Highlights
Midwest MTB Report
April 13, 2021Jay Richards' Midwest MTB Report this week covers early season racing action down in Bentonville, AR, as well Puerto Rico, along with updates on the Minnesota and Wisconsin MTB series, and a couple of additional major events for the season.
CityTrail Loppet Registration Open
April 12, 2021The Loppet Foundation has their CityTrail Loppet event coming up in late May. This year they'll be offering both virtual and in-person events. The 5K and 10K races will be Saturday, May 22nd, with registration open now.
Midwest MTB Report
April 1, 2021Jay Richards returns for another season reporting on the Midwest mountain biking scene! In the opening report, Richards highlights two high school hockey stars and their MTB connections, the Borah Epic, Minnesotans out West, rising Arkansas, and the start of the Midwest race series.
Birkie Membership Drive and Early Registration Underway
March 31, 2021Support the American Birkebeiner and start your 2022 Birkie training by taking out a American Birkebeiner membership! As an added bonus, your membership gives you early access to race registration and a custom bib as well as the new open track event.
Biathlon: Stertz Takes Youth Sprint Title at National Championships
March 29, 2021Bill Meyer reports: Wrapping up US Biathlon National Championships on Sunday, Sam Stertz won the Youth Men’s sprint class, Kaisa Bosek was second in Youth Women and Luke Brown also took second in the Senior Men’s class. All did 5 km with 4 shooting stages and a shorter penalty loop with a wicked wind for shooting.
Biathlon: Bosek Wins Youth Women's Pursuit Title at National Championships
March 27, 2021Bill Meyer reports: Competing in the US Biathlon National Championships in West Yellowstone Saturday at an elevation over a mile above her hometown, Kaisa Bosek of Alexandria (MN Biathlon) won the Youth Women’s 7.5 km Pursuit format in pristine, but windy conditions. Cheresa Bouley of Zimmerman was third in the Junior Women’s 10 km, Sam Stertz of Grand Rapids finished fourth in the Youth Men’s 10 km event. Minnesota native Luke Brown finished second in the Men's division. Ten Midwest biathletes are competing in a field of over 140 athletes from Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, New York, Vermont and Maine.
World Cup Engadin: Freestyle Pursuit
March 14, 2021The World Cup season wrapped up on Sunday with freestyle pursuit marathon races using much of the famous Engadin trails in Switzerland. Jessie Diggins put on a solid fight for the podium, skiing with the lead pack of four, and finished fourth on the day. Rosie Brennan was 12th. Norway's Heidi Weng took the victory with a hard effort on the last (and only) major climb roughly 1K from the finish. On the men's side, Norway's Simen Krueger was the winner with Gus Schumacher capping a great first World Cup season as the top American in 20th. Afterwards, the crystal globes were awarded to Jessie Diggins, becoming the first American woman to win the overall World Cup as well as the distance titles. Brennan finished fourth in the World Cup overall and distance. Schumacher was second in the U23 World Cup overall.
World Cup Engadin: Classic
March 13, 2021The final weekend of World Cup racing begin Saturday in Engadin, Switzerland, with men's 15K and women's 10K mass start classic races. Jessie Diggins lead the way for the US women, finishing 5th and just 20 seconds off the winner, Yulia Stupak of Russia. Hailey Swirbul and Rosie Brennan both posted top 15 results finishing 12th and 14th. On the men's side it was a tougher story, with David Norris posting the top American place in 41st. Alexander Bolshunov, Russia, won the men's race after breaking away solo in the final kilometers. Sunday's final race will be a pursuit start freestyle marathon, 30K for the women starting at 1:15 CST, and 50K for the men beginning at 4:35 CDT (note the daylight savings time change!).
