U.S. Ski Team News - Cross Country

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

Distance Nationals Head To Fairbanks

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (March 23) - With the World Cup tour wrapped up for 2009, U.S. cross country skiers are getting ready to close out the season as they head to Fairbanks for the second time in as many years for the 2009 U.S. Distance Cross Country Championships March 24-29.

"Last year was the first year we went to Fairbanks for long distance nationals and they did a superb job," U.S. Nordic Program Director John Farra said. "Right now they still have winter there. There is plenty of snow and the weather is nice so it looks like we'll have a great event up there."

Among the athletes expected to compete are World Championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall (Anchorage), Olympian Torin Koos (Leavenworth, WA) and top distance skiers Liz Stephen and Morgan Arritola.

After starting out the U.S. Cross Country Championships in Alaska in January with sprint and medium distance disciplines, the championships make a final stop at Wedgwood Resort in Fairbanks for long distance races.

"We have four high caliber events with the highest level of competition in the nation all at the end of the season," Farra said.

The championships will also feature the 5/10K interval start classic and freestyle team sprints, which were not held in Anchorage due to poor weather.

"We're really lucky to have a venue that can host all four of those races," Farra said. "What that's done is upped the ante. Anyone who has considered not going because they may be more of a sprinter than a distance athlete is now going. Fairbanks has become the place to be to end the season. It's the last chance to improve one's USSA points."

Of the top athletes expected to compete, Randall is, perhaps, the most excited to be getting some on snow time in her home state.

"It's nice to know that there's one more week of racing and it will be nice to go somewhere familiar and race in Fairbanks," Randall said. "The crew there is getting all geared up and the city is excited so I think it will be a fun championship."

According to Randall, the rich history of cross country skiing in Fairbanks is going to make the championships an amazing event.

"There is a good culture of skiing up there. They put a lot of work into the trails and the facilities," Randall said. "The people there are really passionate, so you'll have a good atmosphere. There's going to be a lot of fans coming out and it will be a great end to the season."

Fans can keep track of the action as it starts Tuesday in Fairbanks.

2009 U.S. Distance Cross Country Championships schedule:

March 24 - 5/10km classic * rescheduled
March 25 - Team sprint freestyle * rescheduled
March 27 - 15/30km pursuit
March 29 - 30/50km classic mass start

Cologna, Kowalczyk Take Top Honors

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FALUN, Sweden (March 22) - Dario Cologna of Italy and Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland finished atop the podium after the final freestyle race of the cross country season Sunday in Sweden. The pursuit race placed athletes in a start order according to their standings from the past three days of competitions with the first person to cross the finish line getting the prize.

Cologna and Kowalczyk also walked away with the World Cup overall titles. Cologna's win put him 1,344 points ahead of Norwegian Petter Northug who tallied 1,217. On the women's side, Kowalczyk took the overall with 1,810 points over sprinter Petra Majdic of Slovenia with 1,730.

Skiers with the fastest raw time in Sunday's races were Russia's Sergey Shiriaev, who skied the 15k in 35:23.0, and Kristin Stoermer Steira of Norway, skiing the women's 10k in 28:13.3.

U.S. Skiers Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) and Torin Koos (Leavenworth, WA) finished the World Cup Finals in 55th and 75th overall. Randall finished the skate race 46th fastest, while Koos was last among the men's field in 80th.

Though he did not race in the final event, Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT) ended up 15th in the season's final sprint standings. Koos was 24th. Randall finished 28th in the women's field.

"It was a close to a good season," U.S. Cross Country Head Coach Pete Vordenberg said as he and other coaches packed up the wax room in Falun. "Each of them did as well as they could do today, but in distance we feel our weaknesses and we have a lot to work on."

Vordenberg said the Team would begin training on snow, on foot and on roller skis, almost immediately to build their endurance.

"We have a task ahead of us and we'll be starting right away," he said.

