Cook County Championship Live Stream
February 2, 2012
If you want a little high school racing buzz, you can catch the northern powers battle in their conference championship live on the web with both audio and video Friday starting at 1:30 pm.

NNF Announces Support of the 2012 J1 Scandinavian Cup Team
February 2, 2012
The 2012 J1 Scandinavian Cup Team trip will receive up to $12,000 in support from NNF. The Junior Scandinavian Championship “Scando Cup” will be Feb 14-27, 2012 in Mammaste, Estonia. Midwest skiers Adam Martin and Nichole Bathe will be competing.

Biathlon: Outstanding Oslo World Cup Sprint Opener for Team USA
February 2, 2012
Team USA had an outstanding opening day highlighted by strong performances at the range and on the track at the IBU World Cup 7 at Holmenkollen in Oslo, Norway today as three skiers placed in the top 25, including Lowell Bailey in 8th.

US Ski Team: Diggins Leads Historic USA Finish
February 2, 2012
USSA: On a day that saw three American women square off in the semifinals, young Jessie Diggins led the USA with a career best sixth in zero temperatures in the Moscow sprints. FIS World Cup sprint leader Kikkan Randall was seventh, failing to make finals in a close semifinal finish. Ida Sargent had a career best 12th. Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland won for the women with Sweden's Teodor Peterson taking the men’s title.

Minneapolis IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup Coverage
February 1, 2012
The IPC World Cup is at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis for two days of racing Wednesday and Thursday. And there will also be some participation in the Loppet events on Saturday and Sunday.
Related:
Photoset from David Owen: Wednesday, Thursday
Photoset from Eve Stein: Wednesday
U.S. Skiers Fare Well in IPC World Cup Sprint Races
Cnossen Notches 5th Top 10 World Cup Finish

Heart-Rate Based Training Lecutre
February 1, 2012
US Rowing National Team Junior and U23 coach, Guenter Beutter will be lecturing on heart-rate based training; the most efficient and effective method for athletic performance improvement and maintenance for all endurance athletes. The lecture is tonight, Feb 1st at Gear West.

Skinnyski.com High School Rankings - Week 10
January 31, 2012
Week 10 of the high school rankings brings more juggling in the top ten individuals. With so many talented skiers on par with each other, almost every race puts a new twist on the overall standings. Ben Saxton and Annie Harvieux remain number one, as do the Wayzata girls and Roseville boys.

Racing Outlook
January 30, 2012
Lots of updates rolling in as warm weather and low snow cover have been taking a toll on some events. But a number of events still have good snow and plan original formats.

Minneapolis IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup at Theodore Wirth Park
January 30, 2012
After wrapping up events in Cable, the IPC World Cup moves to Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis for two days of racing. Wednesday and Thursday will be actual competition days, with practice on Tuesday and participation in the Loppet events on Saturday and Sunday.

Iola Norseman Challenge Results
January 29, 2012
Matt Nichols edged out Thomas Stuber in the 20K Iola Norseman Challenge Sunday. Lindsey Marshall was the womens winner. Eddie Gurney and Krista White won the 10K classical titles.
Related:
SMU 10K Results Posted

Tour de Twin Cities Freestyle Coverage
January 29, 2012
The Tour de Twin Cities wrapped up Sunday with another set of six races, this time featuring a freestyle pursuit format based off the classical finishes on Saturday. Matt Liebsch put in strong race, skiing with a lead pack for roughly half the race before breaking away on the final laps to take the victory (Brenton Knight posted the top skate time). Caitlin Gregg moved into the lead of the womens race early on and cruised in for the womens title. In the boys OJ/J1 race, Jan Ketterson stormed to the victory ahead of Chris Parr. The girls OJ/J1 race saw Hanne Guthrie move up to take the girls title just in front of Nikki Reker. Mattie Watts held off challengers to take the girls J2 race (Alayna Sonnesyn posted the top skate time). Sean Cork overtook Steve Hokanson for the J2 boys race (Zak Ketterson had the top skate time).
Related:
Photoset: SuperTour Women 15K - 118 photos, SuperTour Men 20K - 175 photos, Girls OJ/J1 10K - 80 photos, Boys OJ/J1 10K - 106 photos, Girls J2 5K - 70 photos, Boys J2 5K - 81 photos
Photoset from David Owen: Tour de Twin Cities Freestyle
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Girls OJ/J1, Boys OJ/J1
Results: 5K, 10K, 15K, 20K freestyle
Matt Liebsch Wins Tour de Twin Cities
CCSA: Irwin, Hecker capture first CCSA wins at Green Acres skate events

Marine/O'Brien Results
January 29, 2012
Pulling a race off in natural snow in the metro, the Marine/O'Brien miracle drew over 120 skiers to the William O'Brien State Park trails. In the big 21K skate race, Derek Wallen and Hilary Patzer topped the nearly 100 deep field. Andrew Tilman and Sara Zimmermann-White won the 21K classic. In the 10.5K race, freestyle titles went to Per Nelson and Amy Johnson, classic victories for Isaak Ridge and Angie Robinson.

Vasaloppet Update
January 29, 2012
Vasaloppet organizers are still hopeful for more snowfall to run the full race course in mid-February, but they have been evaluating Knife Lake as a backup plan.
Related:
Racing Outlook
Moraloppet Ski for the Cure Update
Moraloppet Ski for the Cure Tour Now a Walk

Noquemanon Results
January 28, 2012
Racing over near perfect snow conditions, more than 1000 skiers in the 2012 edition of the Noquemanon ski races. In the big 50K freestyle race, Michael Brothers posted the top time while Paulette Niemi collected yet another womens title. Santiago Ocariz and Natalia Naryshkina won the 50K classical races. In the 24K freestyle, victories went to Andrew Bruning and Monica Markvardsen. Erik Soderman and Jordyn Ross topped the 24K classical fields. Full results linked in.

Tour de Twin Cities Classical Coverage
January 28, 2012
An incredibly exciting Saturday for racing at Green Acres for the Tour de Twin Cities classical races. The events all featured a mass start format and the flow of the Green Acres trail system made for fantastic spectator viewing. Matt Liebsch provided the biggest excitement of the day, breaking a pole at the start then storming back to lose by a hair in a photo finish for the mens 10K SuperTour race. Jennie Bender went off the front early and posted a nice margin in her victory in the womens 5K. J1 titles went to Chris Parr and Annie Harvieux, J2 crowns for Steve Hokanson and Mattie Watts. (Photo: Sean Gavigan) Note: Citizen racers will start with SuperTour fields on Sunday.
Related:
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Boys OJ/J1
Video: SuperTour Mens 10K Recap, SuperTour Womens 5K Recap, Boys OJ/J1 10K Recap, Girls OJ/J1 5K Recap, Boys J2 5K Recap, Girls J2 5K Recap
Video from Rosie Curry: Mens SuperTour 10K Start Crash
Results: 5K, 10K classical
Matt Liebsch Race Recap by Greg Bernhardt.
CCSA: Eriksson, Harju claim college wins, lift Michigan Tech at Green Acres SuperTour

City of Lakes Loppet Going to Wirth
January 28, 2012
The City of Lakes Loppet organizers announced Saturday morning that the 2012 edition will be held exclusively at Theodore Wirth Park. This includes all of the Saturday events, like the Luminary Loppet, ski-jor races, and other festival activities.

Rochester Nordic Invite Results
January 27, 2012
John Resman reports: With just enough snow falling this past week, the Rochester Nordic Ski Invitational took place on Friday at the Eastwood Golf Course on natural snow (something that unfortunately is not happening very often this winter). Over 230 skiers from Northfield, Prior Lake, Rochester, and Winona skied in the freestyle technique on a 4.4K route wandering throughout the golf course with the varsity skiers adding a section through the adjoining woods for a 5.8K ski. Ian Torchia, Rochester, was the boys varsity champion and led his team to the title. The Winona girls, led by Erin Keane, the girls varsity champion, took the top three spots and earned the team title. Erin Keane and Ian Torchia also won the individual titles last year.

Cable IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup Coverage
January 26, 2012
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is holding Nordic Skiing World Cup events at Telemark Lodge in Cable January 26-30 featuring some of the world's best cross country skiers with physical disabilities.
Related:
Photoset from JoJo Baldus: Saturday Events - 160 photos
Photoset from Eve Stein: Cable IPC Photos, Set 2, Set 3, Set 4
Photoset from Kelly Randolph: Cable IPC Photos
Video: Live Video Coverage
IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup Midwest Events
Brelsford, Cnossen lead U.S. in first day of 2012 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup
Windy Conditions Challenge Biathlon Athletes
U.S. Athletes Crack Top 10 in Biathlon Long-course
Cnossen, Halsted moving up in 2012 IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup

Mayor's Challenge Sprints
January 25, 2012
The Mayor's Challenge series of events wrapped up Wednesday evening with a sprint prologue. Skiers competed on a 1.4K to post the top time. Tim Reynolds and Jennie Bender bested the fields with times of 2:46.18 and 3:13.39, respectively. The Tour de Twin Cities moves to Green Acres for two days of racing this weekend.
Related:
Photoset from David Owen: Sprints
Results: Sprints

Loppet Shoveling Parties Begin
January 25, 2012
With the new snow, the Loppet foundation is organizing shoveling parties build up the base for the big race. There are two shoveling parties today (Wednesday).

Bemidji Pursuit Coverage
January 24, 2012
Jay Richards reports: Fresh snow, mid 20's and calm conditions greeted racers in the Bemidji Pursuits held at Maplelag which featured a full day of racing on different courses. Overcoming a 37 second deficit, Zean Baker of Brainerd passed team mate Riley Nelson less than 500 meters to go to take the pursuit win. Maria Haurer of Little Falls scored convincing wins in both the classic and pursuit to take the overall title.

Chequamegon Lottery Entries Now Available
January 24, 2012
Hoping to ride the big Chequamegon 40 mountain bike race next fall? Entries are awarded by lottery draw only, so sumbit your registration by March 15th to be entered in the drawing.

Skinnyski.com High School Rankings - Week 9
January 23, 2012
The Mayor's Challenge JOQ races last weekend put a big rumble in the individual rankings. For the second week, we have a new number one for the girls as Duluth East's Annie Harvieux earns the top spot. Ben Saxton continues to sail at the top for the boys. No changes in the team rankings: Wayzata girls and Roseville boys still number one.
Related:
Racing Outlook: Sections

Racing Outlook: Sections
January 23, 2012
A first pass at the Minnesota section schedule/locations has been posted. These are not final, please check back again as sections near.

State Meet Info
January 23, 2012
Information on the area high school championships...
Feb 11 Wisconsin State Championships
Feb 16 Minnesota State Meet
Feb 17-18 Michigan State Championships

Racing Outlook
January 22, 2012
Tour de Twin Cities ready to go at Green Acres with mass start classical and freestyle pursuit races. Marine/O'Brien, and many more are on!

Lappe Invitational Results
January 22, 2012
Phil Brown reports: Nordic ski racers from ages three to 63 competed in the 33rd Annual Lappe Invitational this weekend. Skiers from Thunder Bay's Big Thunder & Lappe Nordic Ski Clubs as well as the Kamview Jackrabbits took part in the two day event. Saturday's individual time trial, as well as Sunday's mass start free technique event saw Murray Carter take the Senior Men's Division while Kelly Henry won the Senior Women's Division.

Marshall Sprints Coverage
January 22, 2012
Moved to Ely for better snow conditions, the Marshall Sprints Saturday featured a 0.8K qualifier loop and then sprint heats. A 3.3K consolation race was held for those not qualifying for the sprint heats. Duluth East's Geoff Ash and Grand Rapids' Viren Solveig was the sprint titles.

Mayor's Challenge Freestyle Coverage
January 22, 2012
Sunday brought warmer but damp and cloudy conditions for the Mayor's Challenge freestyle races at Theodore Wirth. The mens 15K race featured a tight battle between Matt Liebsch and Tad Elliot, starting 15 seconds apart, with Liebsch holding on to a narrow victory. Caitlin Gregg topped the womens 10K field.
Related:
Photoset: 10K - 178 photos, 15K - 256 photos, 5K - 146 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Photoset from David Owen: Freestyle
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Womens 10K, Mens 15K
Results: 5K, 10K, 15K freestyle
CCSA: Northern Michigan on top again as Markvardsen, Soderman lead CCSA
Matt Liebsch Wins Mayor's Challenge Cross Country Ski Races

Birkie Tour Recap
January 21, 2012
Over 600 skiers participated in rather crisp temperatures in the annual Birkie Tour event Saturday.

Winter Youth Olympics Wrap
January 21, 2012
Eve Stein provides a recap on the recent Winter Youth Olympics, held in Austria, in which a number of Midwest athletes competed, including Nick Proell of St. Cloud and Anna Kubek of Duluth. The highlight of the games was a stunning bronze medal in the mixed relay on Saturday!
Related:
Youth Olympic Games Mixed Relay Team Races to Bronze

Mayor's Challenge Sunday Start List Posted
January 21, 2012
Start lists are up for Sunday's races at the Mayor's Challenge in Minneapolis.

Mayor's Challenge Classical Coverage
January 21, 2012
Sunny skies, crisp temperatures and light winds combined for some good classical conditions Saturday morning for the Mayor's Challenge events. Matt Liebsch continues to show improved classical form, topping the mens 10K field by just .4 seconds over Sylvan Ellefson! Jennie Bender posted the fastest womens time with a winning margin of 10 seconds.
Related:
Photoset: 5K - 235 photos, 10K - 225 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Men, Women
Results: 5K, 10K classical
CCSA: Markset, Markvardsen propel Wildcats to lead at Mayor's XC Challenge

Snekkevik Results
January 21, 2012
A good turnout Saturday morning for the rescheduled Snekkevik races as skiers traveled from around the Midwest to enter the 12K and 24K distance events. The 24K freestyle crowns went to Tom Wood and JoEllen Torresani, 12K skate victories for Jim Mullen and Rae Bassette, 12K classical winners were Michael Arce and Barbara Bradley.
Related:
Lapham Loppet Results Posted

IPC Nordic Skiing World Cup Events Start Next Week
January 20, 2012
Some of the world's best cross country skiers with physical disabilities will be coming to the upper Midwest Jan. 26-Feb. 3 on the second of three stops as part of the 2012 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Nordic Skiing World Cup series. The first half of the competition will be held Jan. 26-30 at Telemark Lodge with the second half Feb. 1-2 at Theodore Wirth Park.
Related:
IPC Team USA Athletes Announced

Biathlon: Burke Races to 12th Place in World Cup 10K Sprint
January 20, 2012
Tim Burke led Team USA in Friday's 10K Sprint at the IBU World Cup in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy posting a time of 25:41 for 12th overall. Burke was just 1:04 back from Fredrick Lindstrom's winning time.

Mayor's Challenge Delayed, Start Lists Posted
January 20, 2012
Due to forecasted cold temperatures, the start times for Saturday's Mayor's Challenge races have been delayed 30 minutes. Start lists are now posted.

City of Lakes Loppet Update
January 19, 2012
The City of Lakes Loppet is moving forward for this year's event, with a number of options on the table to provide a ski race in spite of the low snowfall.

Wolf Tracks Rendezvous at Minocqua
January 19, 2012
Minocqua Winter Park will be host to a brand new 42K ski marathon, February 4th, 2012. The event will feature both classical and skate divisions with wave starts and rolls over some of the best trails in the Minocqua system.

Wednesday Night Racing Results
January 19, 2012
Results are up for the Wednesday night races: Elm Creek, MYSL Sprints, Duluth, and Lapham Peak.

National Development Centre Head Coach Position
January 19, 2012
The National Development Centre in Thunder Bay is seeking candidates for a full-time, paid position as the head coach. Application deadline is January 30th.

Racing Outlook
January 17, 2012
Updates on upcoming races: Balsam Vinter Fest cancelled, Dam Phunski rescheduled, Marshall Sprints in Ely, Mayors Challenge using snowmaking loop.

Skinnyski.com High School Rankings - Week 8
January 16, 2012
Week 8 of the Skinnyski.com High School Rankings bring some changes as teams return to action after the big Mesabi meet. Roseville boys and Wayzata girls remain at the top of the team titles. Sarah Benton takes over the number one girls ranking, Ben Saxton has a firm grip at the top of the boys rankings.