Great Bear Chase Results
March 13, 2021Over 500 skiers turned out Saturday for the Great Bear Chase races on the Swedetown trails in Calumet. In the premiere event, the 50K skiathlon, NMU's Maurus Grond took the victory by almost four minutes and Caitlin Gregg collected the women's title by nearly a 10 minute margin. Freestyle 50K titles went to Tres Green and Anna Engel while 50K classic victories were earned by Adam Witokwski and Pauline Forren. In the 25K races, freestyle winners were Zaine Braaten and Pearl Harvey, with Mike Fraley and Victoria Myers winning the classic events.
Endurance United Junior Spring and D-team Registration Open
March 10, 2021Endurance United has announced their spring juniors training options, as well as the year round D-team plan. Registration is now open.
World Championship Recap, World Cup Finale Preview
March 9, 2021Rex Wax rep Jeremy Hecker recaps some of the highlights from the World Championships, and previews the World Cup finale this weekend in Switzerland.
Borah Epic Hires Josh Kleve as New Race Director
March 7, 2021The Borah Epic is excited to welcome Josh Kleve as it’s new race director. Josh brings close to ten years of experience as the executive director of the Minnesota High School Cycling League, where he helps build strong bodies, minds and character through youth cycling. The Borah Epic is scheduled for June 5th.
World Championships: Men's 50K Classic
March 7, 2021The World Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany, wrapped up on Sunday with the premiere 50K marathon race, this year in classic format. As usual, the race started out at a casual pace for the first half, with the lead pack eventually whittling down to five skiers for the last kilometer. Unfortunately, the finish was marred by lane issues once again, and involving Russian Alexander Bolshunov again, but this time it was Norwegian superstar Johannes Klaebo that was disqualified for interfering with Bolshunov's finish, which caused Bolshunov to break his pole. Norwegian Emil Iversen was elevated to 50K champion, Bolshunov second, and Simen Krueger, Norway, bumped onto the medal stand in third. Scott Patterson skied to a fantastic result, finishing 10th.
World Championships: Women's 30K Classic
March 6, 2021The final event for the women at the World Championships was Sunday with the 30K classic. Norway's Therese Johaug strode away with the victory, leaving a pack of four skiers to battle out for the remaining medals. Heidi Weng, Norway, made the decisive move on the final climb, outsprinting Sweden's Frida Karlsson for second, Karlsson collecting third. Karlsson was then immediately taken to the hospital, following a hard crash in the race. Sadie Maubet Bjornsen was the top American, finishing 15th. The men will wrap things up on Sunday with the 50K classic, starting at 6 am CST.
World Championships: Men's 4x10K Relay
March 5, 2021The men had their relay shot on Friday, as the weather gods put some additional pain onto the Oberstdorf, Germany, trails with heavy snow falling throughout much of the race. Hans Holund broke apart the field on the third leg for Norway, providing a decent lead for Johannes Klaebo. However, Klaebo seemed content to "wait" for Russian star Alexander Bolshunov, as the two skied a comfortable pace until the final hill where Klaebo took off like a rocket, easily scoring the victory. France was elated to take a well earned third. The US men had one of their better results, finishing 8th. The women race 30K classic starting at 5:30 am CST on Saturday.
World Championships: Women's 4x5K Relay
March 4, 2021The weather woes continued on Thursday as the World Championships venue at Oberstdorf, Germany, dealt with warm conditions that made waxing very tricky. Team Sweden appeared to be the biggest loser on the kick waxing as the medal contending favorites lost nearly a minute and half off the lead pack by the end of the classic legs. Team USA struggled a bit on the first leg, but maintained contact with the group contending the final podium position, as the race eventually came down to sprint between Jessie Diggins and Krista Parmakoski. Parmakoski was able to secure the bronze medal for Finland by just 8/10s a second over the US. Norway easily won the relay with a dominating leg from veteran Therese Johaug, as Russia collected second. Men's relay is on for Friday morning, starting at 6:15 am CST.