Even though many of the field's sprint racers finish near the back in distance races Vordenberg said there is a connection between finishing inside the top 30 of a distance race and having the endurance to make it into the sprint finals on a regular basis.

"Kikkan has been in the top 30 in distance and she's also our best sprinter and World Championship medalist. That's no coincidence. She's a little bit more of the full package," Vordenberg said.

Next, the U.S. athletes will head to Fairbanks, Alaska for distance nationals March 24-29.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 VIESSMANN CROSS COUNTRY FIS WORLD CUP
Falun, Sweden - March 21, 2009
15K/10K Free Pursuit

Men
1. Dario Cologna, Switzerland, 35:57.2
2. Vincent Vittoz, France, 36:38.5
3. Alexander Legkov, Russia, 37:02.6
4. Petter Northug, Norway, 37:07.7
5. Jean Marc Gaillard, France, 37:08.2
-
75. Torin Koos, Leavenworth, WA, 45:07.1

Women
1. Justyna Kowalczyk, Poland, 27:48.6
2. Therese Johaug, Norway, 28.08.6
3. Charlotte Kalla, Sweden, 28:12.0
4. Kristin Stoermer, Norway, 28:13.3
5. Anna Olsson, Sweden, 28.23.0
-
50. Kikkan Randall, Anchorage, 33:19.0
# # #

Cologna Wins XC in Sweden

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FALUN, Sweden (March 21) - Italy's Dario Cologna bested the field Saturday in a 10K pursuit in Sweden. He skied the total 20K race in 54:59.5 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than second-place finisher Marcus Hellner of Sweden. German Tobias Angerer finished third, 2.4 seconds off the pace.

Torin Koos (Leavenworth, WA) finished 63rd in 59:03.4, turning in the 47th fastest classic portion and 74th fastest skate.

Finland's Riitta Liisa Roponen won the women's pursuit in 29:24.7. She came from 18th after the classic race to ski the third fastest 5k skate, winning over Norwegian Therese Johaug and World Cup leader Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland.

Warm conditions, about five degrees Celsius, made for a klister wax classic race and a mushy skate, U.S. Cross Country Coach Chris Grover said.

"Coming in here with three sprinters we knew our best day would be the first. Now that the sprints are over Kikkan [Randall; Anchorage], Torin and Andy [Newell; Shaftsbury, VT] are getting some good experience racing distance," Grover said.

Newell pulled out of the race because after a long, hard season he couldn't find that extra gear needed.

"He's been tired and today was the longest distance he's attempted. He's ready for vacation time. He had a good starting spot, but he was hurting right from the get go and didn't feel like he could dig deep," Grover reported.

He said Koos had a strong race and felt good, while Randall finished but with heavy legs from the grueling prologue Friday.

"She did a good job, but there was probably a little carry over from the "murder hill." In today's race there were a couple good classic climb, and they had to ski murder hill again in the skate portion," he said.

Both Randall and Koos will start in Sunday's respective 10K and 15K skate, which will start similar to a Gundersen event. Athletes will go off in order of their standings during the final World Cup series, so the first to cross the line will win the series and a hefty sum of cash.

"Kikkan and Torin aren't in a place to strike, but it's a good chance to do some distance. It really feels like spring here," Grover said.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 VIESSMANN CROSS COUNTRY FIS WORLD CUP
Falun, Sweden - March 21, 2009
20K/10K Pursuit

Men
1. Dario Cologna, Switzerland, 54:59.5
2. Marcus Hellner, Sweden, 55.01.2
3. Tobias Angerer, Germany, 55:01.9
4. Pietro Piller Cottrer, Italy, 55:02.2
5. Vincent Vittoz, France, 55:03.2
-
63. Torin Koos, Leavenworth, WA, 59:03.4
DNF: Andy Newell, Shaftsbury, VT

Women
1. Riitta-Liisa Roponen, Finland, 29:24.7
2. Therese Johaug, Norway, 29:26.0
3. Justyna Kowalczyk, Poland, 29:28.9
4. Claudia Nystad, Germany, 29:39.9
5. Kristin Stoermer, Norway, 29:40.0
-
55. Kikkan Randall, Anchorage, 32:10.9
# # #

Germans Win In Sweden WC

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

FALUN, Sweden (March 20) - Germans Axel Teichmann and Claudia Nystad each took the win Friday during the men's 3.3 and women's 2.5K prologue at World Cup finals in Sweden. Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) was the top U.S. finisher, taking 31st.

