level 100 certification program, the first level of a multi-level cross country-specific coaches education certification system. The curriculum is based on up-to-date practices used by the U.S. Ski Team in the quest for Olympic medals. The course material comes directly from the Team's coaches and several of their key partners. The rollout of the certification system will occur throughout the next several seasons, and once completely launched, course content will continue to evolve with the sport.

The certification is based on a curriculum of cutting edge coaching techniques, which are used by the U.S. Ski Team in its coaching of athletes like World Championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) and World Cup podium performer Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT).

"This cross country-specific coaches education certification system is a major step forward in our development as a skiing nation. Level 100 coaches will be better suited to provide the training environment that will maximize an athlete's talent, allowing them to advance to the next stage of the pipeline," U.S. Cross Country Coach Matt Whitcomb said. "Ultimately, the U.S. Ski Team is only as successful as the clubs that are developing athletes from early on, and thus wide spread buy-in to this program is important to the goal of winning Olympic medals."

Level 200 coaches certification will be launched in the Spring of 2010, and level 300 in the Spring of 2011.

For more information on level 100 certification click here and select the cross country tab.

Stephen Takes Third Win

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FAIRBANKS, AK (March 29) - Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT) and James Southam (Anchorage) each notched off one final U.S title as Stephen won the women's 30K and Southam finished third in the men's 50K classic race at the close of the 2009 U.S. Cross Country Distance Championships on Sunday. It was Stephen's third and Southam's second title of the 2009 Championships.

"It's great to end the season confident going into next year. It's fun to be able to be tired, but to still be able to hold on and pull off some great races at the end of the season," Stephen said. "It definitely makes me excited to get ready this summer for next season."

Morgan Arritola (Ketchum, ID) followed Stephen in second place and Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) was third.

According to Stephen, earning her win on Sunday was not an easy task.

"The battle was really good. Morgan led for most of the race. There were about five of us. She was really pushing the pace and I was struggling to keep up," Stephen said. "There was a lap and a half to go and I started reeling people in and on the last huge hill I got some space from Morgan and was able to keep it."

For Stephen, winning her third title of the season was sweeter than it normally would have been because she got to do it in Fairbanks.

"It means a lot to me. I've raced pretty well in Fairbanks before. The hills here are really hard but I know them really well. It means a lot to win the championships for sure, but to win them in Fairbanks is pretty fun for me," Stephen said. "The volunteers and the fans are all out in full force every day and they do a great job."

In the men's race Canadians Stefan Kuhn and Ivan Babikov finished first and second, respectively. Southam, who was third, took the title as the top U.S. finisher.

To cap the weekend off, Stephen and Leif Zimmermann (Bozeman, MT) were named the 2009 overall U.S. champions.

The U.S. championships put a cap on the 2009 U.S. Cross Country season. Athletes now head into their training period in preparation for the 2010 season.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 U.S. CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Fairbanks, AK - March 29, 2009
Men's 50K/Women's 30K

Men
1. Stefan Kuhn, Canada, 2:30:06.8
2. Ivan Babikov, Saab Salomon/Canada, 2:30:14.1
3. James Southam, Anchorage; APU, 2:31:40.5
4. Noah Hoffman, Aspen, CO; U.S. Ski Team/SVSEF, 2:32:21.2
5. Glenn Randall, Collbran, CO; Dartmouth, 2:33:29.5
6. Bryan Cook, Marquette, MI; CXC, 2:34:11.7
7. Torin Koos, Leavenworth, WA; U.S. Ski Team, 2:34:48.2
8: Graham Nishikawa, Canada, 2:34:57.5
9. Chris Cook, Rhinelander, WI; U.S. Ski Team, 2:36:24.8
10. Garrott Kuzzy, Hayward, WI; U.S. Ski Team/CXC Elite, 2:37:00.9

Women
1. Liz Stephen, East Montpelier, VT; U.S. Ski Team/Burke, 1:38:20.5
2. Morgan Arritola, Ketchum, ID; U.S. Ski Team/SVSEF, 1:38:34.6
3. Kikkan Randall, Anchorage; U.S. Ski Team/APU, 1:39:09.6
4. Kristina Strandberg, Sweden, Saab Salomon/XC Oregon 1:40:03.6
5. Rebecca Dussault, Gunnison, CO; Saab Salomon, 1:40:16.9
6. Caitlin Compton, Minneapolis, MN; CXC Elite, 1:40:52.0
7. Morgan Smyth, Vernon, VT; U.S. Ski Team/NMU, 1:42:24.8
8. Becca Rorabaugh, Fairbanks, AK; APU, 1:42:28.9
9. Kate Pearson Arduser, Cordova, AK; APU, 1:42:39.4
10. Holly Brooks, Anchorage; APU, 1:43:28.0
# # #

For complete results click here.