World Championships: Men's 15K Freestyle
March 3, 2021The common theme of warm weather continued at the World Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany, Wednesday as the men raced for the 15K freestyle title. Norway successfully swept the podium with Hans Holund first, Simen Krueger second and Harald Amundsen third. Scott Patterson had the top US time, finishing 27th. Next event: Women's 4x5K relay on Thursday, starting at 6:15 am CST!
World Championships: Women's 10K Freestyle
March 2, 2021One of the marque races arrived on Tuesday with the women's 10K freestyle at the World Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany. As expected, the warm weather continued to play a role as a number of skiers opted for modified uniforms to keep cooler. The US squad had a strong performance with Jessie Diggins taking fourth, less than six seconds off the podium as Sadie Maubet Bjornsen was 11th, Rosie Brennan 17th and Sophie Laukli 23rd. Norway's Therese Johaug easily won the race with Swedish stars Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson cleaning up the medals. Next race will be the men's 15K freestyle, starting at 6:15 am CST.
World Championship: Team Sprints
February 28, 2021The World Championships contested team freestyle sprint events on Sunday with sloppy conditions once again. Sweden continued their dominance of the sprint with the pairing of Maja Dahlqvist and Jonna Sundling taking the women's title. Norway's duo of Erik Valnes and Johannes Klaebo needed an exceptional final leg by Klaebo to overtake a Russian lead and ski to victory with Finland nipping Russia at the line for second. Americans Rosie Brennan and Sadie Maubet Bjornsen combined for fifth place. The American men did not advance to the finals after missing an exchange in the semi-finals. The next event will be Tuesday, Mar 2nd, with the women's 10K freestyle starting at 6:15 am CST.
American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet Classic Results
February 28, 2021A winter wonderland descended on the Birkie trail Sunday with several inches of fresh snow falling for the final day of racing and the crowning of classic champions in the American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet. Ian Torchia pressed the pace early on, eventually shedding all competitors and skiing most of the second half of race by himself to take the men's title by over seven minutes! Johnny Hagenbuch finished second with Tyler Kornfield doubling poling his way to third. Rosie Frankowski and Alayna Sonnesyn also separated themselves from the elite women's field, with Frankowski eventually striding away from Sonnesyn to take the victory. Sonnesyn took second with Kate Feld rounding out the podium in third. Frankowski and Sonnesyn had impressive times, finishing 6th and 8th overall! Kortelopet elite titles went to Kevin Johnson and Kristina Vanwilgen-Hammitt. Results linked in, along with the livestream replay.
World Championships: Skiathlon
February 27, 2021Saturday featured grueling 15K and 30K skiathlon races in Obersdorf, Germany, as the weather continued to be warm. Norway's Therese Johaugg pulled away from the women's field to take the win with Sweden's pair of Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson sprinting it out for second and third place, respectively. Jessie Diggins was the top American for the women, finishing 15th. On the men's side, Russia's Alexander Bolshunov held off a pack of Norwegians for the victory, with Simen Krueger second, Hans Holund third. Scott Patterson and David Norris lead the way for the American men, both posting top 20 results (14th and 17th). The next races are Sunday with team sprint events, the finals starting at 6 am CST.
American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet Freestyle Coverage
February 27, 2021The elite in-person freestyle races that determined the official winner of the American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet were held Saturday morning in Cable. The men's race stayed fairly tight with Johnny Hagenbuch taking the victory followed by Sam Wood and Tyler Kornfield. The women's event came down to a two-way battle between Alayna Sonnesyn and Rosie Frankowski, with Sonnesyn pulling ahead for her second title. Caitlin Gregg, completing the all-Minnesota podium, finished in third. Kortelopet titles went to Kieran Mullen and Nina Chosy. Results linked in along with photos of the elite waves and livestream replays.