South Suburban Conference True Team Meet
January 16, 2012
Brian Abery reports: South Suburban Conference teams along with invited guest Northfield met at Green Acres Recreation Area today for the Conference’s MLK Day True Team Meet. Held in an abbreviated format that included a 5km mass start classic race as well as 4 x 1km Team Sprints, a close set of races on the Girl’s side resulted in Lakeville North narrowly defending its title over 2nd place Prior Lake and 3rd place Burnsville. Individual honors in the classic race went to ISD 196 Junior Sonja Hedblom who skied to an impressive win of 1:02 over 2nd place finisher Sydney Bramer of Bloomington. In the team sprints, Burnsville’s Vivian Hett and Jordan Horner paired to take 1st place honors besting Prior Lakes, Maria Berg and Kaija Ornes. Racing on the Boy’s side saw ISD 196 win both the classic race and team sprints to take the top spot on the podium with Bloomington in 2nd and Prior Lake in 3rd. Lakeville North senior Ben Saxton skied with the top boys in the conference for the first lap of the 5.5 km course but turned on the speed in the second lap skiing to a 25 second win over Jan Ketterson of Bloomington. Lewis Kunik of Lakeville North finished another 22 seconds back to take 3rd. ISD 196 seniors and co-captains Nick Couillard and David Bumgarner were the best of the boy’s field in the team sprints easily taking top honors with the ISD 196 – B team of Ryan Larson and Rhett Carlson finishing in 2nd.

Racing Outlook
January 15, 2012
Updates on the upcoming races, including Mayor's Challenge, Tour de Twin Cities, and City of Lakes Loppet.

St. Scholastica Invite Freestyle Coverage
January 15, 2012
The teams of the CCSA came to Coleraine this weekend for a pair of races at Mount Itasca. Molly Burger, NMU, and Tyler Kornfield, Univ Alaska-Fairbanks, won the womens and mens fields respectively. Saturday's team titles were swept by NMU. Results and some photos linked in.

US Ski Team: USA Battles to Second in Milan
January 15, 2012
Teammates Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins combined in a hard fought battle to take second in the team sprint in the FIS Cross Country World Cup in Milan. The two survived a missed handoff at the midway mark which sent Diggins sprawling and Randall having to ski back for the tag. The two battled back to the pack and held off Canada for second at the line, as Sweden took the win. Russia took the victory in the men's sprint.

Irondale Invite Coverage
January 14, 2012
Irondale hosted at 12 kilometer continuous pursuit (mass start, 6K classical switching to 6K skate) at Green Acres on Saturday morning. The event featured three of the top five boys teams, Eden Prairie, Irondale and Minneapolis Southwest facing off. In the opening girls race, Irondale's own Mattie Watts pulled away in the classical leg and continued to pour it on taking the victory by over 40 seconds. Eden Prairie duo of Hilary Hildahl and Eryn Stewart took second and third, and lead their team to the girls title. The boys race proved to be as billed with an exciting, close race, as Minneapolis Southwest came back in the skate race to claim the title with Eden Prairie second and Irondale third, just 11 points separating them all. Michael Cork won the boys individual title. Results, photos and video recaps posted.

Seeley Hills Classic Results
January 14, 2012
The unofficial classical championship of the Midwest, the Seeley Hills Classic was saved by a mid-week snow storm and drew a solid field for the races on Saturday morning. The Gregg couple, Brian and Caitlin, swept the 42K classical titles (Caitlin's time would have placed her 8th overall!). Andrew Tilman and Russian Natasha Naryshkiria won the 22K races.

ABC Relays Results
January 14, 2012
Fielding over 30 relay teams, the ABC Relays showcased some tough competition on the snowmaking loop at Theodore Wirth Saturday. The Roseville boys and Stillwater girls took top honors, as Eric Slater, Henry-Sibley, and Kristen Bourne, MPA had the fastest classical times, Zach Goldberg, Minnetonka, and Kim Bourne, the top freestyle splits.

US Ski Team: Randall Second in Milan Sprints
January 14, 2012
FIS World Cup sprint leader Kikkan Randall battled through the streets of Milan to finish second in a World Cup freestyle sprint. Sweden's Ida Ingemarsdotter took her first win as Randall extended her lead. Jesse Diggins finished 18th. Norway's Eirik Brandsdal took his first victory in the men's race. Four Americans qualified for finals. A team sprint is set for Sunday in Milan.

Biathlon: Outstanding Finish for Team USA in 10K Sprint in Nove Mesto
January 14, 2012
In his first World Cup race of the 2011-12 season, Russell Currier raced to a career-best 6th place in Saturday's 10K Sprint at the IBU World Cup in Nove Mesto. Tim Burke posted an 11th place finish, followed by Lowell Bailey in 21st, and Jay Hakkinen in 31st. All four men will compete in tomorrow's Pursuit.

SISU Ski Fest Results
January 14, 2012
Racing with plenty of new fallen snow, the SISU Ski Fest rolled out from ABR and finished in downtown Ironwood Saturday. Matt Liebsch won the 42K freestyle, with Jenna Krueger taking the womens title. Santiago Ocariz and Kerrie Fabius were the top 42K striders. Results linked in.

Recap of Birkie Trailhead Public Hearing
January 13, 2012
Zach Larson provides a recap of Wednesday night's public hearing on a possible new Birkie trailhead. Note: Larson was one of the speakers against the proposal.

Price Hike: City of Lakes Loppet
January 13, 2012
The City of Lakes Loppet is having one of their last price hikes on January 15th.  Get 'em in to save some cash!
Related:
City of Lakes Loppet Weather Update

Marine/O'Brien Race Coming Up January 29th
January 13, 2012
The Marine/O'Brien Ski Race will celebrate their 41st year with the racing events on January 29th at William O'Brien State Park. A limited number of hats available to early registration skiers.

South Suburban Conference Results
January 12, 2012
Brian Abery reports: With rapidly dropping temps and a track that was in the process of changing from slush to ice, the South Suburban Conference held its 4 x 2.5 km relay at Elm Creek on Wednesday afternoon. In spite of the obstacles, there was some intense racing as Lewis Kunink and Ben Saxton pulled the Lakeville North A Boy’s Team to a :01 victory after trailing leading Bloomington after the first two classic legs of the race by almost two minutes. Saxton turned in the fastest freestyle leg of the day with a sizzling 5:48 for 2.5 km. In contrast to the tight boy’s race which had the ISD-196 B team finishing in 3rd, the Girl’s race had far less suspense. ISD 196 Junior Sonja Hedblom staked her team to a 47 second lead after the first classic leg of the relay and with strong performances from Laura Bailly, Kaley Hedberg, and Roxy Holt the team coasted in with a 51 second victory over 2nd place Lakeville North with Lakeville South finishing another 28 seconds back.
Other updates: Detroit Lakes Invite photos and video posted, along with a number of high school results from this week.

Weekend Racing
January 11, 2012
Just two left on the calendar...
Jan 14 Seeley Hills Classic - The unofficial classical championships of the Midwest.  Confirmed: The race is on!
Jan 15 Sisu Ski Fest - Plenty of snow in the UP for the first marathon of the season, and a point to point race to boot!
Check the Racing Outlook for the latest updates and possible changes for these events.
Related:

Waxing Recommendations

Racing Outlook
January 11, 2012
Racing Updates: Pepsi Challenge officially rescheduled, Seeley Hills is going full course!, and more.

Public Hearing on New Birkie Trailhead, Start Area
January 11, 2012
There will be a public hearing on the proposed new Birkie start/trailhead area at the Cable Community Center Jan 11th (today!) at 6 pm.

Skinnyski.com High School Rankings - Week 7
January 9, 2012
Mesabi East Invite results weigh heavily on the rankings this week with some big reshuffling. Roseville boys and Wayzata girls earn the top team rankings, and Alayna Sonnesyn and Ben Saxton still hold a tight grip as skier numero uno.

Racing Outlook
January 9, 2012
Updates continue to come in daily... Plans for Mayors Challenge, Sisu Sku Fest looking good, Wednesday night races a go, and a number of cancellations.
Related:
Team Strong Heart Matt Liebsch update and fundraiser

Loppet Events Volunteer Call Up
January 8, 2012
The City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation is seeking additional volunteers to help support the upcoming Mayor's Challenge, as well as the Paralymics World Cup and City of Lakes Loppet races.

Nationals: Day 7 Classical Sprints
January 8, 2012
US Cross-Country Ski Championships wrapped up in Rumford, ME, on Sunday with the classical sprint races. For the first time all week, Jessie Diggins did not win the race outright, but was the first American (finishing second overall), completing her sweep of the National titles. Tyler Kornfield was crowned the mens champ after Torin Koos was DQ'd. Karl Nygren won the mens B final.
Related:
Photoset from CXC: Classical Sprints
Photoset from USSA: Classical Sprints
Results: Classical Sprints
Toko: US Nationals Classical Sprints Report

Racing Outlook
January 8, 2012
The terrible winter continues for much of the region. Boulder Lake Ski race has announced their cancellation. Seeley Hills is still on! Snekkevik is rescheduled. Fridtjof Nansen cancelled too.

King Boreas Coverage
January 8, 2012
Green Acres saved another ski race from cancellation on Sunday, as the King Boreas race was originally scheduled for Phalen. The expanded man-made snow loop included a few rolling loop around an outer corn field, providing some relief from the run up Per's Plunge. Tom Jorgenson pulled away from Chris Sachs on the final lap to take the mens victory. Bonnie Weiskopf Albrecht recovered from a first lap mishap to take the womens title. After the citizen's race, there was an exciting skijor race that included a descent of Per's Plunge. Results and photos up now.

Telemarker Challenge Coverage
January 7, 2012
Adam Swank and Megan Ping won the 2nd annual Telemarker Challenge race on the Telemark trails Saturday. Results and photos linked in.
Related:
Finding Rainbow Coverage
Eki Loppet Results

Mesabi East Invite Coverage
January 7, 2012
Giants Ridge put together a fast but challenging course for the Mesabi East Invite Saturday. While mostly running along the downhill basin on man-made snow, the course did take a sharp climb up one of the downhills, and a second sustained climb up another downhill to provide some real chances for skiers to get some separation. In the morning classical races, Sam Elfstrom, Roseville and Nora Gilbertson, Stillwater, strided to the classical victories. In the afternoon skate races, Jan Ketterson, Bloomington, and Alayna Sonnesyn posted the top times. Team titles went to the Roseville boys and Wayzata girls. Results linked in and over 800 photos posted.

Pre-Loppet Coverage
January 7, 2012
A fast and firm track greeted racers for the 2012 Pre-Loppet at Theodore Wirth Park. Andrew Tilman nipped Nathan Porath at the line after completing 5 laps of the man-made snow loop. In the women's category, Hilary Patzer established a commanding lead to take first place honors over Margie Nelson and Beth Ihry. Results posted along with a video recap.
Related:
Peace Coffee Pre-Loppet Recap

Nationals: Day 5 Classical Races
January 6, 2012
Friday at US Nationals featured the classical format races. Once again, Jessie Diggins climbed to the top step of the podium, finishing just 11 seconds ahead of Ida Sargent, with teammate Jennie Bender, a few seconds behind Sargent in third. Caitlin Gregg pulled off a sixth place finish. In the mens race, Noah Hoffman took the victory with Brian Gregg in 7th as the top Midwest skier. Other notable finishers: Gordon Vermeer 16th, Santiago Ocariz 20th, Karl Nygren 22nd, Matt Liebsch 23rd; Carolyn Ocariz 19th, Maria Stuber 22nd. In the mens junior 10K, Ben Saxton took 3rd, Adam Martin 6th. Anne Hart won the womens junior race, Nicole Bathe 5th.
Related:
Photoset from CXC: Set 1, Set 2
Photoset from USSA: Classical
Results: Classical
Toko: US Nationals Classical Report
CCSA: Markvardsen, Kornfield lead CCSA at U.S. Nationals Classic Event

Pepsi Challenge Update
January 6, 2012
While still two weeks out, the Pepsi Challenge organizers are considering a race postponement until March if additional snowfall is not received within the next 10 days.
Related:
Racing Outlook

Wednesday Night Racing Results
January 5, 2012
All four Wednesday night races series were held this week, as series opened in Duluth, Lapham Peak, and Theodore Wirth, to join the already running Elm Creek series. Results from all four are now up.
Related:
New High School Results Posted

Mesabi Course Inspection Times
January 5, 2012
There is a limited window for inspecting (skiing) the Mesabi East courses on Saturday, as well as Friday.

Nationals: Day 4 Freestyle Races
January 5, 2012
Day 4 of the US Cross-Country Championships featured the freestyle races. Tad Elliot edged out Minnesota's Matt Liebsch for the victory by a mere 3 seconds. Jessie Diggins continued to reign on the US racing scene, crushing the womens field by over a minute in her victory. Caitlin Gregg also followed up on previous strong performances, taking third. Other top results: Bryan Cook 5th, Brian Gregg 10th, Santiago Ocariz 17th, Karl Nygren 19th; Jennie Bender 6th, Maria Stuber 19th.
Related:
Photoset from CXC: Nationals Freestyle
Photoset from USSA: Freestyle
Results: Freestyle
Toko: US Nationals Freestyle Report
CCSA: Hanneman, Markvardsen earn CCSA's top spots in U.S. Nationals freestyle events
American Birkebeiner Champion takes 2nd at Nationals

BirkieTour Price Hike
January 4, 2012
The BirkieTour entry fee jumps after Friday, January 6th. The event is a non-competitive distance ski on the Birkie trail.

Mesabi East Invite Preview
January 3, 2012
The Mesabi East Invite is this Saturday, January 7th, at Giants Ridge. With over 1,000 skiers competing, its the largest high school meet in the nation. In lieu of the weekly rankings, we've cranked out a "program guide" to help identify some of the top skiers to watch.
Update: Mesabi start list has been reshuffled, make sure you download a new copy today.
Related:
Mesabi East Invite Start Lists (*updated*)

Nationals: Day 2 Sprints
January 3, 2012
After a rain delay Monday, US National Cross-Country Ski Championships got underway in Rumford, Maine with the freestyle sprints. The CXC team came out looking great in the womens sprints as Jessie Diggins successfully defended her title, Caitlin Gregg finished second and Jennie Bender was third. Torin Koos also repeated as the mens sprint champion. CXC's Karl Nygren made the A final, finishing 6th.
Related:
Photoset from USSA: Sprints
Results: Sprints
Toko: US Nationals Sprint Report
Rossignol: Torin Koos Repeats National Sprint Champion

China Vasaloppet Report
January 2, 2012
Dr. David Clemens provides a brief recap on his experience with several Midwest skiers at the 2012 Vasaloppet China, held January 2nd.

Nationals: Day 1 Postponed by Rain
January 2, 2012
The opening day of US Nationals in Rumford, Maine, was postponed due to overnight rains. Plans are on hold as organizers await cooler weather and drier conditions. Update: Sprints have been moved to Tuesday morning, Wednesday freestyle races pushed back to Thursday.

Racing Outlook
January 1, 2012
Updates on the upcoming races next weekend, including the huge Mesabi East high school meet. Update: Mesabi East Invite start list posted!

Twin Cities Paralympics Volunteer Informational Meeting
January 1, 2012
The City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation will be hosting a volunteer informational meeting this Wednesday, January 4th, at the Wirth chalet. Some of the topics to be discussed include rules and requirements, as well as the history behind the event.

Minnesota Youth Ski League Team Sprint Training Series
January 1, 2012
The MYSL Team Sprint series will start up this Wednesday evening on the snowmaking loop at Wirth. The series features two-person relays with a different format each week and is targeted for both adults and kids with a focus on MYSL and Skiwerx racers.

Twin Cities Championships Freestyle Coverage
January 1, 2012
After warm temperatures and wet snow on Saturday, strong winds ushered in colder temperatures which resulted in a icy speedway for the Twin Cities Championships at Wirth Sunday. The pursuit format delivered on excitement as both Bjorn Batdorf and Johanna Winters overcame their start deficits to take the overall titles. Results, photos and video up now.

Twin Cities Championships Classical Coverage
December 31, 2011
Warm weather and the lack of any new snow made for some tricky kick waxing conditions at Green Acres for the opening race of the Twin Cities Championships. Jeremy Hecker broke away by the second lap and hammered out a good lead for Sunday's pursuit race. Sharmila Ahmed held off Bonnie Bonnie Weiskopf-Albrecht to complete the St. Scholastica sweep. Results, photos and video recap up now. Racing action continues Sunday at Wirth with an exciting pursuit format skate race.

Biathlon: World Youth/Junior Biathlon Championships Team Trials Day 1
December 29, 2011
Minnesota skiers Kelly Kjorlien and Nick Proell both finished on the podium in the first day of the World Youth/Junior Biathlon Championships in Anchorage, AK.
Related:
Results: World Youth/Junior Biathlon Championships
World Youth/Junior Biathlon Championships Team Trials Day 2
Biathlon: Three Minnesotans Nominated for Youth / Junior World Championship Team

Weekend Racing
December 28, 2011
Only one race left on the calendar that we know of ...
Dec 31-Jan 1 Twin Cities Championships - Two days of racing to crown the Twin Cities champions.  Green Acres classical mass start, Theodore Wirth freestyle pursuit.
Find updates on weekend and upcoming races in the Racing Outlook.
Related:

Waxing Recommendations

Carl's Christmas Camp Recap
December 28, 2011
A brief recap on Carl's Christmas Camp, a high school training camp held over the holiday break at Thedore Wirth.