Stephen Defends Pursuit Title

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FAIRBANKS, AK (March 27) - Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT) made it back to back titles as she won the women's 15K pursuit for the second year at the 2009 U.S. Distance Cross Country Championships in Fairbanks Friday. Ivan Babikov of Canada won the men's 30K and Leif Zimmermann (Bozeman, MT) took the title as the top U.S. finisher in second.

"It's definitely nice to defend my title from last year. It's my favorite race and that's a good way to do it," Stephen said. "It means a lot to me to be up here and finish out the season this way."

According to U.S. Cross Country Coach Matt Whitcomb, Stephen knew her strengths and weaknesses going in to the race and was prepared with a plan of attack.

"Today went as planned for Liz," Whitcomb said. "She knows she's at the point where in her classic skating she has to prevent a gap from opening up. She was able to do that today."

"In the classic leg I was a little behind and trying to hang on and then came on in the skate. It felt good," Liz added

Following Stephen in the woman's field was Sweden's Kristina Strandberg in second and World Championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) in third.

Zimmermann finished just over a minute and a half behind Babikov in what Whitcomb calls his best classic race ever.

"He was really excited. This was far and away the best Leif has classic skied all year, and maybe ever," Whitcomb said. "It was a really strong classic performance. I think coming out of that leg he was fired up and there was no turning around."

In the skate portion of the race Zimmermann solidified his second place spot.

"He was able to fight off the field and claim that first spot," Whitcomb said.

Rounding out the men's podium on Friday was James Southam (Anchorage).

According to Stephen, there's no place she'd rather be skiing than in Fairbanks.

"The volunteers up here in Fairbanks are unlike those in any other place. They are out here in full force," Stephen said. "The spectators are great and the community really pulled together. Racing in Fairbanks is always fun."

The 2009 U.S. Cross Country Championships continue Sunday with the men's 50K and women's 30K classic races.

"I think the team is healthy and poised to claim some good results," Whitcomb said.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 U.S. CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Fairbanks, Alaska – March 27, 2009
15/30K Pursuit

Men's 30K
1. Ivan Babikov, Canada, 1:26:03.3
2. Leif Zimmermann, Bozeman, MT; U.S. Ski Team, 1:27:40.2
3. James Southam, Anchorage; APU, 1:28:37.6
4. Lars Flora, Bend, OR; APU, 1:28:51.9
5. Garrott Kuzzy, Hayward, WI, U.S. Ski Team, 1:28:53.7
6. Brent Knight, Anchorage, AK; APU, 1:28:59.0
7. Bryan Cook, Marquette, MI; CXC Elite, 1:29:13.4
8. Chris Cook, Rhinelander, WI; U.S. Ski Team, 1:29:20.5
9. Graham Nishikawa, Canada, 1:29:21.2
10. Torin Koos, Leavenworth, WA; U.S. Ski Team, 1:29:25.5

Women's 15K
1. Liz Stephen, East Montpelier, VT; U.S. Ski Team, 47:36.3
2. Kristina Strandberg, Sweden, 47:51.9
3. Kikkan Randall, Anchorage; U.S. Ski Team, 48:01.0
4. Holly Brooks, Anchorage; APU, 48:10.8
5. Rebecca Dussault, Gunnison, CO, 48:46.0
6. Morgan Smyth, Vernon, VT; U.S. Ski Team, 49:12.1
7. Taz Mannix, Talkeetna, AK; U.S. Ski Team, 49:22.1
8. Becca Rorabaugh, Fairbanks, AK; APU, 49:48.7
9. Caitlin Compton, Minneapolis, MN; CXC Elite, 49:56.8
10. Kristina Owen, Hayward, WI; CXC, 50:01.1
# # #

For complete results for women click here and for men click here.