World Championships: Classic Sprints
February 25, 2021The World Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany, got underway Thursday with classic sprints. Unfortunately, warm weather has been playing havoc with conditions and the races were even moved to an earlier schedule in an attempt to provide a better course. Jessie Diggins, Sophie Caldwell Hamilton, Ben Ogden, and JC Schoonmaker all qualified for the sprint heats, but none advanced. Sweden's Jonna Sundling took the women's title in a bit of a surprise, with Johannes Klaebo (no surprise) taking the men's victory for Norway. Next races are skiathlon events on Saturday: 15K for the women at 4:45 am CST and 30K for the men at 6:30 am CST.
US Ski Team: Talent-Stacked Team Kicks Off World Champs Thursday In Oberstdorf
February 24, 2021The Davis U.S. Cross Country Ski Team heads into Thursday’s kickoff of the 2021 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships with a talent-stacked team that has experienced one of its best seasons ever with 15 World Cup podiums, numerous breakout performances, and a current World Cup leader in Jessie Diggins. With warmer than average temperatures, schedules are being revised. The opening classic sprint Thursday now has the heats starting at 4:30 am CST.
Vasaloppet Classic Results
February 21, 2021The Vasaloppet wrapped up their weekend of racing with classic format races on Sunday. Andrew Tilman collected the 41K crown, besting Ryan Sederquist by less a second, with Karl Holub third. Josie Nelson notched yet another classic title with Molly Watkins second, Elspeth Ronnander third. Early results indicate Zaine Braaten and Bonnie Weiskopf scooped up the 21K victories.
US Ski Team: Seventeen Athletes Named to World Championships Team
February 21, 2021The FIS Nordic World Championships are Feb 24 thru Mar 7 in Oberstdorf, Germany. Representing the Midwest is Jessie Diggins who leads the World Cup and is joined by Kevin Bolger. The first races are classic sprints on Thursday, Feb 25th with heats getting underway at 8:15 am CST. Livestreaming will be on NBC's Peacock Premium.
Vasaloppet Freestyle Results
February 20, 2021In-person racing fired up for the Vasaloppet on Saturday with the first event on tap: 47K freestyle race. Matt Liebsch somehow found a way to nip Ian Torchia at the line to collect his 12th title, with Brian Gregg finishing third. Alayna Sonnesyn was the women's champion, and eighth overall, with Abby Drach second and Claire Trujillo third. In the afternoon 32K race, Dennis Curran and Nicole Schneider collected the victories. Sunday will feature the classic races.
World Cup Final Weekend Rescheduled
February 20, 2021After cancelling the final World Cup racing weekend in Oslo, Norway, FIS has rescheduled the event for Engadin, Switzerland on March 13-14th. The final events will be a mass start 10K/15K classic followed the next day with a pursuit start 30K/50K freestyle race, using much of the famed Engadin skimarathon course.
Virtual Birkie Partner Courses
February 16, 2021A number of locations across the United States are offering courses to complete your virtual Birkie this year, including locations like Snow Mountain Ranch, Bearskin and Golden Eagle Lodges, ABR, Vasaloppet, and many more.
Junior World/U23 Championships: Relay Day and Classic Distance Recap
February 14, 2021The Junior/U23 World Championships wrapped up this weekend with relay races and classic distance events. Michaela Keller-Miller brings us a full recap on the races, including a fifth place finish in the U23 mixed relay.
World Cup Remaining Races Cancelled
February 13, 2021The remaining World Cup races on the calendar, Feb 20-21 Nove Mesto (CZE), Mar 12-14 Oslo (NOR), and Mar 19-21 Beijing (CHN), have now been cancelled due to pandemic restrictions. On paper, this would appear to give Jessie Diggins the World Cup title with Rosie Brennan third. Gus Schumacher would also finish third in the U23 World Cup competition. However, official announcement is still pending and some races could be added.
Junior World/U23 Championships: Skate Distance Recap
February 12, 2021Freestyle racing on Friday for the Junior/U23 World Championships, as the US scored a number of top 20 finishes, including fifth places by Zanden McMullen and Sophia Laukli. Canadian Olivier Leveille earned a bronze medal as well. Michaela Keller-Miller brings us the complete recap.