New Birkie Trailhead, Race Start Remains Same
December 28, 2011
The Board of Directors of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has voted to develop a new trailhead just south of Cable, WI, off highway 63 and Leonard School Road. The Board also decided to continue use of the Cable Airport for the start of the Birkie ski races as long as possible.

Mesabi East Invite Update
December 27, 2011
Organizers are making plans to use a 2.7K man-made snow loop at Giants Ridge for the Mesabi East Invite as a backup if Mother Nature doesn't provide additional snowfall. Note: Registration deadline is December 30th!

Racing Outlook
December 27, 2011
Racing action continues almost every day this holiday week. Twin Cities Championships are on this weekend, Sawtooth postponed to February, and an update on the course for the Mesabi East Invite.

NNF Pledges Additional $25K in Cross-Country Pillar Projects
December 26, 2011
The National Nordic Foundation will invest an additional $25,000 in two Cross-Country Pillar Projects in its second round of 2011/2012 funding.

Skinnyski.com High School Rankings - Week 5
December 26, 2011
Week 5 of the rankings brings very little change to the rankings. Holiday break and the calm before the storm (Mesabi East) -- next rankings will be January 10th.

Como Championships Coverage
December 26, 2011
Continuing a season of man-made snow races, the Como Championships were held at Green Acres on Monday morning. A solid field of competitors turned out, providing some exciting action as the skiers did four laps of the Green Acres layout, including trips down and back up Per's Plunge. Matt Liebsch used the event for some final US Nationals tuning as he crushed the mens field. Similarly, Annie Hart pulled away for an good margin in taking the womens title. There were also 5K high school and 1K kids races. Results linked in, photos up now.

Birkie Warrior Winners Announced
December 23, 2011
The American Birkebeiner organizers have announced the winners chose the Birkie Warriors contest for the 2012 event. Long-time friends, Barry Knapp and Darald Bothun, of Rochester, MN, will assume the roles of Torstein and Skervald, the Birkebeiner warriors who rescued Prince Haakon during the Norwegian Civil War in 1206. Kristin Bothun, Darald's daugher, of Mankato, MN, will ski as Inga from Varteig, mother of Prince Haakon.

VIP Nordic Combined Trip
December 23, 2011
Join the US Nordic Combined team on their World Cup Tour and help support them at the same time. Special VIP tour package for the World Cup final in early March.

High School Results
December 22, 2011
Plenty of metro area meets being held this week! Results from SSC, SEC, SCS, and Lake Conference and more have been posted. In the Lake Conference classical 5K at Elm Creek, Hopkins Sarah Benton edged out Wayzata's Alayna Sonnesyn by 7 seconds. Roseville boys top Forest Lake by 9 points in 7.5K skate race showdown.

South Suburban Conference Results
December 22, 2011
Brian Abery reports: The second race of the season for the South Suburban Conference on Wednesday saw some of the State’s top high school skiers going head-to-head in a 4.8 km freestyle format. Ben Saxton of Lakeville South, coming off a series of wins at Junior Olympic Qualifier Sprint races this past weekend, raced to a 25-second win over Jan Ketterson of Bloomington with Saxton’s team mate Lewis Kunik another 45 seconds back. In the Girls race, junior Sonja Hedblom of ISD 196 put distance between herself and Burnsville sophomore Vivian Hett on each lap skiing to an impressive 32 second victory. Sydney Bramer from Bloomington rounded out the podium. Team honors on the boys’ side went to Bloomington who eked out a 1-point win over ISD 196 and Burnsville in the girls’ race with ISD 196 in the runner-up position once again.
Related:
Mahtomedi Zephyr Nordic Teams Remain on Top of Classic Suburban Conference

Short-Notice: Troll Hollow Meet
December 22, 2011
Deno Johnson, Forest Lake coach, is organizing a short-notice high school race during the holiday break. Held at Troll Hollow on Thursday morning, December 29th, the event will be a 6K classical race and is open to all schools.

Nordic Spirit Race and Tour
December 21, 2011
Nordic Spirit Race and Tour will be held January 29th at Spirit Mountain Nordic in Duluth. Register by December 31st to avoid the next price hike!

Racing Outlook
December 20, 2011
Updates on the upcoming races. Update: Elm Creek Series will use the full 2.5K snowmaking loop Wed night, Como Championships moving to Green Acres for Monday.

Ely Timberwolves Invite Coverage
December 20, 2011
The northland got back into the racing scene this weekend with a battle of northern powers at Mt. Itasca on Tuesday. Duluth East's Annie Harvieux edged out rising star Solveig Viren, Grand Rapids, for the girls classical victory. Harvieux's teammate, Ryan Davis topped Jake Richards, Detroit Lakes, for the boys title. Duluth East girls posted five in the top seven as the school swept the team titles. Results linked in, plus photos and even a cool highlight reel.

Skinnyski.com High School Rankings - Week 4
December 19, 2011
Week 4 of the Skinnyski.com Minnesota High School Rankings brings some real turnover in the team standings as the conference meets start up and the Holiday Relays provide some good data. Ben Saxton and Alayna Sonnesyn remain number one. Duluth East continues to hold the team rankings.
Related:
StarTribune Athlete of the Week: Mattie Watts

Biathlon: Mt Itasca IBU Cup Trials Day 2
December 18, 2011
Day 2 of the IBU Cup Trials opened with a perfect shooting and skiing conditions. Despite a balmy 35 degrees, the course set up well, and the ski tracks at Mt Itasca were firm and fast. Russell Currier (MWSC) of Caribou, ME came out swinging, after a poor performance in the Day 1 Sprint competition, to collect the victory Sunday. Beth Ann Chamberlain (MWSC) returned to her hometown training ground at Mt Itasca and put down the fastest ski time of the day to win the womens event.
Related:
Photoset from Joe Muller : 12 photos
Biathlon: Mt Itasca IBU Cup Trials Day 1
Biathlon: Mt Itasca IBU Cup Trials Day 3 Recap

Racing Outlook
December 18, 2011
The snow drought continues for many race venues, but alternate plans are in play. Updates on the upcoming races.

Greenwood Hills Classic Sprints JOQ Coverage
December 18, 2011
Sunday in Wausau had the juniors flying in the classical sprints on the man-made snow at Greenwood Hills. And once again, Ben Saxton dominated the junior men, posting the fastest qualifying time by a full seven seconds and going on to win the sprint final. While Elizabeth Simak had the top qualifying time, it was Nichole Bathe taking the victory in the girls sprint final. J2 sprint winners were Colin Touhey and Vivian Hett.
Related:
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Qualifying, Heats
Photoset from Tom Jackson: Greenwood Hills JOQ
Results: Qualifying, Heats

Holiday Relays Coverage
December 17, 2011
Troll Hollow in Dresser, Wisconsin, featured some fast flying (and sometimes crashing) skiers in the 2011 edition of the Holiday Relays. Over 750 skiers completed from 30 teams. Opening the day was the girls classical relay which featured a nice dual between Stillwater and Wayzata, with the Wayzata girls winning by 30 seconds. In the boys classical, Irondale moved up to seize the victory in the final leg. The afternoon skates had to deal with a course softened up from the classical traffic, but still retaining very fast descents. The girls freestyle showcased of the top skiers in the state, including a match up of Alayna Sonnesyn and Mattie Matts in the final leg. Once again, the Wayzata girls flexed their team depth by winning by nearly two minutes (but with Watts posting the topping Sonnesyn by 14 seconds). Mirroring the Wayzata girls, the Irondale boys also swept the team titles with another come from behind win in the boys skate. Results along with nearly 800 photos and video recaps from all four races.

Greenwood Hills Freestyle Sprints JOQ Coverage
December 17, 2011
Enduring warm temperatures and even rain, the organizers pulled off a good race course for the Greenwood Hills JOQ in Wausau Saturday. In the qualifying rounds, Ben Saxton edged out Kyle Marshall by 2/10 of a second to post the fastest time. Elizabeth Simak had the top girls time by over two seconds. In OJ/J1 sprint finals, Saxton came out on top with Kyle Bratrud second and Marshall third. The girls OJ/J1 final saw Simak top the field with Nichole Bathe second, Deedra Irwin third. J2 titles went to Sean Cork and Vivian Hett.
Related:
Photoset from Larry Mishkar: Greenwood Hills JOQ Freestyle
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Qualifying, Heats
Results: Qualifying, Heats

US Ski Team: Career Best Classic Finishes in New Snow
December 17, 2011
It was a day of career bests for U.S. racers in Rogla, Slovenia, with classic technique distance racing in heavy new snow. The U.S. Ski Team's technicians delivered the skis with Kikkan Randall setting the pace finishing 11th, Holly Brooks 19th and Liz Stephen 22nd in the 10k. Andy Newell kicked off the day with a 24th in the men's 15k – all career best classic distance finishes. Norway's Petter Northug and Poland's Justyna Kowalczyk took the wins.
Related:
US Ski Team: Start Crash Takes Out Randall in Finals

Biathlon: 9th Place Finish for Hakkinen in Hochfilzen Pursuit
December 17, 2011
Jay Hakkinen led Team USA with a 9th place finish in Saturday's 12.5km pursuit at the Hochfilzen IBU World Cup. Clean shooting and fast skiing vaulted Hakkinen from a start in 45th position to his top-10 finish. Lowell Bailey was 25th, Leif Norgdren 33rd.

South Suburban Conference Opener Results
December 16, 2011
Brian Abery reports: The notable absence of reigning State Champion Ben Saxton provided an opportunity for the other top skiers in the strong SSC to shine yesterday afternoon at Green Acres Recreation area which hosted the conference opening freestyle race. Skiing on a well groomed frozen granular track, Bloomington’s Jan Ketterson turned up the heat from the start and skied the 4.2 km, 3-lap course in a fast 9:40 besting Lakeville North skier Lewis Kunick by 22 seconds. Mike Johnson from Burnsville took third another 27 seconds back with ISD 196 taking the team title. The top SSC girls were all present at the race with ISD 196’s Sonja Hedblom and Burnsville’s Vivian Hett dueling it out for race honors. Starting together, the two challenged each other for the first two laps before Hedblom pulled away for an 8 second victory. Sydney Bramer from Bloomington took 3rd 1:07 behind Hett. The Burnsville girls took team honors.

Lake Conference Coverage
December 14, 2011
Racing in the pouring rain under the lights at Troll Hollow, the Lake Conference held their first meet of the season. Conference rivals, as well as the top two ranked skiers in the state, Alayna Sonnesyn, Wayzata, and Sarah Benton, Hopkins, both competed. Skiing out of wave 5, Benton looked sharp and moved into clear space by the second lap. But it was Alayna Sonnesyn weaving her way up from wave 14 to take the victory by just six seconds. In the boys race, Hopkins Harris Dirnberger topped the field with Zach Goldberg, Minnetonka, and Matt Berntson, Edina rounding out the podium. Team titles went to the Wayzata girls and Eden Prairie boys. Results linked in, plus some soggy video recaps of both races.

Birkie Auction
December 13, 2011
Still hoping to get into the 2012 Birkie or Kortie? As a benefit for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 20 entries are being auctioned off. Auction ends today at 4:30 pm!

Racing Outlook
December 13, 2011
Racing updates for this week, including: Elm Creek on for Wednesday night, Tuscobia tri is on, Holiday relays are on, Wausau (Greenwood) JNQ is on, other events in the process of being canceled or rescheduled.

Twin Cities Championships Early Prizes
December 13, 2011
The Twin Cities Championships are coming up at the end of the month, December 31st and January 1st. Register before Christmas eve and you'll be automatically entered into a drawing for a free entry. The TC Champs will feature the newly homologated Battle Creek venue for the mass start classical race.

Skinnyski.com High School Rankings - Week 3
December 12, 2011
Week 3 of the rankings brings some big shake ups, mainly in the individual rankings. Alayna Sonnesyn is the new number 1 for the girls, Ben Saxton dominates the boys rankings. Duluth East continues to hold down the team titles but challengers are rising.

Racing Outlook
December 11, 2011
Updates on the upcoming races, including the weekly series. New: Greenwood Hills ready.

Wolverine Challenge Classical JOQ Coverage
December 11, 2011
Day 2 of the Wolverine Challenge featured classical skiing with interval starts. Even with the lower than normal snow conditions, organizers were able to set a decent classical track throughout most of the course. Matt Liebsch posted an impressive classical performance, topping the mens 10K field by nearly 50 seconds. Monica Markvardsen had the fastest womens 10K time.
Related:
Photoset: Classical - 97 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Photoset from Jay Richards: Wolverine JOQ Classical
Photoset from Linda Slining: Wolverine JOQ Classical
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Mens 10K classical, Womens 10K classical
Photoset from Tom Jackson: Wolverine JOQ
Results: 5K, 10K classical

Grand Rapids Invite Results
December 11, 2011
Tony Carter reports: The snowmaking volunteers at Mt Itasca were able to lay down a 1.6km trail in 10 days fighting weather and equipment breakdowns. The final course prep was completed at 6am Saturday before the meet. Many of the teams brought brand new skiers and were providing a first lesson on snow before the meet. The course was rolling and fast with lots of smiling faces, happy to be on snow, some for the first time this year.

US Ski Team: Big Win for Randall
December 11, 2011
The U.S. Ski Team's Kikkan Randall turned on the afterburners in the backstretch and left the field stranded as she won her second straight FIS Cross Country World Cup sprint in the Swiss resort of Davos. Randall, who qualified first, won every heat by large margins as she won by 1.7 seconds over Russian Natalia Matveeva to move into third in the FIS World Cup overall standings. Andy Newell qualified 3rd but was unable to advance out of the quarterfinals.

Greenbush Nordic Challenge Cancelled
December 10, 2011
While scheduled for January 15th, organizers have decided to cancel the citizen portion of the Greenbush Nordic Challenge race citing a lack of volunteers and a desire to work on growing the sport.

Peter Westra Sprints Results
December 10, 2011
Racing under the lights of a fully opened Troll Hollow, over 168 high school skiers cranked out their best fast twitch in the Peter Westra springs on Friday evening. Chris Hecker, Anoka, and Toni St. Martin, Mahtomedi, captured the titles (and the big cookies)!

Hoigaards Relays Coverage
December 10, 2011
Jason Dalebroux reports: Over 130 skiers (100+ high school or junior skiers!) braved the cold darkness early Saturday morning to compete in the 2011 Hoigaard's Breadsmith Relays. Under the lights, on the manmade snow at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington, teams competed in a 4 X 3km relay race, on a 1.5km course. In the Master's mens race, Travis Hinck and Bjorn Batdorf took the win for the second year in a row, and by a comfortable margin. The real excitement came with the mass start High School/Junior's race, with Eden Prairie girls teams going 1-2-3, and Eden Prairie boys team edging out Mound Westonka for the win! Results up along with video recaps.

Test the Lungs Race Coverage
December 10, 2011
Over 80 skiers, including college teams from Gustavus and St. Olaf, competed Saturday morning in the Test the Lungs race at Green Acres. The course was a 1.7K ribbon of man-made snow, including a long climb up the road next to the tubing hill, which was done six times for the 10K race. Jens Brabbit outclimbed Andrew Brown to take the mens title. Kathleen DeWahl pulled away on the final lap to win the womens race. Full results and photos online now.

Wolverine Challenge Freestyle JOQ Coverage
December 10, 2011
The Junior Olympic qualifying season got underway Saturday morning in Ironwood with the freestyle races at Wolverine Nordic. Matt Liebsch, Senior, posted the top 10K time, coming in at 22:20. Elizabeth Simak, OJ, topped the 5K womens field posting a blister 13:33 time. Skiers reported fast snow but bumpy terrain, making it tricky to ride a stable ski.
Related:
Photoset: Freestyle - 106 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Photoset from Linda Slining : Wolverine JOQ Freestyle
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Mens 10K
Video from Eve Stein: Mens 10K clips
Results: 5K, 10K freestyle

US Ski Team: Career Best for Brooks in Davos
December 10, 2011
APU Nordic skier Holly Brooks (Anchorage) skied to a career best 13th Saturday in the 15k freestyle in Davos with three Americans in the points. Norway's Marit Bjoergen won by an amazing 42 seconds.

Tribute to the Skinnyski Race Team
December 8, 2011
After 10 years of great service, the Skinnyski Race Team has disbanded. We pay tribute to the great skiers who honored us by wearing the race suits and sharing their stories.

Submitting Race Results and Photos
December 8, 2011
We've generated an updated version of our guide to submitting race results and photos, incorporating some of the new technology that has come about since our last update five years ago. We've also included some tips on winter photography and Google Docs.