Smyth, Stephen Take Team Sprint Titles

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FAIRBANKS, AK (March 25) - Morgan Smyth (Vernon, VT), alongside teammate Liz Stephen (East Montpelier, VT), took her second U.S. title in as many days as the duo finished first in the team sprint at the 2009 U.S. Cross Country Championships in Fairbanks Wednesday night. Chris Cook (Rhinelander, WI) and Torin Koos (Leavenworth, WI) won the men's team event.

According to U.S. Cross Country Coach Matt Whitcomb, Smyth and Stephen's performance Wednesday is an example of both women's status as true competitors.

"The results have spoken for themselves. This was the team to beat and it's not a surprise that they were able to do really well today," Whitcombb said.

According to Whitcomb, the women knew what it would take for them to take the title and they excecuted their game plan flawlessly.

"Morgan and Liz knew that in the start of the last leg they needed to be within 50 meters otherwise they would be dead in the water," Whitcomb said. "With their combined effort they chipped away at the field by hammering through each leg from start to finish. The day unfolded really well for those two women."

As for Smyth's back to back U.S. titles, for Whitcomb they are a sign of what is next to come from the cross country athlete.

"Morgan has been on fire. She's in really good shape and feeling pretty confident. We definitely expected big things from her," Whitcomb said.

In second place for the women's team sprint, CXC Elite's Caitlin Compton (Minneapolis, MN) and Maria Stuber (Lakeville, MN). Taking third was the Saab Salomon team of Kristina Strandberg of Sweden and Kristin Trygstad-Saari (Bozeman, MT).

In the men's team sprint, Whitcomb was happy to see Koos and Cook succeed despite some challenges for Koos.

"Koos was held up by the volcano eruption [Mt. Redoubt] and didn't arrive till Tuesday night at 2:30 a.m., so he was a wildcard, but he's been more fit with each week of the season and today there was no difference. He looked really strong out there today," Whitcomb said.

In the end, Whitcomb said it was good to have two teammates able to work together for a common goal in what is oftentimes an individual sport.

"These guys have been battling it out on the World Cup all year and it was neat to see Cook and Koos race together today," Whitcomb said. "The team sprint is the ultimate example of a team event. It can't just be one good performance out there, it has to be two perfect performance to win this race."

The U.S. Country Championships continue in Fairbanks Friday with men's 30K and women's 15K pursuits. Fans can catch the action live at http://www.summittiming.com/races/

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 U.S. CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Fairbanks, Alaska – March 25, 2009
Team Sprint

Men's
1. Chris Cook (Rhinelander, WI; U.S. Ski Team), Torin Koos (Leavenworth, WA; U.S. Ski Team), 20:17.5
2. Garrott Kuzzy (Hayward, WI; U.S. Ski Team), Leif Zimmermann (Bozeman, MT; U.S. Ski Team) 20:18.0
3. Anders Haugen (Anchorage; Rossignol, APU), Lars Flora (Bend, OR; Saab Salomon, APU) 20:19.1
4. Stefan Kuhn (Canada), Graham Nishikawa (Canada) 20:19.5
5. Mike Sinnott (Sun Valley, ID; Saab Salomon, SVSEF), Colin Rodgers (Ketchum, ID; Fischer, Craft, SVSEF) 20:32.5

Women's
1. Morgan Smyth (Vernon, VT; U.S. Ski Team), Liz Stephen 9Wast Montpelier, VT; U.S. Ski Team) 23:19.3
2. Caitlin Compton (Minneapolis, MN; CXC Elite), Maria Stuber (Lakeville, MN; CXC Elite) 23:19.8
3. Kristina Strandberg (Sweden; Saab Salomon; XC Oregon) Kristin Trygstad-Saari (Bozeman, MT; Saab Salomon,BSF) 23:24.2
4. Katie Ronsse (Anchorage; APU), Kikkan Randall (Anchorage; U.S. Ski Team) 23:35.6
5. Kate Pearson Arduser (Cordova, AK; Rossignol, APU), Becca Rorabaugh (Fairbanks, AK; APU) 24:09.8
# # #

For complete results click here.