Biathlon: Jake Brown Sprints to 12th at World Championships
February 12, 2021Minnesota's Jake Brown had an epic day Friday at the Biathlon World Championships, using some clean shooting to ski to a career best 12th and just over 30 seconds off the podium in the 10K event! Midwest natives Leif Nordren and Paul Schommer finished 46th and 72nd respectively.
Junior World/U23 Championships: Classic Sprint Recap, Preview of Upcoming Week
February 11, 2021The Junior World/U23 Championships are underway in a scenic but very chilly Vuokatti, Finland, this week. Michaela Keller-Miller brings us up-to-date with the classic sprint events and a look at the remaining competitions.
World Cup Update: Ulricehamn Recap
February 9, 2021Jeremy Hecker of Rex Wax brings us the recap on last weekend's sprint races in Ulricehamn, Sweden, plus a brief look at the last World Cup races before the World Championships.
Jessie Diggins Honored on Billboard
February 8, 2021Jessie Diggins recent performance at the Tour de Ski is shared with all of Minnesota as a billboard went up recently, honoring her victory! The billboard was made possibly by Swix.
Great Bear Chase: Winter has Arrived
February 8, 2021The Great Bear Chase in Calumet, MI, is happy to report great conditions on the Swedetown trails as the big event is less than a month away! Catch up on their latest updates, including the virtual option. And act quickly, some races are near capacity!
World Cup Ulricehamn: Team Sprints
February 7, 2021Exciting two-person freestyle team sprints were contested on Sunday in Ulricehamn, Sweden, for the World Cup. The duo of Sadie Mauret Bjornsen and Jessie Diggins skied at the front of the field throughout, just missing the podium in a tough final sprint as Diggins came in fourth. The men's tandem of Simi Hamilton and Kevin Bolger were also competitive right up until the final few hundred meters, finishing sixth. Favorite Sweden was rocked as the Slovenia women and Italian men claimed victory.
Striding Towards a Dream
February 6, 2021Errol Chen, a Taiwanese native living in the Madison area, has a dream of competing in the Winter Olympics. An elite level marathoner, Chen has taken up Nordic skiing and competed last weekend in the Seeley Hills Classic. Mark Parman brings us Chen's story.
World Cup Ulricehamn: Freestyle Sprints
February 6, 2021A crisp day of racing in Ulricehamn, Sweden, for World Cup freestyle sprints on Saturday. Jessie Diggins put herself on the podium with a gritty third place finish, boosting her overall World Cup lead. Sweden went 1-2 in the women's final with Maja Dahlqvist first, Johanna Hagstroem second. Favorite Linn Svahn crashed out during her quarterfinal. The men's sprint final saw local favorite Oskar Svensson take the victory with Russian Gleb Retivykh second and Italy's Federico Pellegrino third. Kevin Bolger was the top American, finishing 24th. Sunday brings the team sprint races, starting at 5:45 am CST.
US Elite Racing: Late January Update
February 2, 2021Much like the collegiate scene, the elite racing scene across the US continues to find ways to put on safe competitions during the pandemic. Michaela Keller-Miller has an update on the last couple of weeks of racing across the US, as a number of Midwest natives have been skiing to some great results.
City of Lakes Loppet Weekend Ski Races Cancelled
February 2, 2021For the safety and well-being of both participants and volunteers, the City of Lakes Loppet organizers have decided today to cancel the Skate/Classic Ski Loppet and Skate/Classic Ski Puoli Loppet in-person events on both Saturday and Sunday, February 6 and 7.
World Cup Update: Falun
February 2, 2021An action packed three day weekend of World Cup racing in Falun, Sweden, with some fantastic results from the US squad! Rex Wax's Jeremy Hecker brings us the weekend recap as well as a look ahead to another racing weekend in Sweden.