Holiday Relays 2011
December 7, 2011
The big Holiday Relays event is coming up next weekend, Saturday December 17th, at Troll Hollow. Many of the best teams in the state will be competing in the classic and freestyle relay events.
Related:
2010 Holiday Relays Coverage (including videos)

Forest Lake Invite Coverage
December 6, 2011
One of the traditional season openers for the Minnesota high school scene, the Forest Lake Invite was held Tuesday afternoon at Trollhaugen. The invite featured a four lap course with a mass start format for the freestyle race. Joe Jackson, #2 ranked, posted the only sub-10 minute time of the meet, finishing 44 seconds ahead of teammates Alex Kelley and Jake Jankowski to complete the Forest Lake sweep. Seventh ranked Rocci Wohlk, a freshman, put in a crushing race, cruising to nearly a minute and a half margin of victory. Anna Nelson, Coon Rapids and Cassie Thobe, Forest Lake, rounded out the top three. Forest Lake swept the team titles. Scoring results plus video recaps posted.

Skinnyski.com High School Rankings - Week 2
December 5, 2011
While there haven't been any official races yet, the rankings take a small juggle as some skiers are dropped. Duluth East teams hold the number one ranking.

SuperTour: Bozeman Classic
December 4, 2011
The Bozeman SuperTour races wrapped up Sunday with the classical format races. Jessie Diggins continued her domination of the series with yet another victory. CXC teammates Caitlin Gregg and Jennie Bender had great races as well, finishing 4th and 6th respectively. The CXC men placed three in the top 8: Brian Gregg 5th, Santi Ocariz 6th, Karl Nygren 8th. Other results: Carolyn Ocariz 13th.
Related:
Results: 10K, 15K classical

Racing Outlook
December 4, 2011
The Racing Outlook breaks out for the first time this season with race updates on Hoigaards Relays, Elm Creek, Duluth, and Wolverine JOQ. Update: Green Acres on track, Hoigaards Relay start times moved up, Elm Creek canceled this week, will hopefully resume next week.
Related:

Waxing Recommendations

US Ski Team: Podium for Randall, Bjornsen
December 4, 2011
The U.S. Ski Team's Kikkan Randall and Sadie Bjornsen combined for an historic FIS World Cup podium Sunday in a sprint relay in Duesseldorf. The U.S. team turned in a strong performance, finishing just 1.6 seconds to place second behind Norway in the freestyle sprint. The US mens duo was unable to advanced from the semis.
Related:
Photoset from USSA Nordic: Dusseldorf Team Sprints
Biathlon: Strong Pursuit Finish Propels Team USA Men to 7th Place World Ranking

SuperTour: Bozeman Freestyle
December 3, 2011
The SuperTour picked up again this weekend with racing action in Bozeman, MT at the Bohart Ranch. And Jessie Diggins picked right up where she left off, taking the womens 5K skate race just edging out Caitlin Gregg for the victory. Caitlin's spouse, Brian, had an impressive race taking third in the mens 10K. Other top results: Jennie Bender 6th; Carolyn Ocariz 16th; Santi Ocariz 11th, Karl Nygren 12th.
Related:
Results: 5K, 10K Freestyle, Prologue

US Ski Team: Brilliant Win for Randall in Duesseldorf
December 3, 2011
The U.S. Ski Team's Kikkan Randall skied a brilliant final in the freestyle sprint, making a critical pass in the homestretch to win her fourth career FIS World Cup sprint. Andy Newell was the top US male, qualifying 14th bur was unable to advance in the heats.
Related:
Jumping: Historic Win for Teen Sarah Hendrickson

Biathlon: Bailey Skis to 5th Place in Ostersund 10K
December 2, 2011
Lowell Bailey combined fast skiing and perfect shooting to place a career-best 5th in today's 10km Sprint, just 22.4 seconds back from winner Carl Johan Bergman. Bailey now sits 4th overall in World Cup standings! Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY) finished finished in 12th place.

Skinnyski.com High School Rankings - Week 1
December 1, 2011
With the racing action starting up any day now, we're excited to announce our own Skinnyski high school rankings, an alternative to the standard Coaches Association rankings. We kick off the season with our initial rankings, and as usual, not without some controversy. Enjoy!

Badger State Games Announces Ski Events
December 1, 2011
The Badget State Winter Games, saved from near termination, has finally posted the ski race details for year's events. The races will be Saturday, Feb 4th, with a new 7K race replacing the old 10K, along the 21K and 43K events.

Biathlon: Top 10 Finish for Bailey at World Cup Opener
November 30, 2011
Two-time Olympian Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, NY) opened the IBU Biathlon World Cup with a 9th place finish at Ostersund, Sweden. Minnesotan Leif Nordgren finished 58th.

Toko Junior National Division Promo
November 30, 2011
Toko is drumming up its Facebook numbers with a special promotion that will award $2,000 worth of Toko product to the Junior Olympic Division receiving the most votes by the January 12th deadline.

Ski Strong Scholarship Deadline Extended
November 30, 2011
Junior skiers, did you miss the Kortie or Birkie registration deadline? The Ski Strong Foundation will to award two free entries for both the Kortelopet and Birkebeiner races based on essay entries on the topic: "Why is cross country skiing an important part of your life." Entry deadline has been extended to December 15th.

Interview: Jennie Bender
November 29, 2011
CXC Elite team member and Vermont transplant now living in the Twin Cities, Jennie Bender is wrapping up a great West Yellowstone experience as the 2010 racing season gets underway. Bender shares some of her experiences from the early races, as well as those cute Midwestern mannerisms.

Noquemanon Announces Skijor and Snow Bike Events
November 29, 2011
The Noquemanon announces new skijor and snow bike races held the day after the big ski races. The skijor will be a 12K event while the snow bike will be a full 25K race. Register for the ski races before their first price hike on December 1st!

Mesabi East Invite Registration Now Open
November 29, 2011
The huge Mesabi East Invite, the biggest high school race in the nation, will be January 7th at Giants Ridge. Registration is now open, and coaches information has been posted.

Price Hikes!
November 27, 2011
Dig out that credit card, there are a whole slew of price hikes are coming this Thursday, December 1st:
- Jan 1-2 Twin Cities Championships
- Jan 21 Pepsi Challenge
- Jan 28 Noquemanon
- Feb 4-5 City of Lakes Loppet
- Feb 18 Minnesota Finlandia
- Feb 24-25 American Birkebeiner (Kortie/Birkie events are filled)

US Ski Team: Randall, Brooks Strong in 5K
November 26, 2011
Kikkan Randall continued her strong season start, finishing 12th in a 5k freestyle race in the second leg of the weekend-long Ruka Triple in Kuusamo on Saturday. Holly Brooks finished an impressive 17th, a career best World Cup and first European World Cup points. In the men's 10k, Kris Freeman was 24th.

SuperTour: Yellowstone Classical
November 26, 2011
The opening SuperTour series events winded down Saturday with the classical format races. Stillwater's Jessie Diggins continues to be on fire, dominating the womens 5K and posting the only sub-15 minute time of the day! Jennie Bender capped an excellent trip out west with a third place placing today. Other top Midwest results: Caitlin Gregg 6th, Carolyn Ocariz 14th; Brian Gregg 7th, Karl Nygren 11th, Santi Ocariz 16th.
Related:
Photoset: CXC
Results: Preliminary Women, Preliminary Men
Toko: Yellowstone SuperTour Classic Notes

US Ski Team: Randall Scores Best Classic Sprint
November 25, 2011
Kikkan Randall scored a career best classic sprint finish, coming in fourth in the first stage of the Ruka Triple Friday in Kuusamo, high up on the Arctic Circle of Finland. Qualifying 15th, Randall powered through to the finals after beating Poland's Justyna Kowalczak to the line in the semi-finals. Norway's Marit Bjoergen took the win with Randall 4.5 seconds out in the sprint final. Andy Newell qualified 19th but lost out in the first round of heats.

SuperTour: Yellowstone Freestyle
November 25, 2011
After a break for Thanksgiving, the SuperTour series in West Yellowstone resumed on Friday with the freestyle races. CXC women continued their hot streak with Jessie Diggins finishing second and Caitlin Gregg third. Matt Liebsch scored an impressive sixth. Other top results: Carolyn Ocariz 14th, Jennie Bender 19th, Brian Gregg 19th.
Related:
Photoset from CXC: Yellowstone Freestyle
Results: 10K, 15K freestyle
Toko: Yellowstone SuperTour Freestyle Update

SuperTour: Yellowstone Sprints
November 23, 2011
The 2011-2012 SuperTour series kicked off Wednesday in West Yellowstone with nearly perfect conditions for the classical and freestyle sprints. The CXC women dominated the day: Classical sprints - Jessie Diggins 1st, Jennie Bender 2nd, Caitlin Gregg 4th; Freestyle sprints - Caitlin Gregg 1st, Jessie Diggins 2nd. Other top results: Karl Nygren 10th classical, Santi Ocariz 14th classical, Brian Gregg 6th freestyle, Santi Ocariz 9th freestyle; Audrey Weber 12th classical, Jennie Bender 9th freestyle.
Related:
Photoset from CXC: Yellowstone Sprints
Photoset from Renee Callaway : Yellowstone Sprints
Results: Yellowstone Sprints
Toko Yellowstone SuperTour Sprints Recap
Start: Sinnott Wins and Leads USSA Supertour on Start SD3 Poles

Twin Cities Champs Ready for 2011-2012 Edition
November 21, 2011
The Sisu Foundation today announced that they have partnered with Gear West to once again present the Twin Cities Championships Nordic ski race. The Twin Cities Championships consists of a 10k classic race at Battle Creek Park in St. Paul on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, and concludes with a 15k pursuit race on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. Register by Dec 1st and you're automatically entered in a special drawing!

Birkie/Kortie Reach Field Caps!
November 21, 2011
Organizers are reporting this morning (Monday) that the 2012 Kortie/Birkie fields are almost at their field cap and could very possibly close today! They do say any entries postmarked today (Nov 21) will be accepted, but no guarantees after that.
Update 6 pm: Organizer report they have reached the field cap, the race is closed! Last year the race closed on Dec 18th.

US Ski Team: Randall Leads USA in XC Relay
November 20, 2011
Kikkan Randall skied to second in her relay leg, recording one of the fastest times of the day, as the USA finished ninth in the 4x5k mixed technique relay in Sjusjoen, Norway. The U.S. men were 11th, less than a minute out. Norway dominated both the men's and women's relays.

Minnesota State CX Championships Coverage
November 19, 2011
Winter arrived on Saturday, just in time for the Minnesota State Cyclocross Championships at Bassett Creek. The early races had just cold temps and brisk winds, but by 11 the rain/sleet started up and eventually switched to slippery snow by afternoon. We only had time to cover the first two races, unfortunately (send us what you got!).
Related:
Photoset: Mens Cat 4 - 119 photos, Juniors/Womens Cat 4 - 114 photos
Results: Preliminary

US Ski Team: Randall, Stephen Open With Career Bests
November 19, 2011
The U.S. Ski Team's Kikkan Randall scored a career best non-sprint finish of 8th place as the FIS Cross Country World Cup opened in Sjusjoen, Norway. Liz Stephen matched her career best in 18th. Norway's Marit Bjoergen won the women's 10k while Swede Johan Olsson won the men's 15k. Kris Freeman 55th to lead U.S. men.

Less Than 600 Openings for Birkie
November 18, 2011
The Birkie/Kortie registrations crossed the 8,400 mark on Friday, meaning there are less than 600 openings left for the big dance in late Feburary!

Parent Confidential: Junior Skiing
November 17, 2011
Deb Diggins and John Harrer/Kate Ellis will be offering an informal discussion group for parents with junior skiers just getting into XC racing or looking to take it to the next level. Meetings will be Dec 1st at Finn Sisu, and December 4th at Gear West.

City of Lakes Loppet Returns to Hennepin Ave Finish
November 16, 2011
The City of Lakes Loppet official announced their new Uptown finish on Hennepin Ave in a press conference on Wednesday morning. The new finish will bring skiers up onto Lake Street and then finish on Hennepin Ave right in front of Calhoun Square. The Loppet last finished on Hennepin Ave in 2004.

Birkie Registrations Over 8,000
November 16, 2011
Still haven't registered for the Korteloppet or Birkebeiner yet? Registrations crossed the 8,000 mark on Tuesday, which means there are less than 1,000 openings left.

CSB-SJU Ski Team Update and Thanks
November 14, 2011
The College of Saint Benedict and St. John's University ski teams have posted a video documentary on the fall of their ski teams from varsity status, as well as a thank you letter to all their supporters over the last 10 months.
Related:
Video: Cut
Thank You Letter from the CSB-SJU Ski Team

Finn Sisu Issues Jessie Diggins 30-Day Gift Match Challenge
November 13, 2011
At Jessie Diggins' fundraiser dinner last Friday, Ahvo Taipale announced that Finn Sisu will contribute a matching $2000 to help fund her World Cup season. Help meet this matching donation, send in your contribution by Dec 1st.

Ski Strong Scholarship
November 13, 2011
The Landgraf family has started a special scholarship in memory of Dave Landgraf, the Birkie founder that was tragically killed in a cycling accident last summer. The scholarship awards a free Birkie/Kortie entry to one Wisconsin girl and boy, under the age of 21, drawn from essays received by Dec 1st.

Mill City CX Coverage
November 13, 2011
Barkers Alps Park in Bayport, MN, hosted its second day of cyclocross racing on Sunday. Organizer made a number of changes to the course over the previous day to mix things up. Sunday's course included a long sand pit, a couple of steep, short climbs, and the usual pair of barriers, as riders rode over primarily turf trails. Coverage from the junior and mens cat 3 races.
Related:
Photoset: Juniors - 66 photos, Mens Cat 3 - 38 photos
Video: Mens Cat 3 Recap

Limestone Loppet Coverage
November 12, 2011
Bob Richards reports: A thawing limestone trail slowed Chicago-area rollers on Saturday at the annual Northern Illinois Nordic Limestone Loppet time trial at McKee Marsh in Warrenville, IL. The race was run on a sunny day with temperatures in the 50s after a heavy frost overnight. Familiar names took the titles as Jan Myrda took the overall title in the 8K event, while Kielo Sauvala was the female. Abbott Wright was first across the line in the 4K Cat-Ski race, but runner-up Randal Bladel had been leading before making a wrong turn.
Related:
Results: Limestone Loppet
Limestone Loppet: Full Race Recap

Arctic Command Coverage
November 12, 2011
John Kendrick reports: Ninety-three runners competed in the 4th annual Arctic Commando 5K Trail Run, a fundraiser for St. Paul Central Nordic skiing. Olympian Caitlin Compton Gregg set the pace for the women, finishing in 22:44, followed by Sara Morse and Frances Homans. Brian Gregg flattened the hills, finishing in 18:51, followed by Rody Lageson and Robert Edman. The 2.5K youth run was one by Simon Gaytan, followed by Liam Mccully and Leo Sovell-Fernandez. Both races followed the new ski courses designed for the Super Tour coming to St. Paul in January.
Related:
Photoset from Ed Swain: 134 photos
Results: 5K, 2 mile

Birkie Filling Fast
November 11, 2011
Over 7600 skiers are already registered for the American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet races, almost guarantying the race will fill early again this year.

International Paralympics Nordic World Cup Coming to Wirth
November 6, 2011
With the big IPC Nordic World Cup races coming to Theodore Wirth park in Minneapolis in early February, the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation is seeking volunteers to help assist in a wide range of opportunities.

Minnesota State CC Meet Coverage
November 5, 2011
The Minnesota high school cross-country season crowned their champions Saturday on the traditional courses at St. Olaf in Northfield. The girls class AA was a thrilling battle as Alexandria's Jamie Piepenburg gave defending camp Maria Hauger, Shakopee, a major challenge. Piepenburg and Hauser formed the leading duo at the halfway point and then Piepenberg took the lead in the final kilometer. But Hauger kept her in sight and with a strong finishing stretch passed Piepenberg in the final 20 meters to take her third championship. Bemidji's Jenna Truedson finished third. The boys class AA was also a tight affair through the first half with nearly a dozen runners in the lead pack. In the end, it was number one ranked Josh Thorson, Wayzata, pulling away to take a narrow victory. Second and third went to Riley Macon, Rochester Mayo, and Troy Koivisto, Dassel-Cokato. Class AA team titles went to the Monticello girls and Stillwater boys. In the afternoon races, the class A competition squared off. The girls race saw Blake's Clare Flanagan crowned the new class A champion as she pulled away from Emi Trost, Cannon Falls. Last year's winner, Maris Shady of Esko, finished third. Senior Bryon Schuldt, Nevis, surged ahead of the field to win the boys A event. Brandon Clark, Blake, and Charlie Lawrence, Foley, rounded out the top three. Team A titles were swept by St. Cloud Cathedral as the boys narrowly defeated powerhouse Perham by a single point.
Related:
Photoset: Class AA Girls - 143 photos, Class AA Boys - 132 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Class A Girls Recap, Class A Boys Recap
Results: Class AA - Girls, Class AA - Boys, Class A - Girls, Class A - Boys

Olympic Medalist Skis Birkie for MS Cure
November 3, 2011
Recognized as one of Norway’s Top Ten Nordic skiers of all time, Vegard Ulvang will participate in this year’s American Birkebeiner as a “Research Ambassador” for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter. And you could win a chance to ski with the six-time Olympic medalist!

