NewSwix Launches Line of Next Generation Race Wax

July 5, 2020

Swix has launched Swix Pro, a new line of fluoro-free glide waxes that represent a breakthrough in high performance racing wax with low environmental impact.

NewWeb Roundup

July 5, 2020

Moving Forward - Jessie Diggins posts a new blog covering sprint and early summer training, and what she's doing to moving things in a positive direction.
Pains and Gains - Alayna Sonnesyn writes on her adventures dealing with a leg injury.
Where to Begin - Jan Guenther catches up on Gear West happenings in the pandemic world and getting some much needed vacation.
Diamond Lake Trail - Three Rivers has posted a master plan for a major new north/south trail system in the western Twin Cities area.
Masked - NPR takes a look at the mask practices with various outdoor activities.
Virtual TDF - The virtual Tour de France is being held on weekends for both men and women for the month of July.
Cholesterol Genie - NYTimes had an article on some breakthrough treatment on cholesterol levels using gene-editing.
Marathon and On - An ultramarathoner has set a new world record for most consecutive days running a marathon.
Arctic Fever - PBS Newshour looks at the recent trend of very warm weather in arctic and its impacts.

Borah Teamwear Hiring

June 30, 2020

Borah Teamwear is seeking a Transfer Press Operator to join their team in Coon Valley, Wisconsin. No previous experience required, training will be provided!

Midwest MTB Report

June 30, 2020

The Midwest MTB Report by Jay Richards this week features updates from a Minnesotan out West, updates on several Midwest races, and the Strava ride of the week.

Birkie Seeks Grant in Next Phase of Telemark

June 29, 2020

The town of Cable and the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation have teamed up to seek an Idle Site Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to assist in the costs for the removal of the shuttered Telemark Resort, leading hopefully to the foundation purchase of the Telemark property later this fall.

July Challenges

June 29, 2020

Birkie Challenge #3 - Speed and endurance are the theme for July, adding intervals to your July workouts.  Get a new interval challenge and training plan each Monday.
CXC Rollerski Challenge Leg 2 - CXC announces the raffle winners for leg 1 and encourages everyone to join in for leg 2 of the rollerski challenge series. 
Tri-Loppet/Du-Loppet - The Loppet Foundation will be running a virtual Tri-Loppet and Du-Loppet (2 legs) in mid-July.

Midwest MTB Report

June 24, 2020

This week's Midwest MTB Report by Jay Richards provides a firsthand tour of some incredible new trails in Minnesota, virtual race updates, a report from Badlands 100, tips on biking with family, and more.

Fischer Skiletics Cup

June 22, 2020

Fischer announces Skiletics Cup which pins the world's top alpine and Nordic athletes against each other in a series of exercises (like push ups, burpees, box jumps, dips, etc). Athletes on the Nordic side include: Sadie Bjornsen, Klaebo, Johannes Thingnes Bo, and Tiril Eckhof. Each day a new battle will be posted with the winner moving on to the next round until only two athletes are left in the finals.

Web Roundup

June 18, 2020

Third Wheeling - Alayna Sonnesyn updates on her training out East as she bunks up with her new mom and dad - Jessie Diggins and her fiance.
Audition - Channel your best Chad Salmela; FIS has a contest for cross-country race commentary.
SHT FKT - Hermantown's own Michael Koppy sent a new record for fastest known time (FKT) for a supported traverse of the Superior Hiking Trail (at age 69!)
Heated Workout - Outside Magazine looks that the different ways to gauge the impact that sunshine plays in exercise during warm weather.
Intermittent Fasting - Studies indicate specific types of intermittent fasting works for weight loss as well as some heart health benefits.
Holy Molecules! - A single workout session can alter nearly 10,000 molecules in the blood stream.
Enduring Heart - New studies examine the impacts of intense endurance exercise on the heart.
Late Diners - MinnPost looks as a recent study on dieting and late night dining.

Birkie Lumberjack Run Set for Aug 1st

June 17, 2020

While the Lumberjack World Championships were cancelled for this year, the Lumberjack 5K run event will be held on August 1st. The event has been moved to Fish Hatchery Park, and runners have the option to compete virtually.

USCSA Summer Conference Recap

June 16, 2020

Last weekend USCSA held their summer conference and midwest student representative Luke Dykowski and members of the publishing team at the USCSA put together a summary press release which includes info on the 2021 Nationals venue, covid plans, as well as race and racism in the sport.

Midwest MTB Report

June 16, 2020
by Jay Richards

Jay Richards' Midwest MTB report this week includes a recap from the Otter Creek MTB race, an update from pro cyclist and Minneapolis native Corey Coogan Cisek, a couple of cycling related items to note including some virtual events.

Vasaloppet Registration Now Open

June 15, 2020

Registration for the 2021 Vasaloppet events is now open. Help support this community and their snowmaking efforts by registering today!

North American Fluorocarbon Free Policy Working Group Formed

June 15, 2020

National Governing Bodies and National Sport Organizations (NGB/NSOs), and snow sport organizations from the United States and Canada today have announced the formation of a Fluorocarbon Free Policy Working Group. The group is tasked with setting policy to eliminate the use of fluorinated ski wax from all sanctioned levels of snow sports competition in North America beginning with the 2020-21 season.

Vakava Juniors Free Virtual Summer Training Program Starts June 15th

June 11, 2020

Vakava Juniors Summer Training program is going virtual for 2020, and it will be free of charge. Get weekly training plans, video analysis, online meetings, and more. (Adults are welcome as well!)

Midwest MTB Report

June 9, 2020

Another jam-packed mountain bike report this week from Jay Richards! Included in the write up: the new Redhead trail system on the Mesabi iron range, riders staying fit with "notta races" and building backyard tracks, a review of Fargo-Moorhead trail work, Strava ride(s) of the week, and much more.

Web Roundup

June 8, 2020

Nordic Kids Top 5 - CXC's Nordic Kids program scored 4th place worldwide in the 2020 FIS SnowKidz awards.
Tour de Franz - The famed Tour de France will go virtual this July with a six-stage event on Zwift (with plans for a real stage race in late August).
Trailhead Dining - The Mill City Market finally opens for window service and dining on the patio at the Trailhead building.
More Birkie Rewind - Matt Liebsch commentates for a second episode covering the 2020 American Birkebeiner.
700 Mile Wonder - Indian teen bikes 700 miles with injuried father, offered chance at national team.
TriLoppet Coming in July - The TriLoppet will change up their format for a multi-day, separate segment event in mid-July this year.
Birkie Challenge #2 - The Birkie has their second challenge event underway: see how much elevation you can log in June!

Head Coach Opportunity

June 7, 2020

Minneapolis Southwest is seeking candidates for Head Nordic ski coach for the upcoming season.