Biathlon: World Championship Teams Announced
February 1, 2021The 2021 World Championships biathlon team has been announced and includes a number of athletes from the Midwest: Leif Nordgren, Jake Brown, Paul Schommer, and Deedra Irwin. The Biathlon World Championships begin Feb 10th in Pokljuka, Slovenia.
World Cup Falun: Classic Sprints
January 31, 2021Wrapping up a long weekend of racing, classic sprint races were contested on Sunday in Falun, Sweden for the World Cup. Jessie Diggins again led the way for the US squad, using a spectacular finishing stretch to advance to the semi-finals where she finished 8th on the day. JC Schoonmaker had the top result for the US men, qualifying 11th and finishing 18th. The women's sprint final saw Sweden's Linn Svahn take another victory with Slovenia's Anamarija Lampic outstretching Sweden's Jonna Sundling for second. Norway's Johannes Klaebo appeared to be back on form, taking the men's win after teammate Eric Valnes crashed in the finishing curve, with Sweden's Oskar Svensson collecting third, Norway's Haavard Taugboel third. Next weekend will feature team and individual sprints in Ulricehamn, Sweden.
City of Lakes Loppet Fat Bike Races Coverage
January 31, 2021The City of Lakes Loppet held their first weekend of events, Jan 30-31, pulling off a wide range of activities from kids races to the Luminary Loppet to skijoring. We caught the fat bike races on Sunday morning. In the 29 Fat Tire Loppet, Steve Marshall edged out Joel LaFrance by just eight seconds for the victory, with Christopher Stevens taking third. Sonia Pond won the women's division (and was 12th overall), with Leah Miller second, Jill Beskar third. Champions of the 16K Puoli Fat Tire Loppet were Bob Thompson and Elizabeth Yray.
Seeley Hills Classic Coverage
January 30, 2021Racing out of the Hwy OO trailhead on the Birkie trail, the Seeley Hill Classic returned to their roots on Saturday. In the 42K race, fresh snow broke out during the event which featured Brian Gregg breaking away for the victory, Matt Liebsch second with Isaac Wieber third. Caitlin Gregg sealed the family sweep, taking the women's title (and 11th overall) with Marit Sonnesyn just a few minutes back in second and Bonnie Weiskopf taking third. Titles in the 22K went to Nick Ross and Della Bettendorf. Results linked in, along with 42K photos by Jackie Schneider.
World Cup Falun: Classic
January 30, 2021Another exciting day of racing on the World Cup in Falun, Sweden, Saturday featuring mass start classic races. Jessie Diggins pushed herself to remain in contact with the lead group for most of the race, eventually finishing seventh. The women's race came down to an exciting finish with Therese Johaug trying to fend off a pack of wolves: Sweden's Linn Svahn showing cagey tactics in positioning herself well and then using her sprinting prowess to take the victory, Russian Yulia Stupak doubling poling past Johaug for second, with Johaug just edging out Germany's Katherine Henning for third. On the men's side, Russia's Alexander Bolshunov took on half the Norwegian team to win a sprint finish over Johannes Klaebo and Paal Goldberg. Gus Schumacher led for the US men again, taking 28th even after falling early in the race. Sunday wraps up the long weekend with classic sprint events, heats starting at 6:30 am CST.
World Cup Update: Lahti
January 26, 2021Another exciting weekend of racing as the World Cup picked up again in Lahti, Finland. Rex Wax's Jeremy Hecker shares his take on last weekend's action, plus a look ahead to a busy racing weekend in Falun, Sweden.
World Cup Lahti: Relay
January 24, 2021A foggy Sunday in Lahti, Finland, for the team relay races in the World Cup. Norway dominated the event with both the women's and men's teams easily taking the victories. The big story on the day was an altercation between Russia's Alexander Bolshunov and Finland's Joni Maiki in the final stretch as Maiki outfoxed Bolshunov, blocking him out of his lane preference and allowing Finland to take second. Because of Bolshunov's aggressive reaction, he was DQ'd, with the second Russian team moving up to take third. The Swedish women placed second, Finland third. The US squad was fifth in the women's event, seventh in the men's.