Jessie Diggins Fundraiser Dinner
November 1, 2011
Supporters of Jessie Diggins will be hosting a special fundraiser dinner at Chilkoot Café and Cyclery in Stillwater on Friday, November 11th. Jessie will there to share the highlights of her 2011 season and plans for 2012. All proceeds from the event will go directly to support Jessie’s travel and training expenses.

Birkie Waves Closing
November 1, 2011
Birkie registrations have been pouring in and organizers have been starting to close waves.

Midwest Racing Season Preview
October 31, 2011
The racing season kicks off in just over a month (maybe less!?), and we've got the Racing Calendar tuned up with the latest information. Read our season preview to find all the movers and shakers and start making those hard decisions.

Stump Farm Trail Race and Duathlon Results
October 31, 2011
Philip Nelson reports: There were a few less costumes but lots more racers at the 2011 Stump Farm Trail Race and Duathlon than previous years. The 10 mile run was won by former UWGB and ANST skier Robyn Lauritsen (1:14:48), and Steven Gromatka (1:07:13). The 5k was taken by Hanne Guthrie (20:37) and Matt Nichols (18:07). Maria Statz (2:18:08) and Mike Budd (1:48:57) took the Duathlon wins and Team GB Bike Polo of Ryan and Aaron Steen took the team division win (1:55:55).
Related:
Results: Stump Farm Duathlon

Fall Coaches Meeting Recap
October 29, 2011
The Vasaloppet Center in Mora hosted the annual Fall Coaches Meeting on Saturday, combined with a vendor expo. The biggest topic on the day was discussion and voting on two proposed changes to State Meet qualifying and scoring.

Halloween Hustle Coverage
October 29, 2011
Eve Stein provides photos and results from the Halloween Hustle race in Duluth on Saturday morning.
Related:
Photoset from Eve Stein: Halloween Hustle
Results: Halloween Hustle

Twin Cities Nordic Coaches Clinics, Nov 7th,10th
October 28, 2011
Top coach Piotr Bednarski along with elite womens skier Caitlin Compton will be providing a couple of coaching clinics to help get the Nordic ski season kicked off. The clinics will be Nov 7th and 10th at Armstrong High School.

Fall Coaches Meeting Agenda
October 26, 2011
The annual Minnesota High School Fall Nordic Coaches meeting is this Saturday, Oct 29th, at the Vasaloppet Center in Mora, MN. Key topics on the agenda include discussion of new State Meet qualifying and scoring proposals, as well as a review of summer/fall training rules.

Looking for Birkie Warriors
October 26, 2011
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is searching for three cross-country skiers to depict the two Birkebeiner warriors and Inga, the mother of baby Prince Haakon, at this year's race. The deadline for submitting entries is November 15, 2011.

Cable Volunteers Sought for IPC Nordic World Cup
October 25, 2011
The Cable Area Cable of Commerce is seeking some experienced volunteers to oversee the International Paralympic Nordic Skiing World Cup event being held at Telemark January 23-30th. There are varying levels of volunteerism and different benefits for those levels.

Green Acres CX Coverage
October 23, 2011
Green Acres Winter Recreation Area hosted their annual fall cyclocross race, providing yet another excellent venue. Jenna Rinehart put the hammer down early to break away from the womens cat 1/2/3 field for a solid victory. Jordan Cullen put in a similar race in the mens cat 1/2 event, holding off a late charge by Craig Faulkner.
Related:
Photoset: Womens Cat 1/2/3, Masters 45+ - 121 photos, Mens Cat 1/2, Masters 35+ - 168 photos
Photoset from Tim Gut: Green Acres CX
Video: Womens 1/2/3, Masters 45+ Recap, Mens 1/2, Masters 35+ Recap
Results: Green Acres CX

Pumpkin Run Results
October 22, 2011
Tom Urbanski reports: A record field of 316 runners and walkers participated in the sixth annual Pumpkin Run and Walk Five-Kilometer Race held at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet on Saturday. Eric Hartmark of Duluth led all runners to the finish in a time of 16:17 and became the first three-time winner of the event, having previously won in 2009 and 2010. Ken Ripp of Cloquet was second overall and Andy Chapin of Duluth was third. In the women's division, Samantha Smith of Wright placed first with a time of 20:49. Kelly Grinsteinner of Sturgeon Lake was second and Marlo McGaver of Duluth finished in third place.
Related:
Results: Pumpkin Run

Washington County Coaches Open House Oct 27th
October 21, 2011
Washington County will be hosting an open house for coaches and ski meet planners this Thursday, Oct 27th, at Lake Elmo. Get a first-hand look at the new lighted trails and other improvements.

Badger State Games Revived
October 20, 2011
The Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation (WSDC) has reached an agreement with the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) that will allow its signature event, the Badger State Games, to continue in 2012 and beyond.

Go!Training Time Trial Coverage
October 20, 2011
Piotr Bednarski and the Go!Training group held their first fall informal rollerskiing time trial on the rolling streets just east of French Regional Park. As expected, Matt Liebsch put the hurt on early, taking a 35 second lead after the first of four 2.5K laps and stretching it 2:30 by the third lap to easily post the top time. Jennie Bender showed great form for the women, topping the field and finishing top three overall. Michael Cork and Kaley Shagen led the junior field.
Related:
Photoset: Juniors - 79 photos, Seniors/Masters - 59 photos
Results: Go!Training Rollerski Time Trial

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
October 18, 2011
Jay Richards wraps up another excellent season of Midwest MTB racing coverage with an exclusive interview with the legendary Steve Tilford.

Minnesota State Meet Scoring Proposals
October 17, 2011
Pete Tremaine, President MN Nordic Ski Coaches Association, has posted a couple of new proposals for State Meet qualifying and scoring. These will be discussed at the Fall Coaches Meeting, October 29th in Mora.

Drive for 25
October 17, 2011
The National Nordic Foundation (formerly NCCSEF) has kicked off a campaign to get 4,000 Nordic skiing supporters to donate $25 to support top developing athletes from the J1 to World Cup level. They are also looking for 400 ambassadors.

Hudson Cross at the Y Coverage
October 16, 2011
Hudson, Wisconsin, hosted another set of cyclocross races, this time at the YMCA Camp on the St. Croix. The venue provided a near perfect cyclocross layout, complete with a stairs run, a couple of sand pits, and plenty of dirt roads and trails. Coverage from the Juniors/Cat 4 Womens and Mens Cat 3 races.
Related:
Photoset: Juniors/Cat 4 Women - 94 photos, Kids - 10 photos, Mens Cat 3 - 102 photos
Photoset from Tim Gut: Hudson CX at the Y
Video: Mens Cat 3 Highlights
Video from Brady Prenzlow: Cat 3 Helmetcam

Midwest Junior National Coaching Opportunity
October 14, 2011
The Midwest Junior National team is accepting applications for coaches for the 2011-2012 Junior Nationals. This Junior Nationals is going to be held at Soldier Hollow in Utah with the team traveling or training from March 1-11th.

US Ski Team: Olympians Headline 2012 Cross Country Team
October 14, 2011
Some of the most talented athletes in the world, including World Cup winner Kikkan Randall and Olympians Andy Newell and Kris Freeman, headline the roster of the 2012 U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. The team was announced during a training and testing camp for cross country athletes at the USSA's Center of Excellence in Park City. Jessie Diggins, Afton, MN native, is listed on the B team, just one step down.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
October 11, 2011
The MTB season may be wrapping up in the Midwest, but Jay Richard's weekly report features a detailed report on Mike Schroden competition in the National 24 Hours MTB Championship held in California the weekend before.

Ramsey County Parks Fall Coaches Meeting
October 10, 2011
Ramsey County will be holding their annual fall coaches meeting next Tuesday, October 18th. The meeting is required for teams that practice or host their meets in Ramsey County parks.

Minnesota State Meet Proposals Due Monday
October 9, 2011
Proposals for Minnesota State Meet qualifications/scoring need to be submitted by end of business Monday, October 10th, for consideration at the Fall Coaches Meeting on October 29th in Mora.

2012 Youth Olympic Team Nominated
October 9, 2011
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) nominated 15 young athletes for the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games following the final qualifier for nordic combined and ski jumping at the Flaming Leaves Festival in the Olympic village of Lake Placid. The inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games is slated for Jan. 13-22 in Innsbruck, Austria. Ski jumper Emilee Anderson, Eau Claire, WI, is the lone midwest representative.

Wirth Classic CX Coverage
October 9, 2011
Hot-tober continued Sunday as temperatures climbed into the low 80s for the afternoon cyclocross races at Theodore Wirth Sunday. Race organizers set up a completely new course layout this year, removing the infamous stair climb and turning much of the loop into more of a mountain bike theme. The mens Cat 1/2 race, Adam Bergman and Jesse Rients broke clear half way into the race with Bergman making the winning break on the final lap. Jeanne Fleck rode away with the womens victory in the Cat 1/2/3 race. Photos up now, video recaps coming Monday.
Related:
Photoset: Womens 1/2/3, Masters 45+ - 50 photos, Mens 1/2, Masters 35+ - 84 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Photoset from Steve Crum: Wirth Classic CX
Photoset from Tim Gut : Wirth Classic CX
Video: Masters 45+, Womens Cat 1/2/3 Highlights, Mens Cat 1/2 Highlights
Results: Wirth Classic CX

Pumpkin Run Coverage
October 8, 2011
Jay Richards reports: Mother Nature finally found the off button for turbo on hair dryer, and combined with cooler temps, made for pleasant conditions for the 7th annual Lucky's Loype Pumpkin Run at Maplelag Resort. Longtime Maplelag event participant, Lars Ellefson, took to the front posting the fastest time in the 8km just while Jenny Aune took the female division. Ken Hammer continued his dominance in the 4km posting the best time as Jennifer Ristau was fastest among all females. Maplelag mascot, Carlos, ran pace with the leaders and was reported by race officials to have run at least three laps.
Related:
Photoset from Jay Richards: Pumpkin Run
Results: 4K, 8K Trail Run

Autumn Woods Classic Coverage
October 8, 2011
Feeling more like early September, warm temperatures and gusty winds greeted the Autumn Woods Classic runners at Elm Creek Saturday morning. Luke Nelson and Kari Koski won the 10K titles, Andrew Blau and Kelly Johnson collected the 5K victories.
Related:
Photoset: 5K - Mile 1 - 41 photos, 5K - Mile 2 - 139 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Autumn Woods Classic

Vendor Info for Fall Nordic Ski Coaches Meeting
October 7, 2011
The Vendor Fair at the Fall Coaches Meeting will be scaled back slightly this year, but interested parties should contact Pete Tremaine to reserve a spot.

National Nordic Foundation Calendars Go On Sale
October 6, 2011
The annual National Nordic Foundation (formerly NCCSEF) calendar is now available for sale.

World Cup Coming to Minneapolis, Cable
October 6, 2011
International Paralympic Nordic Skiing World Cup events will be coming to Theodore Wirth and Telemark ski trails this winter! The racing action will begin at Telemark on January 23rd and wrap up on the Wirth trails Feb 3rd (with possibly entries in the Loppet race on the 5th).
Related:
World Paralympics Coming to Wirth, Volunteers Needed

Lake Placid to Host 2012 Youth Olympic Nomination
October 5, 2011
With the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games 100 days away, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) will nominate 15 young athletes to represent America in alpine skiing, halfpipe and slopestyle skiing and snowboarding, skicross, cross country, ski jumping and nordic combined on Oct. 9 during the Flaming Leaves Festival in Lake Placid.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
October 4, 2011
The scenic trails of Fort Ransom State Park and the Deer Fly Chase MTB race are featured this week in Jay Richards' weekly MTB recap. Plus a look ahead to a few events as the season winds down.

Lake Superior Shore Run Coverage
October 3, 2011
Eve Stein provides photos from the Lake Superior Shore Run held in Marquette last Saturday.
Related:
Photoset: Eve Stein
Results: Lake Superior Shore Run

Deer Fly Chase Coverage
October 3, 2011
Noah Michaelsen reports: Last weekend marked the inaugural Deer Fly Chase MTB race at Hickory Ridge, near Bloomer WI. Nearly 60 racers were greeted to perfect fall conditions and reported super fast conditions on the Chequamegon-like course. Chad Sova from River Falls, pulled away from Aaron Swanson from Ashland, in the singletrack to win the Long race. Minnesota racer, Mark Foslien, made the trip across the border. After Swanson suffered a mechanical, Foslien held on to take second place. Race organizers felt the feedback was very positive, look for this race to continue based on this year's success.
Related:
Photoset from CORBA: Deer Fly Chase
Results: Deer Fly Chase

Wolf Tracks Rendezvous Howls
October 2, 2011
Minocqua Winter Park has started a brand new ski marathon on the calendar, the Wolf Tracks Rendezvous, scheduled for Saturday, February 4th. The course will be a single 42km loop at Minocqua Winter Park packed for skate and classic tracks set. Early bird pricing ends Oct 15th!

Twin Cities Marathon Coverage
October 2, 2011
Another beautiful fall Sunday for the Twin Cities Marathon has over 8500 runners participated in the popular urban race. Sammy Malakwen, Kenya native who lives in Two Harbors, broke away from the mens lead pack to win with a time of 2:13:11. Ethiopian young star Yeshimebet Tadesse-Bifa won the women's race with a time of 2:28:24.
Related:
Photoset: Mile 10 Top Competitors - Set 1 - 87 photos, Mile 10 Top Competitors - Set 2 - 114 photos, Mile 17 - 34 photos
Photoset from Mark Lahtinen: Mile 21 Top Competitors - 27 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Results: Marathon, TC 10

Autumn Trail Running Series Race #3 Recap
September 30, 2011
The Autumn Trail Running Series continues to draw great numbers with over 100 athletes hitting the trails at Hyland last Wednesday evening. The final race of the series will be October 12th.

Price Hike
September 29, 2011
You can save $10 on your Noquemanon race fee by registering today (Friday). Price goes up after that.

Tour de Twin Cities Announced
September 28, 2011
The SISU and the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundations have teamed up to host the Tour de Twin Cities, a series of races over nine days in the last two weeks of January. Events will be held at Battle Creek and Theodore Wirth Park, as well as a mid-week night sprint, attracting SuperTour and JO participants.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
September 27, 2011
Jay Richards' weekly MTB report recaps the Single Track Escape (including some great video coverage), breaks news on the Cable Off-road Classic, features some neat Cheq tandem videos, and looks at the upcoming MTB races left on the calendar.

Iron Girl Coverage
September 26, 2011
Joel Woodward snapped a number of pics from the Iron Girl Twin Cities event last Sunday.
Related:
Photoset from Joel Woodward: Iron Girl

Noquemanon Cash Purse Increases, New Field Caps
September 26, 2011
Noquemanon is rolling strong already for the 2012 event as they announce increased cash payouts and fine tune the experience with field caps. Price hike is coming on Friday!