Smyth, Southam Take Classic Titles

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (March 25) - Kristina Strandberg of Sweden and James Southam of Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Club Kicked off the 2009 U.S. Distance Cross Country Championships by winning the women's 5K and men's 10K classic races in Fairbanks Tuesday. Southam won the men's U.S. title and, as the highest placing U.S. athlete, second-place finisher Morgan Smyth (Vernon, VT) won the women's title.

The event was the start of five days of racing in Fairbanks where U.S. championship titles will be given to the men and women who win each event.

For Southam, the win was a welcomed relief after years of not reaching the top spot of the podium.

"The last time I won was in 2006, so it's been a few years" Southam said. "It feels good after a drought and a rough year last year to get back on top and get another championship."

In the men's 10K classic Southam was followed by Stefan Kuhn of Canada in second and Graham Nishikawa, who is also from Canada, in third.

According to Southam, the key in winning was pacing to have enough energy to finish the race strongly.

"The race started out conservatively. You can get pretty tired so I just wanted to be sure I had enough energy on the second lap to get around out there. It worked out," Southam said.

Becca Rorabaugh of Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Club was third in the women's 5K.

The 2009 U.S. Distance Cross Country Championships continue Wednesday with the freestyle team sprint.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 U.S. DISTANCE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Fairbanks, Alaska – March 25, 2009
5/10K Classic

Men's 10K
1. James Southam, Anchorage, 28:56.3
2. Stefan Kuhn, Canada, 29:04.4
3. Graham Nishikawa, Canada, 29:08.0
4. Chris Cook, Rhinelander, WI, 29:13.9
5. Brent Knight, Anchorage, AK, 29:21.9
6. Lars Flora, Bend, OR, 29:23.7
7. Bryan Cook, Marquette, MI, 29:29.7
8. Patrick Johnson, Anchorage, AK, 29:32.9
9. Leif Zimmermann, Bozemann, MT, 29:44.0
10. Andre Watt, Duluth, MN, 29:45.2

Women's 5K
1. Kristina Strandberg, Sweden, 16:00.8
2. Morgan Smyth, Vernon, VT, 16:31.8
3. Becca Rorabaugh, Fairbanks, AK, 16:37.0
4. Adele Espy, Freeport, ME, 16:44.7
5. Caitlin Compton, Minneapolis, MN, 16:46.0
6. Liz Stephen, East Montpelier, VT, 16:49.8
7. Taz Mannix, Talkeetna, AK, 16:51.8
8. Sadie Bjornsen, Winthrop, WA, 16:53.0
9. Morgan Arritola, Ketchum, ID, 16:54.7
10. Kristine Trygstad-Saari, Bozeman, MT, 16:55.5
# # #

For complete results click here.

XC Championship Info Available Online

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FAIRBANKS, AK (March 25) - Fans can keep up to date with the newest information out of Fairbanks during the 2009 U.S. Distance Cross Country Championships with start lists, competition schedules and results available at http://www.usdistancenationals.org. To see the action unfold live in Alaska visit http://www.summittiming.com/races/

ALERT: Cross Country Champs Continue as Planned

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FAIRBANKS, AK (March 24) - Athletes, coaches and fans are advised that the schedule for the U.S. Cross Country Distance Championships has not changed in response to the volanic eruption of Alaska's Mt. Redoubt. Those traveling to Fairbanks for the are advised to check with airlines on possible flight cancelations and delays. While Fairbanks is over 350 miles from Anchorage, airlines, including Alaska Airlines, have canceled flights based on possible impact of volcanic ash.

For more information visit the following Twitter feeds:

Volcano Information
http://twitter.com/alaska_avo

USSA Event Info
http://twitter.com/usskiteam

ALERT: Alaska Air Travel Alert

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FAIRBANKS, AK (March 23) - Athletes, coaches and fans traveling to Fairbanks for the U.S. Cross Country Distance Championships are advised to check with airlines on possible flight cancelations and delays due to the volcanic eruption of Alaska's Mt. Redoubt, which is west of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula. While Fairbanks is over 350 miles from Anchorage, airlines, including Alaska Airlines, have canceled flights based on possible impact of volcanic ash. At the present time, no changes were anticipated to the schedule of events.

For more information visit the following Twitter feeds:

Volcano Information
http://twitter.com/alaska_avo

USSA Event Info
http://twitter.com/usskiteam