Skinny Santa Solstice Coverage
January 23, 2021A fun, fast day of racing Saturday at Woodland trails in Elk River for the Skinny Santa Solstice events. Brian Gregg and Matt Liebsch broke away by the second lap in the 20K race and then dueled to the finish with Liebsch gaining victory by three seconds. Joel LaFrance topped the remaining field for third. Caitlin Gregg was the women's 20K champion with Bonnie Weiskopf second, Jennie Bentrup third. Victories in the 10K race went to Ryan Davis and Renae Anderson. Results posted along with photosets.
Pepsi Challenge Cancelled
January 22, 2021Due to continuing concerns over the pandemic, the Pepsi Challenge directors have decided to cancel the 2021 event and begin plans for returning in March 2022.
Pre-Loppet Coverage
January 17, 2021Hosting their first ski race of the season, the Loppet Foundation pulled off a beautiful Pre-Loppet event on Sunday using a mix of natural and snowmaking trails at Theodore Wirth. Matt Liebsch topped the men's field with Joel LaFrance second, Nathan Porath third. Kim Rudd posted the top women's time with Lisa Garretson second, Jan Guenther third. Results linked in, along with photos from the 15K race.
World Junior, U23 Championships Squads Announced
January 15, 2021U.S. Ski & Snowboard has named deep and experienced teams to represent the United States at the 2021 U23 and Junior FIS Cross Country World Championships Feb 8-14 in Vuokatti, Finland. The lone representative from the Midwest is Renae Anderson, Loppet Nordic Racing.
Vasaloppet Online Auction Begins
January 14, 2021Vasaloppet USA begins their annual fundraising drive with an online auction starting this Saturday, Jan 16th and running through Jan 23rd. Check out the wide variety of items, and if you're in the area you could stop in at the Nordic Center Friday night for a raffle and auction preview or join them on Facebook Live.
Tour de Ski: Stage 8
January 10, 2021The Tour de Ski series wrapped up on Sunday with their epic hill climb event, this year in mass start format. Sweden put down a challenge in the women's race with Ebba Andersson heading to the front early, but Jessie Diggins never relented, keeping Andersson close as the pair finished 1-2, Diggins collecting her first overall Tour de Ski title! Russian Yulia Stupak was second in the overall, with Andersson moving up to take third. Rosie Brennan completed the series in sixth place as Hailey Swirbul scored a top 20. On the men's side, Russian Denis Spitsov won the hill climb with teammate Alexander Bolshunov taking the series victory, France's Maurice Manificat second, and Spitsov moving up to third. Gus Schumacher had another strong day for the American men, taking 19th on the stage and finishing 18th overall. With the Tour de Ski completed, Diggins takes over the World Cup lead with Brennan in third.
Tour de Ski: Stage 7
January 9, 2021Classic sprints were the format for the penultimate event of the Tour de Ski series on Saturday in Val di Fiemme, Italy. While no American made the sprint finals, Jessie Diggins did make it into the semi-finals and retains her Tour de Ski leading by 54 seconds. Sweden had a strong showing in the sprints with Linn Svahn leading a podium sweep for the women and Oskar Svensson topping the Russians in the mens final. Sunday's hill climb finale should provide some great battles, especially for women's third place where five athletes start within 30 seconds. Gus Schumacher sits in 18th place overall (and potential top 15), poised for the best American finish ever. The women's event gets underway at 5:45 am CST, the men at 8:35 am CST.
Bearskin Race Series January Update
January 8, 2021Bearskin's Virtual Race Series continues, with Quinn McCloughan providing an update on the leaderboard and announcing the new Strava race segments for January!