Birkie Trail Run Coverage
September 26, 2011
Birkie reports: The Birkie Trail Run & Trek welcomed a record-setting 906 runners, walkers and Nordic trekkers at its 9th annual event held Saturday, September 24. The overall winner of the marathon, was Chris Pappathopoulos of Sun Prairie, WI, who set a new course record with a winning time of 2:52:15, a full six minutes faster than last year’s winning time. In the women’s marathon division, Amber Hertz of Madison, WI, finished first with a time of 3:31:53, almost identical to the course record of 3:31:32 set in 2010 by Jan Guenther of Mound, MN. In the half marathon, Santiago Ocariz of Hayward, WI, took first place overall, with a finish time of 1:20:54. The champion in the woman’s division was Ashley O’Reilly of Springfield, MO, with a finish time of 1:35:59.
Related:
Photoset: Birkie Trail Run
Results: Birkie Trail Run

E3C Rivers CX Coverage
September 25, 2011
Bringing more cyclocross action to the Twin Cities, Elm Creek hosted their first CX race with the EC3 Rivers CX on Sunday. We caught the first two races of the morning, but events went deep into the afternoon. Video recaps coming Monday.
Related:
Photoset: Mens Cat 4 - 78 photos, Juniors/Womens Cat 4 - 23 photos
Video: Mens Cat 4 Highlights, Juniors/Womens Cat 4 Highlights

Single Track Escape Coverage
September 24, 2011
Jay Richards update: Racers were greeted to perfect fall conditions and reported super fast conditions at the "Jail Trail" in St Cloud for race #11 in the Minnesota Mountain Bike series, the Single Track Escape. Taking his first win in the series, Scott Kylander-Johnson pulled away from Brendan Moore in the elite race, who competed and won the single speed division earlier in the day, riding the twisty and turning course flawlessly. Roxzanne Feagan made an appearance to take the win in womens elite.
Related:
Photoset from Jay Richards: Comp/Expert - 113 photos
Results: Single Track Escape

Roy Griak Invitational Coverage
September 24, 2011
This last weekend in September hosts some of the biggest Minnesota cross-country meets on the calendar with huge fields turning out in Apple Valley, Milaca, and at the U of MN golf course for the Roy Griak Invitational. Bismarck North Dakota's Jake Leingang pulled away from a fast field in the final kilometer to win the Boys Gold race in 15:33. Allie Fons, Franklin, WI, made her move to the front half way into the Girls Gold and never looked back, winning by 18 seconds. The Boys Maroon race was tight up until the midway point then Kevin Docherty, Cretin-Derham Hall, and Ahmed Bule, St. Paul Central, pushed up the pace with Docherty winning with a time of 16:19. Spring Valley Wisconsin's Breanna Colbenson went to the front from the start and never looked back, holding off Wausau East's Ashley Eckhoff attempt to reel her in, winning by nine seconds.
Related:
Photoset: Boys Gold - 123 photos, Girls Gold - 118 photos, Boys Maroon - 170 photos, Girls Maroon - 170 photos
Video: Gold Boys Recap, Gold Girls Recap, Maroon Boys Recap, Maroon Girls Recap
Results: Roy Griak Invitational

MN Coaches Association Fall Meeting Prep
September 22, 2011
Pete Tremaine, president of the Minnesota State High School Nordic Skiing Coaches Association is asking for those with proposals for the state meet qualifying/scoring method to have them submitted by Oct 10th, along with any additional topics. The big fall coaches meeting and expo is Oct 29th in Mora.

Seeking Timer Bids for Tour de Twin Cities
September 22, 2011
The City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation and the Sisu Foundation have jointly issued a Request for Proposals to provide event timing and results reporting at the 2012 Tour de Twin Cities SuperTour and Junior Olympics Qualifying events scheduled for January 21-22, 2012, January 25, 2012 and January 28-29, 2012. Deadline is October 30th.

Jessie Diggins Fundraiser Dinner
September 21, 2011
Supporters of Jessie Diggins will be hosting a special fundraiser dinner at Chilkoot Café and Cyclery in Stillwater on November 11th. Jessie will there to share the highlights of her 2011 season and plans for 2012. All proceeds from the event will go directly to support Jessie’s travel and training expenses.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
September 20, 2011
The mighty Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival is the main focus of this week's MTB recap. In addition to some inside stories, Jay Richards has has a short interview with the Eppen tandem team, and a recap of the Sunday Funday events, as well as the usual look ahead.

Team Birkie Revived
September 20, 2011
Matt Liebsch along with a number of other skiers have revived Team Birkie and will be using it as a vehicle to help support top athletes, as well as providing access to elite services for master skiers. Team Birkie will hold an open house this Friday evening at the Baker horse trailer parking lot, 5 pm, for a rollerski and then sit down at Gear West for Q&A at 6:30 pm.

Banging in the Brush Coverage
September 18, 2011
Over 100 runners came out to Korkki Nordic in Duluth Saturday morning for the Bangin' in the Brush trail run. Youngster (and top Duluth East skier) Ryan Davis took the overall title with Kim Holak topping the womens field.
Related:
Photoset from Fabian Weiger: Banging in the Brush
Results: Banging in the Brush (old school)

Northshore Inline Marathon Coverage
September 17, 2011
While the Northshore Inline Marathon has always been one of the highlights of the inline skate season, this year they added a new rollerski division. Just over 50 skiers competed in new division, starting after all of the inline waves and finishing a separate (and asphalt surfaced) area. Duluth native Andre Watt held off Brian Gregg to take the inaugural title. Jennie Bender and Audrey Weber came down to a sprint finish with Bender narrowly taking the victory.
Related:
Photoset: Inline Waves - 81 photos, Rollerski Mile 3 - 27 photos, Rollerski Finishers - 15 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Early Inline Waves, Rollerski Race Highlights
Results: Northshore Inline Marathon

Chequamegon Coverage
September 17, 2011
Near perfect conditions for the 2011 edition of the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival events. Temperatures in the low 50s, combined with dry and fast trails resulted in a number of new course records being set. In the mens 40, a lead pack of five flying guys at the mid-point winnowed down to just three by the end, with Brian Matter becoming the first four-time champion with his victory today (and just missed breaking the two hour mark by 59 seconds). Michael Olheiser and Jason McCartney rounded out the top of the podium. Lea Davison took the womens 40 victory, with Jenna Reinhart roughly four minutes back, followed by Rebecca Sauber. Short and Fat titles went to screaming Jordan Cullen and Anna Ganju.
Related:
Photoset: Short and Fat - 180 photos, Boedecker Rd - 18 photos, Fire Tower Hill - 273 photos, Descent/Birkie Trail - 26 photos, Finish Area - 61 photos
Photoset from Jay Richards: Short and Fat - 19 photos, Chequamegon 40 - 57 photos
Photoset from Jay Wenner: Top Finishers - 141 photos
Photoset from Jess Stelter: Crit Cross Qualifiers - 57 photos, Crit Cross Final - 22 photos
Photoset from Julie Joy Wenner: Short and Fat Start - 8 photos, Short and Fat Finish - 55 photos, Sunday Funday - 58 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video from cknudsen: Cheq 40 Start
Results: Chequamegon
Press Release: Chequamegon Race Recap
Press Release: Chequamegon Fat Tire Fest Sunday Funday Recap

Autumn Trail Running Series Race #2 Recap
September 15, 2011
Audrey Weber reports: Another great night of races Wednesday night at the Autumn Trail Series. 103 finishers set yet another attendance record, so a big round of applause to all those who participated! Ideal racing weather set the scene for fast racing and new personal bests were experienced by many racers. Men's winner Max Renner set a blazing fast time, finishing the 5.8k course in 19:44, breaking the previous course record of 19:57 held by Dave Duede. The women's race was won for a second time by Emi Yasaka in a time of 24:46. Masters winners in the 40+ age category were Michelle Dankwerth and Dan Moline. Dankwerth broke her own course record for master women, setting the bar at 27:21. In the series standings, Renner and Yasaka hold the overall lead, while Dankwerth and Moline lead the masters. The next race is on September 28th.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap: Chequamegon Preview
September 13, 2011
Each September we look forward to this: Jay Richards' breakdown on the favorites for the 2011 Chequamegon 40 titles. This years race appears to be quite stacked, especially on the mens side with Tour de France pros as well as many of the two and three-time champions lining up Saturday.
Related:
First Phase of Sugarbush MTB Singletrack on the Northshore Completed

Fall Coaches Meeting Coming Oct 29th
September 12, 2011
The Minnesota High School Nordic Coaches Association Fall meeting is coming up on Saturday, October 29th, at the Vasaloppet Center in Mora, MN. One of the big topics planned for discussion is team and individual qualifying and scoring at the State Meet.

Great Xpedition Triathlon Photos
September 11, 2011
Eve Stein submitted a big photoset from the Great Expedition Triathlon in Bloomer, Wisconsin, on Saturday.
Related:
Photoset from Eve Stein: Great Xpedition Triathlon
Results: Great Xpedition Triathlon

Minnesota Canoe Championships
September 11, 2011
Brettz Arenz submitted photos and results from the Minnesota Canoe Championships held Saturday in Bemidji.
Related:
Photoset from Brett Arenz: 66 photos
Results: Minnesota Canoe Championships

Trail Loppet Coverage
September 10, 2011
Warm temperatures, along with the hilly terrain, made for a tough 2011 edition of the Trail Loppet Saturday morning. Craig Cardinal steadily moved up the field to win the half marathon. Audrey Weber also showed her strong endurance, moving from third place at the three mile point into first by six and never looking back. Kevin Johnson easily topped the 5K field. Photos up now, video of the half marathon coming Sunday.
Related:
Photoset: Half Marathon Mile 3 - 151 photos, 5K Opening Mile - 76 photos, 5K Top Finishers - 36 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Half Marathon Highlights
Results: Trail Loppet

Iron County Pursuit Perishes
September 9, 2011
Kelly Klein, director of the Iron County Pursuit, has announced the race will not be held in 2012. A number of factors played into their decision, including declining participation and sponsors.

Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Nationals Coming to Chicagoland
September 8, 2011
Norge Ski Club will host the US National Championships for Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined on October 1st in Fox River Grove, IL. Olympic medalists Billy Demong, Johnny Spillane, and Todd Lodwick are expected to compete in the K70 ski jumping and 10K rollerski race.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
September 6, 2011
The big Laddies Loppet stage race weekend is in the books, and Jay Richards has the full first-hand recap. Plus a look at two upcoming events on the calendar.

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival
September 4, 2011
Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival is less than two weeks away now. Read the latest info, including who are the returning favorites and road closures/parking restrictions.
Related:
Sep 16-18 Little Bellas Chequamegon Camp

Laddies Loppet Cross-Country Coverage
September 4, 2011
Sunday brought cooler temperatures but sunny skies with a light breeze making for great racing conditions for the final event in the Laddies Loppet stage race, the grueling cross-country race. The expert men raced 20 miles in two laps with Brendan Moore storming back to easily take the victory and capture the overall title. Sara Kylander-Johnson continued her impressive form, collecting the victory and overall crown. Photos up now, video recaps from the expert races coming on Monday.
Related:
Photoset: Kids Comp - 53 photos, Citizen - 122 photos, Sport - 229 photos, Comp - 23 photos, Expert - 76 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Photoset from Eve Stein: Laddies Loppet
Video: Expert Womens Recap, Expert Mens Recap
Results: Cross-Country

Laddies Loppet Short Track Coverage
September 3, 2011
Maplelag opened their big mountain biking weekend with a morning time trial followed in the late afternoon with the exciting short track racing. Doug Swanson put in an impressive performance, winning the time trial by 10 seconds over Brendan Moore, then blasting off in the short track and lapping most of the field to pad his stage lead to almost a full minute. Sara Kylander-Johnson easily swept the sparse womens field. Sunday brings the cross-country events featuring a new course layout for the advanced races, including over three miles of new singletrack.
Related:
Photoset: Kids Comp - 105 photos, Citizen - 83 photos, Sport - 105 photos, Comp/Expert Women - 79 photos, Expert Men - 73 photos, Awards - 15 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Expert Womens Recap, Expert Mens Recap
Results: Time Trial, Short Track

Rolf Melby Invite Coverage
September 2, 2011
Over 1000 junior high and high school runners hit the turf for the Rolf Melby Invitational Friday morning in Northfield. The annual fall classic features the Minnesota State Meet course at St. Olaf College. The boys race was an exciting match up with 5-6 boys in the lead pack going into the woods. Coming down the final stretch, it was Bloomington Jefferson's Jan Ketterson taking the lead to win with a time of 16:21 (5K). Joey Duerr, Chaska, edged out Ahmed Bule, St. Paul Central, for second place. State champion Maria Hauger, Shakopee, was unchallenged in taking the girls title in 13:56 (4K). Albert Lea's Chrissy Monson topped Hauger's teammeate, Winona Rachel, for second place. The Eastview boys and Roseville girls won the team titles.
Related:
Photoset: Boys 5K - 133 photos, Girls 4K - 107 photos
Results: Rolf Melby Invite

Birkie Trail Run Price Hike
September 1, 2011
The Birkie Trail Run entry fees jump on Saturday so get your registration in today!

Autumn Trail Running Series Race #1 Recap
September 1, 2011
Audrey Weber reports: 92 racers traipsed around the Hyland Lake trails yesterday night setting a new attendance record for the Autumn Trail Series, now in its third season. The fastest time were brought in by Max Renner, 23 from Green Bay, WI and Emi Yasaka, 34 from Minneapolis who ran the 5.8k course in 20:45 and 26:01, respectively. Also slotted to represent in leader bibs for the masters are Michelle Dankwerth and Dan Moline. The grand prize winners in the raffle, bringing home a certificate for a pair of Salomon XR CrossMax trail running shoes ($130 retail value) were Jennifer Brown and Margaret Rudolph. The next installment of the Autumn Trail Series is on September 14.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
August 30, 2011
Midwest mountain biking first-hand reports from the Pre-Fat and Black's Grove River Crossing, plus a look to a busy Labor Day weekend, including Laddies Loppet at Maplelag, highlight Jay Richards' weekly report.
Related:
Sep 1 Elm Creek Mountain MTB Race (evening)

Nicolet Norski Reborn
August 29, 2011
Last run in 2004, the Ashwaubenon Nordic Ski Team and Lakewood Ski Club are reviving the old Nicolet Norski ski races this season. The events are run on the Lakewood ski trails and will offer 36K and 7K distances.

Seeley Lions Pre-Fat Results
August 29, 2011
Terry Penman reports: The Seeley Lions 16th Annual Pre-Fat Mountain Bike Race was held on Saturday with near perfect weather and great course conditions. In the Expert men's race Pat Lemieux overtook Todd McFadden down the final railroad grade to take first and second respectively, with Chad Sova coming in third. In the Expert women's race it was repeat champion Sara Kylander-Johnson taking the win with Diana McFadden and Michele Flanagan-Haag coming in second and third. The Expert Singlespeed race saw a field of strong riders with Kevin Roytek taking the win for the men, and Julie Meyer becoming the first woman to tackle the singlespeed division.
Related:
Results: Pre-Fat

Price Hike
August 27, 2011
Still time to get in on the ground floor pricing for the Mora Vasaloppet -- price hike coming after Thursday, Sept 1st.

Omnium State Championships Coverage
August 27, 2011
Beautiful weather for cyclists and spectators Saturday at the NSC Velodrome in Blaine for the Minnesota Omnium State Championships. We caught the 15K points race and the 3000m pursuit events.
Related:
Photoset: 15K Points Race - 60 photos, 3000 meter Pursuit - 29 photos

Race Directors Calendar Rolling
August 26, 2011
While August isn't quite over, we've got the Race Director's calendar up and rolling for the 2011-2012 season. Check out some of the preliminary dates and submit your race updates.
Related:
Birkie T-Shirt Design Voting

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
August 24, 2011
Recaps on the Fugly race in Moorhead and the Border Battle in Chippewa Falls, some news and commentary on the Fat Tire sale, and a look ahead to the big events this weekend, in Jay Richards' latest MTB racing report.

Border Battle Coverage
August 21, 2011
River Falls was once again host to the annual Border Battle, a combined WORS/MNMBS series race pitting Wisconsin vs. Minnesota, as riders raced under near perfect conditions with temperatures reaching the mid 70s and partly cloudy skies.
Related:
Photoset: Sport - 154 photos, Comp/Expert Forest - 235 photos, Comp/Expert Wood Berm - 91 photos

Chequamegon Sold to Life Time Fitness
August 18, 2011
After rumors this spring and summer, officials on Wednesday confirmed the sale of the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival to Life Time Fitness. Race director Gary Crandall will remain at the helm. Life Time Fitness also owns the Leadville 100 series.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
August 17, 2011
Jay Richards' weekly mountain bike racing report highlights the Salsa 2-4, Ore to Shore, Gear Grinder, and Leadville 100, plus looks forward to the Border Battle this weekend.

YWCA of Mpls Womens Tri Coverage
August 15, 2011
Joel Woodward shares photos from the YWCA of Minneapolis Womens Triathlon, held Sunday at Lake Nokomis in south Minneapolis.
Related:
Photoset from Joel Woodward: YWCA Womens Tri
Results: YWCA Womens Tri

Autumn Trail Running Series
August 13, 2011
Audrey Weber is again this fall putting on a bi-weekly trail running series at Hyland Park in Bloomington, MN starting Wednesday evening August 31th. The 5.8K course loops around the big lake at the south end of the park and features a number of good climbs!

Deux Pipe Paddle Coverage
August 13, 2011
Eve Stein shares photos and results from the Deux Pipe Paddle race.
Related:
Photoset from Eve Stein: Deux Pipe Paddle
Results: Deux Pipe Paddle

Battle Creek Trail Run Coverage
August 13, 2011
The Sisu Foundation hosted trail runs of 5K and half marathon at Battle Creek on Saturday morning. Early morning rain, including a few drops during the events, made for a wet and slippery course. Runners were also treated to a test drive of some of the new trail segments being developed for the upcoming ski season. Sam Elfstrom and Audrey Weber collected the 5K titles while Erik Solberg and Paula Kastenson won the half marathon crowns.
Related:
Photoset: 122 photos
Photos:
Results: 5K, Half Marathon

Skiers vs Cyclists Time Trial Tuesday
August 12, 2011
The front end of the Ride and Glide Skiers vs Cyclists TT (13 miles) will be held this Tuesday, Aug 23rd. The skiing version of the TT will be held on the weekend between Mora and the Birkie, at Lake Elmo. If you'd like to try for the "Best of Both" then sign up for TT #4 in the Withrow TT Series and come back in February and do the skiing TT. This is just an informal event, do one or both! Rescheduled from its original Aug 16th date due to severe weather.