Friday's race was a unique combination of short distance racing and a hill climb that those in Sweden refer to as "the murder hill" because of its difficulty level.

"It was a cool race, but it's pretty grueling," U.S. Cross Country Coach Chris Grover said.

The challenge presented by the hill climb meant that athletes needed to pace themselves or face being too burnt out to finish strong and, according to Grover, Randall did just that.

"She felt like she skied a pretty smart race. She was 44th at the first split and ended up 31st. She started out more conservatively and moved up at the end of the race, so she felt pretty good about it," Grover said.

In the men's race Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT) finished 68th, followed closely by Torin Koos (Leavenworth, WA) in 71st.

"The guys skied ok. They both started a little fast and lactated up too early in the race. But, it's hard not to. You had to start conservatively," Grover said. "The guy who won was in 64th when he reached the top of the hill. Down the hill he was in first.

"So our guys started too fast. It was definitely a distance race. All the distance guys were at the front and the sprinters were at the back."

Now, the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team looks ahead to the duathlon on Saturday where half the race will be in classic technique and the other half in skate.

"Everyone is working on recovery and taking care of themselves as they get ready to race again soon," Grover said.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 VIESSMANN CROSS COUNTRY FIS WORLD CUP
Falun, Sweden - March 20, 2009
3.3/2.5K Prologue

Men's 3.3K
1. Axel Teichmann, Germany, 8:33.1
2. Dario Cologna, Switzerland, 8:33.3
3. Martin Koukal, Czech Republic, 8:38.4
4. Tobias Angerer, Germany, 8:39.8
5. Rene Sommerfeldt, Germany, 8:40.4
-
68. Andy Newell, Shaftsbury, VT, 9:09.4
71. Torin Koos, Leavenworth, WA, 9:12.0

Women's 2.5K
1. Claudia Nystad, Germany, 7:12.5
2. Charlotte Kalla, Sweden, 7:15.2
3. Justyna Kowalczyk, Poland, 7:15.5
4. Riitta-Liisa Roponen, Finland, 7:19.7
5. Petra Majdic, Slovenia, 7:22.7
-
31. Kikkan Randall, Anchorage, 7:40.9
# # #

For complete results click here.

Newell Ninth in Stockholm

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (March 18) - The U.S. Ski Team's Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT) finished ninth during the last sprint World Cup of the 2009 season Wednesday in Stockholm.

"It's good to be back in the top 10," Newell said. "The past two weeks have been a bit of a struggle to get back into good racing form, so I think I'm getting my feet back under me."

Norwegians swept the men's sprint podium with Johan Kjoelstad taking the win, John Kristian Dahl in second and Eldar Roenning in third.

According to Newell, the course in Stockholm presented a challenge to athletes looking to push forward through the rounds.

"It's a really fast course. There's one uphill, a lot of double polling and one final climb. You need to be in contention by the last climb to make it," Newell said.

It was the course features that inevitably put Newell into the B final as opposed to the A final.

"I advanced through the first round pretty easily, then I had a tough semi final heat and unfortunately got in the back and couldn't work my way back up into any of the top positions," Newell said.

Following Newell for the U.S. was Torin Koos (Leavenworth, WA) who finished 14th.

"Torin and Andy were in the same quarterfinals and he and Andy were racing against each other," U.S. Cross Country Coach Chris Grover said. "For a while we hoped Torin would be a lucky loser but he got knocked out and ended up 14th for the day, which isn't bad, but was obviously really close."