Tour de Ski: Stage 6
January 8, 2021It was another ground-breaking day at the Tour de Ski for the US squad, this time in a sign for the future. American Gus Schumacher continued his progress up the World Cup results, on Friday skiing to 8th place in the men's 15K mass start classic race and less than 10 seconds off the podium! A truly spectacular result for this 20 year old star. In the women's 10K, Jessie Diggins battled near the front all day before dropping back on the final lap, holding tight to finish 9th and retain the overall Tour de Ski lead. Rosie Brennan had a rougher go of it, getting tripped up early and then fighting to regain the lead group, she ended up 31st on the day. Saturday will be classic sprints, the heats starting at 6:05 am CST.
Virtual Lotvola Cup
January 6, 2021Maplelag's Lotvola Cup is back! Come up and ski the Lotvola Cup course anytime between now and the end of the season and be eligible for prize drawings.
US Elite Racing: Early January Recap
January 4, 2021Some actual head-to-head racing finally got underway last weekend across the US! Michaela Keller-Miller highlights top performances by Midwest skiers in events held on the MTU trails in Michigan and Soldier Hollow in Utah.
Tour de Ski: Stage 3
January 3, 2021In an incredible showcase of US women's firepower, Jessie Diggins and Rosie Brennan dominated the Tour de Ski stage 3, finishing first and second in the 10K pursuit on Sunday in Val Müstair, Switzerland! Diggins now leads the Tour de Ski with Brennan in second, and Brennan continues to lead the World Cup standings. Hailey Swirbul also had a very strong day, finishing 13th. Gus Schumacher skied to 32nd place for the top American men's result. Skiers have a travel day on Monday before racing resumes Tuesday in Toblach, Italy with 10K and 15K freestyle races for stage 4.
Tour de Ski: Stage 2
January 2, 2021Another fantastic day at the Tour de Ski for the US women as Jessie Diggins took third in the women's 10K classic mass start racing, with Rosie Brennan sixth. Diggins skied aggressively, pushing the pace hard on the third lap and was in contention right up to the end, only bested in the double pole sprint by Swede sprinter Linn Swann and Russian Yulia Stupak. The men's 15K race looked to be an all Russian affair until two teammates tangled up on the final downhill. Alexander Bolshunov easily took the victory, with veteran Dario Colnago, Switzerland, second and Ivan Yakimushkin of Russia third. Gus Schumacher was the top American, notching 36th. Sunday's stage 3 will feature a freestyle pursuit format with men's 15K livestreaming at 4:35 am CST, and women's 10K at 8:25 am CST, on Peacock Premium.
Tour de Ski: Stage 1
January 1, 2021The mighty Tour de Ski stage race kicked off Friday in Val Müstair, Switzerland, with freestyle sprint races. The US squad got off to a great start as Jessie Diggins skied strongly all day, moving up to take second place after Anamarija Lampic was relegated for obstruction in the final. World Cup leader Rosie Brennan was in the mix all the way as well, taking fourth. Simi Hamilton led for the US men finishing 13th with Kevin Bolger 30th. Linn Svann, Sweden, and Federico Pellegrino, Italy, were the victors. Racing continues on Saturday with women's 10K classic mass start at 5:30 am CST and men's 15K at 7:45 am CST.
Giants Ridge Hosts World Cup
December 31, 2020Take a look back in history to the year 1985 when the World Cup came to Minnesota as writer Cole Johnson explores this event with images from Angela Nistler.
Midwest Citizen Basic Wax Protocol Proposal
December 25, 2020Master blaster skier Andy Brown has developed a proposal to reduce the effort and health impacts of waxing, as well as aiming to provide a more level playing field.
US Elite Racing: Mid-December Update
December 21, 2020Michaela Keller-Miller brings us up-to-date with the elite "racing" action from across the US as clubs and teams find inventive ways to get in race quality events during the ongoing pandemic.
World Cup Update: Dresden Recap
December 21, 2020Jeremy Hecker discusses the Dresden sprint races from last weekend's World Cup start, and looks ahead to the Tour de Ski coming at the start of 2021.