US Biathlon Team Nominations for the 2012 Youth Olympic Games
August 10, 2011
Minnesotans Nick Proell and Anna Kubek have been nominated for the 2012 Youth Olympic Games.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
August 9, 2011
Jay Richards weekly column recaps the Great Hawk Chase in Duluth and highlights a number of upcoming events, including the big Leadville 100.

Great Hawk Chase Coverage
August 8, 2011
Jay Richards writes: Minnesota Mountain Bike Series riders were finally treated to pretty much ideal conditions on the fun singletrack course at Lester Park trails for the Great Hawk Chase on Sunday. Rain the day before made for just a little mud in the early races but tacked up nicely by Sport, Comp and Expert races. Elite winners Brendan Moore and Sara Kylander-Johnson pulled away early to dominate their races as Duluth riders posted solid results including a second place finish by Duluth's Joshua Tesch followed by Barry Tungseth in third and another Duluth rider, Todd McFadden in fourth. Fast conditions posed a challenge as many riders reported hitting trees!
Related:
Photoset from Jay Richards: Sport - 86 photos, Comp/Expert - 230 photos
Photoset from Eve Stein: Great Hawk Chase
Results: Great Hawk Chase

USACK Nationals - Day 3
August 8, 2011
Marsh Jones reports: Yet another steamy day at Lake Lanier on Saturday for the final events of the USACK. The RCBC girls continued to thrive in the heat, with Sarah Tokos (Irondale) and Julia Johnson (RAHS) taking silver in the 200m K-2, missing gold by .07 seconds! Julia and Sarah took 4th and 5th in the 200m K-1 only 20 minutes later after sprinting from boat control back to the dock to jump in their K-1s. The girls finished the afternoon with Julia taking 2nd, Sarah a solid 4th and Madi Youngblom (RAHS) 10th in the 5000m distance race. The boys side, Nick McGrory (RAHS), Issak Ridge and Lucas Forster (Irondale) also did well, making the finals in both K-1 and K-2 Juniors against very tough fields. Charlie Johnson (Roseville) and Jacob Thayer (Spring Lake Park) did their first K-2 race in the Bantam 3000m. Next weekend, most of these athletes will be taking part in USCA Marathon Nationals in Newaygo, Michigan.
Related:
Results: Saturday

Firehouse 50 Coverage
August 7, 2011
Another big turnout for the Firehouse 50, the popular citizen road race and time trial held this past weekend in Grand View, Wisconsin. The road race was particular interesting this year as rain came down for the final miles of the road race.
Related:
Photoset from Kelly Randolph: Road Race Start, Road Race Finish, Run
Results: Firehouse 50

Minnesota Half Marathon Coverage
August 6, 2011
Not surprisingly this summer, it was a warm and muggy morning for the Minnesota Half Marathon in St. Paul. Inline skaters and runners cruised the closed Shepard Rd for a 13.1 mile loop, complete with some long sustained climbs.
Related:
Photoset: Inline - Mile 6 - 148 photos, Inline - Mile 12 - 74 photos, Half Marathon - 95 photos, 5K - 23 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video from SK842K: Inline Race Helmetcam
Results: Minnesota Half Marathon

USACK Nationals - Day 2
August 5, 2011
Marsh Jones reports: Another very hot, humid day at the Lake Lanier venue for the USA Canoe/Kayak sprint Nationals 500m races. The RCBC athletes continued to impress everyone with just how far they've come in their first year of sprint boat racing. Nick McGrory (Roseville) and Isaak Ridge (Irondale) made the final heat in Men's Junior K-2 (2 person kayak), and finished a very respectable 5th. Sarah Tokos (Irondale) and Julia Johnson (Roseville) also finished 5th in the Women's Jr K-2 event, racing up an age bracket against the oldest and most experienced girls in the nation!
Related:
Results: Friday

Hoigaards Canoe Derby Recap and Results
August 5, 2011
Jim Lind reports: Our last race of 2011 was Thursday, August 4th and it was perfect conditions. Calm water, comfortable temperatures, low humidity, sunny skies. 40 boats entered the race, a record turn-out for the 2011 series. The food at the Paddler's Potluck was tasty, a big "thank you" to everyone contributed to it, and thanks to Ryan, the grillmaster, who broiled a perfect hot dog. Everyone would agree that the best part of the evening was seeing Keith Canny back at the Derby. After the excitement he provided two weeks earlier (cardiac arrest, flipped canoe, no heart beat for 37 minutes) it was incredible to talk to him at Lake Calhoun. Keith says he should have no lasting effect. He'll be ready to compete in the next Derby race (June 2012)! For the series we had 158 different people, averaging 56 people per race. There where 315 total boats in the series, averaging 32 boats per race! We had a good year.
Related:
Results: Hoigaards Canoe Derby

Ringer Roll Coverage
August 5, 2011
Good weather and dry trails made for yet another perfect race for the 2011 edition of the Ringer Roll. Matt Liebsch and Audrey Weber led the way for the seniors, with State Champ Ben Saxton and UWGB's Hanne Guthrie posting the top junior times.
Related:
Photoset: 145 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Highlights, All Starters
Results: Ringer Roll

USACK Nationals - Day 1
August 4, 2011
Marsh Jones reports: Minnesota athletes had a great first day at USA Canoe/Kayak sprint Nationals on the 1996 Olympic Course at Lake Lanier, Georgia. In the 1000 meter K-2 (2 person kayak) event, Julia Johnson (Roseville) and Sarah Tokos (Irondale) finished 2nd in a tightly contested sprint with Natalie Griffin and Alyson Morse of Gig Harbor (WA). In the 1000 meter K-1 final, Julia was 3rd and Sarah 4th. Temperatures have been in the 90s with moderate humidity.
Related:
Video: Live Coverage
Results: Thursday

Ringer Roll Friday
August 4, 2011
The Ringer Roll, the Twin Cities annual summer rollerski race, is set for this Friday, August 5th at Baker Park. The event pits some of the best metro and outstate Nordic skiers on a 10K rolling asphalt loop. Online registration open through Thursday night.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
August 2, 2011
Recaps of the Singletrack Attack and Wausau 24, plus highlights of upcoming events, fill Jay Richards' weekly MTB race report.

SingleTrack Attack Coverage
July 31, 2011
Heavy rains overnight, combined with very humid and warm conditions transformed Hillside Park in Elk River into a tropical rainforest for the MNMBS series races on Sunday. While things were slightly drier for the afternoon races, the warmer temps made for tough conditions for many a rider. Photos from the morning races (no video this week, sorry).
Related:
Photoset: Kids Comp - 90 photos, Citizen - 158 photos, Sport - 174 photos
Photoset from Jonell Richards: Comp/Expert - 32 photos
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Comp/Expert

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
July 26, 2011
Jay Richards weekly report recaps the Alterra Coffee Bean Classic (WORS), delves into the mountain biking connection with the Tour de France, and looks ahead to some of the weekend races.

Summer Juniors Training Programs Photos - Part 2
July 25, 2011
We've wrapped up our highlighting a number of Twin Cities based summer juniors training programs last week. We've posted some of favorite images in high-res on our Facebook page.

US Ski Team Womens Video Challenge Finalists
July 24, 2011
Over 20 organizations submitted videos for the US Ski Team Womens Challenge, highlights female training programs across North America. Now the US Ski Team has selected five finalists, and two Midwest programs have made the cut. Check out the videos from Sisu Skiers and Stillwater and cast your vote! Deadline for voting is August 1st.

Southside Sprints Coverage
July 24, 2011
Top notch bike racing came to the neighborhood streets of south Minneapolis Sunday in the Southside Sprints. Racers put in tight laps in the popular 48th and Chicago Ave district, flying past half dozen local restaurants, a pair of coffee shops, and movie theatre, before heading back into the residential streets.
Related:
Photoset: Mens 3/4 - 37 photos, Womens 1/2/3 - 92 photos, Kids - 68 photos, Mens 1/2/3 - 108 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Womens 1/2/3 Recap, Mens 1/2/3 Recap
Results: Southside Sprints

NorthShore Inline Marathon Adds Rollerski Division
July 22, 2011
The NorthShore Inline Marathon will feature a new marathon rollerski division this fall. The nations largest inline marathon runs from Two Harbors to Duluth. The rollerski division will start after the inline waves.
Related:
50K Rollerski Race Proposed for the UP

Ringer Roll Set for August 5th
July 22, 2011
The Ringer Roll, the Twin Cities annual summer rollerski race, is set for August 5th at Baker Park. The event pits some of the best metro and outstate Nordic skiers on a 10K rolling asphalt loop.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
July 19, 2011
Jay Richards provides a big spread on the US MTB Nationals from out in Sun Valley Idaho, plus recaps on the inaugural Telemark Forest race, and the MNMBS series race in Duluth, along with his look ahead to weekend events.

Birkie T-Shirt Contest Underway
July 19, 2011
The 2012 Birkie t-shirt contest is underway, but there is still time to enter. Skiers and spectators alike want a clean, simple, design. You do not have to be an artist or graphic designer, just someone with a good idea. Deadline is August 1st.

Twin Cities Triathlon Volunteers Needed
July 19, 2011
Volunteers are needed for the bike course of the Twin Cities Triathlon, held this Sunday, July 24th. Organizers are giving free entries to other events for the volunteers.

Afton Trail Run Coverage
July 18, 2011
Dean Neuburger reports: John and Cheri Storkamp organized and led the Afton Trail Run, a 50K/25K course, which took place on July 2nd Saturday. For the first time in its 18-year history, the Afton Trail Run (ATR) was not held at Afton State Park. Due to an unsettled state budget, the Minnesota state government shutdown and resulting in a closure of all Minnesota State Parks just one day before the race! Instead the race was held at adjacent Afton Alps, not known for running paths, generating a few more circumstances for the participants that the event was not a walk in the park. The runners weighed in that the new layout was a "sick, twisted, and sadistic course" but that it was perfectly marked, there was plenty of aid, tons of great volunteers and it was a lot of fun. As the temperatures rose throughout the day, the was concern that the course might be too difficult but unsurprisingly runners were up for the challenge and settled into the stifling 85F+ degree Minnesota summer heat and worked through the long challenging day, which for the 50K included a whopping 8700+ feet of elevation change.
Related:
Photoset from Dean Neuburger: Afton Trail Run
Results: Afton Trail Run

Lap the Lake Coverage
July 16, 2011
Heavy early morning rains caused local flooding in the New Brighton area, shutting down parts of I-35W and generating a half hour delay to the start of the Lap the Lake marathon races Saturday. The race featured a Lemans start along with a forced portage on each lap. Sunday morning featured sprint races into a warm south wind.
Related:
Photoset: Saturday Start - 35 photos, Sunday Sprints - 39 photos
Photoset from Craig Stolen: Sprints
Photoset from Kaisa Stolen: Lap the Lake
Results: Marathon, Sprints

US Nationals MTB:Pro Cross-Country Coverage
July 16, 2011
Jay Richards reports: The Pro races highlighted the final day of cross country racing action at Sun Valley for day three at the US MTB Nationals. Some of the largest crowds ever turned out to watch racers take on the exciting lap under textbook mountain weather. Both Georgia Gould and Todd Wells successfully defended their titles as mountain bike legend Ned Overend was clearly the crowd favorite in the men's race, recording an impressive 14th place finish. Nordic ski champion Tad Elliot pinned down a solid 6th place as Midwest riders TJ Woodruff placed 23rd and Chris Peariso 47th. Racing concludes on Sunday with Super D and short track racing. Sorry, no photos of women's race, out checking some sweet local trails.
Related:
Photoset from Jay Richards: Pro Cross-Country - 148 photos
Results: Pro Cross-Country

US Nationals MTB: Cross-Country Coverage
July 15, 2011
Jay Richards reports from US Nationals: The town of Ketchum, Idaho is host to this years USA cycling Mountain bike championships and Friday marked the second day of cross country racing at Sun Valley. A flyover signaled the start for the U23 and Cat 1 17-18 and 15-18 male races with other JR races throughout the day. The course was spectator friendly with large crowds at the rock gardens, steep drops and stiff climbs. Top Midwest finishes include Jack Hinkens taking 2nd in U23, Nina Karinen and Peter Karinen from Houghton both 8th in their respective classes in 15-16 and Jake Richards 16th in Cat 1, 17-18. Cross country racing resumes on Saturday with the Pro races.
Related:
Photoset from Jay Richards: Cross-Country - 127 photos
Results: Cross-Country (Thursday), Cross-Country (Friday)

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
July 12, 2011
Jay Richards recaps the Birch Bump, Firecracker, and the life of James White, as he heads out west to catch the National Championships in Idaho this week.

Battle Creek Half Marathon Trail Run
July 12, 2011
The Sisu Foundation will be hosting a half marathon and 5K trail run, as well as a Nordic hike on Saturday, August 13th. You can preview the 6.5 mile course with a easy, no-drop run this Wednesday evening, July 13th meeting at Battle Creek Recreation Center 6:30 pm.

Birch Bump Coverage
July 10, 2011
Big-time heat and humid greeted the riders from the get-go Sunday for the Birch Bump MTB race at Buck Hill. Hot, long open stretches were broken up with some shady woods and a kindly water hose on the relatively short laps.
Related:
Photoset: Citizen Race - 80 photos, Sport Race - 159 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Comp/Expert
Video: Citizen Highlights, Sport Highlights
Results: MNMBS Results

Midwest Junior Olympic Wax Coaches Sought
July 8, 2011
The Midwest Junior Olympic Committee is seeking applicants for head glide and kick wax coaches for the 2012 US Junior Olympics.

HED Product Intro and Demo
July 6, 2011
HED Cycling products, including their world famous wheelsets, are produced in Shoreview, MN. You'll find them on many of the pro bikes in the Tour de France this month, and next Tuesday, July 12th, you can demo some of their product line-up at the Ride and Glide Time Trial.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
July 5, 2011
Jay Richards weekly MTB report provides a recap from the Thunderdown at Underdown, features the White Earth State Forest, and highlights big MNMBS and WORS series races this weekend.
Related:
Vandals Trash Afton State Park
Afton State Park Vandals Charged

Finnish Legend Mika Myllylä Passes Away
July 5, 2011
Ritva Taipale passes along the sad news that Finnish legendary skier Mika Myllylä has died. Myllylä was only 41, and was one of Finland's great skiers before the doping scandal rocked his world in 2001.

City on the Bay 10K Coverage
July 4, 2011
Walker, MN, held their inaugural Fourth of July runing race, the City on the Bay 10K. Sunny skies and light winds made for a hot race, especially along the Paul Bunyan trail segments. Thomas Neemann and Katie McMahon collected the victories.
Related:
Photoset: 48 photos
Video: City on the Bay 10K Highlights
Results: City on the Bay 10K
Tofte Trek Results

Spotlight: Go!Training Summer Program
June 30, 2011
Go!Training, under the direction of Piotr Bednarski, has a wide range of training options for summer juniors. Thursday morning we met up with them in Afton. After a brief discussion in the parking lot, the group headed out for a classical rollerski on one of the many quiet back roads. Depending on ability, the skiers did varying uphill distances with Bednarski collecting video footage and providing technique advice from his bike while Sara Morse coached on rollerskis with the groups.
Related:
Photoset: 124 photos
Go!Training

Spotlight: Minnesota Valley Ski Team
June 29, 2011
Minnesota Valley Ski Team is having another strong season with roughly 70 participants in their summer training program. On Wednesday morning, the group met at Hyland downhill area for their first workout of the season on the big hills. After a short warmup run, coaches Reid Lutter, Doug Boonstra and Randy Gibbs led groups on varying intensity pole hiking sets that weaved to the top of the hill over the bulk of the workout time. The group switched over to some technique drills and then three sets of full-out hill sprints. The workout warmed down with a couple of hill walks and concluded with a new rouser provided State Champ Ben Saxton.
Related:
Photoset: 134 photos
MN Valley Ski Team

MSHSNSCA Summer Notes - Hybrid Proposal Fails
June 28, 2011
MN Nordic Ski Coaches Association Pete Tremaine has issued a summer update with highlights the defeat of the hybrid State Meet selection process. New proposals are on the table, a vote will occur in September.
Related:
Proposed High School State Meet Changes

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
June 28, 2011
Jay Richards recaps the Subaru Cup, Pipestem Creek Epic and Wheelhouse Classic, complete with first-hand race reports, and highlights a number of upcoming events including one of the true originals, the Thunderdown in the Underdown.