In the women's sprint, Petra Majdic of Slovenia won, followed by Aino Kaisa Saarinen of Finland in second and Anna Olsson of Sweden in third.

Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) didn't qualify for finals, finishing 33rd.

The cross country World Cup Finals continue Friday in Falun, Sweden.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 VIESSMANN CROSS COUNTRY FIS WORLD CUP
Stockholm, Sweden - March 18, 2009
Classic Sprint

Men
1. Johan Kjoelstad, Norway
2. John Kristian Dahl, Norway
3. Eldar Roenning, Norway
4. Emil Joensson, Sweden
5. Nikita Kriukov
-
9. Andy Newell, Shaftsbury, VT
14. Torin Koos, Leavenworth, WA
62. Chris Cook, Rhinelander, WA

Women
1. Petra Majdic, Slovenia
2. Aino Kaisa Saarinen, Finland
3. Anna Olsson, Sweden
4. Pirjo Muranen, Finland
5. Virpi Kuitunen, Finland
-
33. Kikkan Randall, Anchorage
# # #

For complete results click here.

Norway Sweeps Men's XC in Norway

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

TRONDHEIM, Norway (March 12) - It was a day for the home crowd as Norway swept the men's World Cup podium with Ola Vigen Hattestad winning the classic sprint in Trondheim. Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT) took the lead for the U.S. finishing 23rd.

"It was a bit of a rough day," U.S. Cross Country Coach Chris Grover said. "The roughest part was that Torin [Koos; Leavenworth, WA] had bib one. There was a hold between the women's qualifications and the men's competition, and the first three guys out did not qualify because the new snow made the track so slow. Early starters had a real disadvantage."

Newell also dealt with a slower qualification. But it was a slip during the race that kept him from reaching the podium.

"He was skiing fine, but it was one of those days with the weather where we chose to have him race on harries, which are skis with no wax," Grover said. "Andy had fast skis but he missed a couple key kicks up the last hill. He had some big slips and lost momentum. It was definitely a disappointment for him, but there were lots of people in the same boat."

Petra Majdic of Slovenia won the women's classic sprint. Cross country World Championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall (Anchorage) led the way for U.S. women, finishing 30th.

"Kikkan struggles sometimes to get in to the rounds in classic events. For her to make it in was great but she had a really fast quarterfinal and she couldn't make it through," Grover said.

The cross country action continues in Norway Saturday with men's and women's distance races. The U.S. will not compete in the distance races, and instead will head to Stockholm for an upcoming sprint.

"The next race for us is in Stockholm six days from now. It's a classic sprint where we race around the king's castle in old town Stockholm," Grover said.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
2009 VIESSMANN CROSS COUNTRY FIS WORLD CUP
Trondheim, Norway - Mar. 12, 2009
Classic Sprint

Men
1. Ola Vigen Hattestad, Norway
2. Petter Jr. Northug, Norway
3. John Kristian Dahl, Norway
4. Yuichi Onda, Japan
5. Dario Cologna, Switzerland
-
23. Andy Newell, Shaftsbury, VT
37. Torin Koos, Leavenworth, WA
52. Colin Rodgers, Ketchum, ID
53. Chris Cook, Rhinelander, WA

Women
1. Petra Majdic, Slovenia
2. Alena Prochazkova, Slovakia
3. Justyna Kowalczyk, Poland
4. Anna Olsson, Sweden
5. Aino-Kaisa Saarinen, Finland
-
30. Kikkan Randall, Anchorage
# # #

For complete results click here.

DeBold Wins JO Sprint

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 00:00:00 MST

AUBURN, CA (March 9) – The cross country Junior Olympics commenced Monday with the 1k sprint, which was won by Doug DeBold (Wayzata, MN) with a time of 2:00.09.

Miles Havlick (Boulder, CO) followed in second with 2:01.18 and David Norris (Fairbanks, AK) coming a close third at 2:01.79.

Tuesday will be a training day for these athletes, and racing will continue Wednesday with the freestyle competition.