Spotlight: 3G Nordic
June 28, 2011
Under the direction of Alex Rykken, 3G Nordic is a new girls-only Twin Cities based Nordic skiing summer training program. Rykken, along with coach Rita White, oversee a growing group of roughly 10 girls. We dropped in Tuesday evening for a workout on the north end of Hylake Lake Park. The group warmed up with freeskate and V2 drills before spending most of the session working on V1 technique on a long gradual uphill. They finished the workout with some sets of uphill poling for strength.
Related:
Photoset: 73 photos
3G Nordic Training Program

Spotlight: Nordicwerks Summer Program
June 27, 2011
Nordicwerks summer training program had a full schedule on Monday evening near Scandia, MN. The group, led by head coach Deno Johnson with assistance from former State Champ Ben Fick, worked on some balance and technique drills, skied a warm up lap, then hammered out a 7K classical time trial on the quiet roads south of town. After the TT, the skiers finished with some intervals and dexterity drills.
Related:
Nordicwerks SkiKlubb Training Programs
Photoset: 111 photos

Subaru Cup Coverage
June 27, 2011
Jay Richards reports: Nordic Mountain in Wisconsin was host to the most recent stop in the PRO XCT mountain bike series which featured top pros in the country racing over two days with the main event, cross country, taking place Saturday. Favorable weather conditions only added to the positive feedback among the riders with many pros stating it was their favorite race in the national series throughout the country. Overall cross country titles in the Pro cross country event went to Georgia Gould and Max Plaxton. Many Midwest riders had solid results competing among the nations best.
Related:
Photoset from Jonell Richards: Venue - 17 photos, Expert - 16 photos, Pro Women - 24 photos, Pro Men - 43 photos
Results: Subaru Cup

Wheelhouse Classic Coverage
June 27, 2011
Jay Richards reports: In almost a repeat of weather conditions from the week before, cool and damp in the morning lead to hot and humid in the afternoon as Minnesota mountain bikers hit the fast and popular trails at Memorial Park for Wheelhouse Classic, race #3 in the MNMBS. Brendan Moore continued his dominance over the Elite field, taking the win over former World Cup racer, Jeff Hall, who made an appearance in the series the first time this year. Racing was tight among the top 10 with positions changing during the race until selections were made the last lap. Top female MN riders Jenna Rinehart and Sara Kylander-Jonson were racing in Wisconsin at the Subaru Cup leaving Jennifer Mowlin and Linda Sone to battled it out at the top with Mowlin coming out as the victor.
Related:
Photoset from Joel Woodward: Wheelhouse Classic
Photoset from Todd Bauer: Comp/Expert
Results: Wheelhouse Classic

Tri-Loppet Coverage
June 25, 2011
Racers returned to Theodore Wirth park Saturday for the first time since the devastating tornado passed through last June, as the Tri-Loppet participants made their way from Lake Calhoun all the way up to Wirth chalet before finishing near Wirth beach. Several sections of the mountain bike course, especially on the east side, were only recently cleared of downed trees and brush. Zach Handler and Kim Rudd easily won the solo titles.
Related:
Photoset: Paddling leg - 46 photos, Running leg - 28 photos, Mountain biking leg - 123 photos
Photoset from Robin Thomas: Running leg - 43 photos, Mountain biking leg - 53 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Highlights
Results: Tri-Loppet Results
Jun 23 Hoigaards Canoe Derby Results

Chequamegon Contest Deadlines Draw Near
June 22, 2011
Still hoping to get into the 2011 Chequamegon MTB race? Get creative and you might win a free entry in the 50 Ways to Ride the Chequamegon Essay contest. Entry deadline is July 1st!

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
June 21, 2011
Jay Richards weekly mountain bike racing recap hits on the Afton Avalanche and looks ahead to a busy weekend around the upper Midwest.

Midnight Sun Midnight Run
June 20, 2011
The sixth annual Midnight Sun Midnight Run is this Friday, June 24th. The event celebrates the arrival of summer in Duluth with a 5K night run along Lake Superior. Field size limited.

Hackensack Canoe Race Coverage
June 19, 2011
Paddlers hit the waterways in Hackensack on Sunday for some C1 and tandem racing.
Related:
Photoset from Todd Johnson: C1 - 33 photos, Tandem - 23 photos
Results: Hackensack Canoe Race Results

Afton Avalanche Coverage
June 19, 2011
After a relatively cool and cloudy morning, the sun broke out in the afternoon generating a hot and steamy race for the expert and comp fields at the Afton Avalanche Sunday. TJ Woodruff and Sara Kylander-Johnson rode away with the expert titles, but there was some tight racing for the rest of the places. Video highlights on Monday.
Related:
Photoset: Expert/Comp Race - 210 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Expert/Comp Highlights
Results: MNMBS Results

NVGP Friday Night Racing Coverage
June 18, 2011
The Nature Valley Grand Prix has been racing for a number of days now in the Minnesota and Wisconsin. Scott Brown captured photos from Friday nights Uptown racing action.
Related:
Photoset from Kate McGough: Stillwater Criterium - 9 photos
Photoset from Scott Brown: Uptown Criterium

Hoigaards Canoe Derby Results
June 17, 2011
Hoigaards Canoe Derby continued their summer series Thursday night as another strong crowd turned out for the paddling action on the chain of lakes.
Related:
Results: Hoigaards Canoe Derby
Hoigaards Canoe Derby

US Ski Team Womens Video Challenge
June 14, 2011
The U.S. Ski Team women are inviting women’s cross country ski teams and summer training groups throughout North America to participate in a video challenge. Rally your team, training group, or summer training camp and upload a video of your summer training experience.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
June 14, 2011
Jay Richards cranks out one of his biggest reports yet, covering a busy weekend of MTB racing across the Midwest. Read first-hand reports from Lutsen 99ers, Woolly MTB, Race to Sunset, WORS Big Ring Classic and the Cuyuna MTB Festival.

Chippewa Triathlon Coverage
June 11, 2011
Over 80 athletes and 21 teams competed in the 2011 Chippewa Triathlon in Cass Lake Saturday. The event features canoe/kayak, mountain bike and run legs. Posting the fastest time overall was the relay team of Leif Ronnander and Brett and Devin Arenz. Mixed doubles champs were Kim and Craig Rudd. Audrey Baumgartner and Allan Shuros won the doubles titles. The solo title went to Mike Brumbaugh.
Related:
Photoset from Bill Grundy: 121 photos
Photoset from Ed Arenz: 74 photos
Photoset from John Arenz: 66 photos
Photoset from Allan Olson: Chippewa Triathlon
Photoset from Eve Stein: Chippewa Triathlon
Video from David Harrington: Chippewa Triathlon Highlights
Video from Eve Stein: Canoe Leg
Results: Chippewa Triathlon

Hoigaards Canoe Derby Results
June 10, 2011
Nearly 40 boats competed Thursday evening for the second event in the Hoigaards Canoe Derby series.
Related:
Results: Hoigaards Canoe Derby

Liebner, Freeman Selected as CCSA Regional Skiers of the Year
June 10, 2011
Northern Michigan's Andy Liebner and Green Bay's Carolyn Freeman have been named the CCSA Regional Skiers of the Year for 2010-2011. The duo was selected for the honor by the CCSA coaches at their annual meeting.

Birkie T-Shirt Contest
June 9, 2011
The 2012 Birkie T-Shirt design contest is underway. The winning designer will receive a new pair of skis, either classic or skate, with their choice of bindings and installation provided by New Moon Ski & Bike Shop of Hayward, WI as well as a free race entry.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
June 7, 2011
The Midwest MTB Racing Recap from Jay Richards has first-hand reports from Mt. Kato last weekend, as well as the CAMBA Festival of Trails, and an exclusive preview of the Cuyuna trails in central MN, as well as a look at the busy weekend ahead.

NENSA Major Events Announced
June 7, 2011
New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) has announced their 2011-2012 season major events including for the Eastern Cup series, J2 and High School Championships, and Women's Day event.

NCCSEF Adds Nordic Combined
June 6, 2011
The National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation (NCCSEF) has added Nordic Combined to its roster of supported Nordic disciplines.

Grand Old Day Coverage
June 5, 2011
Ideal weather for the Grand Old Day events Sunday in St. Paul as temperatures were in the 60s under a bright, cloudless sky. The 8K inline titles were won decisively by Matthew Meyer and Sarah Oftedahl Brown for the women. Topping the running field were Jason Mansur and Kim Bishop.
Related:
Photoset: 8K Inline Skate - 51 photos, 8K Run - 148 photos
Video: 8K Inline Skate Recap
Results: 8K Inline Skate, 8K Run

Hoigaards Canoe Derby Results
June 3, 2011
Erik Hendrickson reports: 32 boats hit the water for the first Hoigaards Canoe Derby of the year Thursday evening. Windy conditions called for course modification with the boats going up the east side of Lake Calhoun. Fastest times of the night went to Todd Johnson and Rick Lorenzen in the Derby Class, Brett Arenz and Devin Arenz in the Racing Class and John Sanborn in Kayak class.
Related:
Hoigaards Canoe Derby
Results: Hoigaards Canoe Derby

Thursday Night Races at Buck Hill
June 2, 2011
The popular Thursday Night racing series at Buck Hill started in mid-May and is pulling in good numbers. Joel Woodward captured some of the action this past Thursday evening.
Related:
Photoset from Joel Woodward: Set 1, Set 2
Thursday Night Races at Buck Hill Info and Results

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 31, 2011
With an off-weekend over the Memorial Day holiday, Jay Richards concentrates his weekly report on the new Cuyuna trail system, and a look ahead to the Festival of Trails, Mt. Kato race and MTU MTB camp for juniors.

Vasaloppet Launches Ski for the Cure Event
May 27, 2011
Vasaloppet USA held a special Ribbon Tying ceremony on Thursday at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center in Mora to celebrate the new Moraloppet Cure for the Cure event. They also announced new distances for the race.

Ahmed, Dubay, Lead Incoming St. Scholastica Skiers in 2012
May 27, 2011
St. Scholastica announces a stacked set of incoming skiers for the 2011-2012 season, including state champions Sharmila Ahmed and Joe Dubay as well as last year's runner-up Liz Peterson.
Related:
2011 Collegiate Tally Board

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 24, 2011
Jay Richards weekly MTB report covers all the action: Freewheel Frolic, Chequamegon 100 and the Crystal Lake Classic, all with first-hand reports, plus the usual look ahead to upcoming events.

Root River Triathlon Coverage
May 23, 2011
Carl Shaffer reports: The pending storms held off for most of Saturday morning at the 13th annual Root River Triathlon in Houston, MN. There were a record 304 participants this year. The Root river was flowing fast and high due to the recent rains to make for a quick paddle, with race boats approaching 10mph at times in the current. A large group of volunteers were available to help you out of your boat. A quick run up the landing hill to hop on your bike and pedal back to town on sparsely used roads, which were well marked, and course marshals keeping traffic in check. A quick transition in the park and a mostly flat run around town, and back to the transition to finish. This is a very well run event, with great support and a very scenic environment.
Related:
Photoset from Craig Stolen: 34 photos
Photoset from Craig Stolen: Big Set
Results: Root River Triathlon
Go With The Flowage Coverage

Baxter Inline Marathon
May 23, 2011
The Baxter Inline Marathon will be held June 11th and will feature an 8K, half marathon and full marathon distances.

Square Lake Road Race Coverage
May 21, 2011
The afternoon road races at Square Lake Saturday started under rain clouds but by the time cyclists started the second lap, the sky was clearing and the roads were drying out. We'll some video of the womens race coming on Sunday.
Related:
Photoset: Afternoon Races - 117 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Womens Cat 1/2/3
Results: Square Lake Road Race

Freewheel Frolic Coverage
May 21, 2011
A bit of Jekyll and Hyde Saturday for the Freewheel Frolic at Salem Hills. The day started off wet and muddy as rain, at times heavy rain, poured down on the course through much of the morning, causing organizers to shorten loops. But in the afternoon, the skies parted and the sun came out, making for a beautiful wrap on the day's racing action. We'll have video clips from Citizen and Sport races on Sunday.
Related:
Photoset: Citizen Race - 22 photos, Sport Race - 152 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Citizen Highlights, Sport Highlights
Results: Sport Race

Moraloppet Ski for the Cure
May 19, 2011
Vasaloppet USA is teaming up with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to join the fight against breast cancer.

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 17, 2011
Jay Richards' MTB racing report recaps the big Cable Off-road Classic, as well as the RASTA Rally in Rhinelander, including racer reports. And a look ahead to MNMBS and WORS events this weekend.

Tofte Trek Scheduled for July 4th
May 17, 2011
The annual Tofte Trek will be held on July 4th. The 10K wilderness run/walk winds its way through the Superior National Forest along the cross-country ski trails, snowmobile trails and Superior Hiking Trail.

RASTA Rally Coverage
May 16, 2011
Nice weather with dry and sunny weather made for a great 2011 edition of the RASTA Rally in Rhinelander on Sunday. Ben Koenig edged out Tyler Gautnier for the mens title and Valerie Foley collected the womens title the 22 mile division. Elite skier Chris Cook won the 12 mile race with Laurie Lemke posting the top womens time.
Related:
Photoset from Eve Stein: RASTA Rally
Photoset from RASTA: RASTA Rally
Video from Eve Stein: RASTA Rally
Results: RASTA Rally

Proposed High School State Meet Changes
May 15, 2011
At the Minnesota Coaches Association meeting back in April, the association voted to advance a proposal to change the team scoring system at the State Meet for the 2011-2012 season. The proposal will need to be approved by the high school league later this summer.
Related:
Minnesota Coaches Association Spring Conference Meeting Minutes

Cable Offroad Classic Coverage
May 14, 2011
Jay Richards reports: Strong northeast winds, starting temperature of 39 degrees, light rain off and on greeted riders in the Cable Area Off-Road Classic, point to point mountain bike racing from Lakewoods Resort to Cable, WI. After riding most of the race with a pack of six riders, Brendan Moore made an attack in the later parts of the race to solo in for the win in the mens 25 mile race in front of Todd McFadden and Scott Kylander-Johnson. Working with the men en route to a top 20 finish overall, Sara Kylander-Johnson dominated from the get go to take the women title over Dianna-McFadden. Overnight rains made the course wet but not particularly muddy.
Related:
Photoset from Jay Richards: Start - 96 photos, On the course - 63 photos, Finish - 54 photos
Video from Eve Stein: Cable Offroad Classic
Video from Jay Richards: Post-race Interview Sara Kylander-Johnson, Post-race Interview Brendan Moore, Start
Results: Cable Offroad Classic

Double Dog Time Trial Coverage
May 14, 2011
Cold and damp weather made for miserable conditions at the Double Dog Time Trial Saturday morning near Elko, MN. Temperatures hovered in the mid 40s as a light rain fell for much of the event, tapered only by the short 8 mile course.
Related:
Photoset: 113 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 10, 2011
Jay Richards has race reports from the Sandwich 50 and Spring Fling races, as well as a look ahead to the big Cable Off-road Classic in his weekly MTB racing recap.

Giro d'Italia: Selander takes white jersey in grand tour debut
May 7, 2011
Bjorn Selander, native of Hudson, Wisconsin, collected the white jersey as best young rider ("rookie") leader in the Giro d'Italia on Saturday!

Snake River Canoe Race Coverage
May 7, 2011
Fast and high water, along with temperatures in the mid 50s, made for some great conditions at the Snake River Canoe Race Saturday morning at Mora. We'll a video recap coming Sunday.
Related:
Photoset: 280 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Video: Highlights
Results: Snake River Canoe Race

Midwest MTB Racing Recap
May 3, 2011
Jay Richards' weekly column recaps the big WORS opener in Iola with three rider reports and highlights a couple of Mother's Day weekend events.

Ride and Glide TT Coverage
May 3, 2011
The Ride and Glide Bike and Ski Club held their opening time trial event of the season Tuesday evening on the quiet Washington County roads east of White Bear Lake. Temperatures in the upper 50s with light winds made for ideal conditions.
Related:
Photoset: 65 photos
Results: Time Trial
Ride and Glide Bike & Ski Club

Cinco de Mayo 5K Coverage
May 1, 2011
Strong winds and cold temperatures did little to deter participants in the Cinco de Mayo 5K in Highland Park Sunday morning. The course snaked along quiet Edgcumbe Rd and finished near the SE corner of the Highland 9-Hole golf course. Mike Torchia led the field out to easily take the overall victory.
Related:
Photoset: 5K - 115 photos
Video: 5K Highlights

2010-11 Season Highlights
May 1, 2011
Catch highlights plus full results and photos from the 2010-2011 high school racing season.