Published: Fri Sep 12, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Updated: Fri Sep 12, 2008 7:13 AM MDT

US Ski Team Seeks Two J1 Scandinavian Trip Coaches

The US Ski Team is listing two coaching position to assist Head J1 Trip Coach Justin Beckwith (GMVS) for the J1 Scandinavian Championships beginning at the end of January in 2009. The positions are fully funded. Coaches looking to apply for these positions should have experience working with athletes aged 14-17, a strong background in waxing and testing skis, and the leadership experience to help manage twelve athletes in Norway for two weeks. That said, we are looking to develop coaches and welcome all applications from coaches wishing to gain new experience and willing to share their own.

Please send a resume and brief cover letter to mwhitcomb@ussa.org by October 1st. The staff will be selected by October 5th.

Selection criteria for athletes are posted at www.ussa.org - go to Sports, Cross Country, then Advancement, or click here.

Trip Details

Location: Folldal, Norway
Rough Trip Dates: Jan 22 Feb 2
Race Dates: Jan 30 - Feb 1
Coaching Staff:

Head Coach (Fully Funded): Justin Beckwith (GMVS)
Coach (Fully Funded): TBA
Coach (Fully Funded): TBA

Further Details will be made available following a meeting in Norway on September 10th. Read the rest of this entry »

Published: Fri Sep 12, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Updated: Fri Sep 12, 2008 7:16 AM MDT

The Continental Cup Team is listing three coaching position for the 2009 World Juniors and U23 World Championships. Two of the positions are fully funded, and one position will require the coaches club to cover the airfare. Coaches looking to apply for these positions should have experience working with athletes aged 16-22, a strong background in waxing and testing skis, and be willing to work hard for two weeks and seven races. That said, we are looking to develop coaches and welcome all applications from coaches wishing to gain new experience and willing to share their own.

Please send a resume and brief cover letter to mwhitcomb@ussa.org by October 1st. The staff will be selected by October 5th.

Selection criteria for athletes are posted at www.ussa.org - go to Sports, Cross Country, then Advancement, or click here.

Trip Details

Location: Praz De Lys, France
Rough Trip Dates: Jan 20st-Feb 7th, 2009

Coaching Staff:
Head World Junior Coach: Matt Whitcomb (USST)
Head U23 Coach: Pat Casey (USST)
Head Serviceman: Randy Gibbs (USST)
Assistance Serviceman: Chris Mallory (SVSEF)
Coach(Fully Funded): TBA
Coach(Fully Funded): TBA
Coach(Ground Cost Funded): TBA
Physical Therapist: TBA (USST)

Race Schedule
Jan 29 U23 10/15K Freestyle
Jan 31 U23 Pursuit 7.5/7.5 Ladies, 15/15 Men
Feb 1 U23 AND Junior Classic Sprint
Feb 3 Junior Pursuit 5/5 and 10/10
Feb 5 Junior 5/10K Freestyle
Feb 6 Junior Relay

Event Website
www.prazdelys2009.org Read the rest of this entry »

Published: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

The Bogus Basin Nordic Team (BBNT) is looking for a multi-talented assistant coach to join its staff as the Comp Devo Coach. Boise, Idahos Bogus Basin Nordic Team began in 1987 and now is a year-round, competitive junior cross-country ski program focused on helping its members achieve their athletic goals. The Team serves skiers ages 9-19, currently has 32 members and 4 coaches. Visit us at:

The Assistant Coach duties include but are not limited to:
Implementing training plan for dry-land and on-snow training for the Comp Devo Team from September to mid March.
Assist in management of the race and camp trips, either as an assistant on trips or as acting Head Coach remaining in Boise.
Support at other team functions as necessary.
In charge of trip reservations/accommodations at Western State Championships, date and location TBA.
Assist in training of volunteer coaches.
Community outreach efforts.
Keep records of: daily attendance, what was done during practice, and any injuries that occurred, to be given to Program Director weekly.
Conduct a mid season and year-end review of all Comp-Devo skiers, pertaining to technique, both classic and freestyle, fitness, attitude, and the athletes personal goals.
Handle communication with Comp-Devo families at the direction of the Program Director/Head Coach concerning: Races/Trips/Activities/Camps, when/where, cost and transport details; changes in schedule.
Will be involved in the implementation of other duties that advance BBNT towards its mission of being a professional ski club.

Must be flexible and able to work at various times 5 days/week (6-7days week during high race season). Successful candidate must have valid Drivers License and good driving record; experience with 15 passenger vans a plus. Coach must understand and sign the Coaches Code of Conduct.

Position begins Sept. 4 and ends on March 14. Employment may begin as soon as candidate is available, but no later than September 25. Salary: is competitive - DOE in nordic sport and education.

To apply: e-mail letter of application & rsum with at 2 professional references by August 30, 2008. Please also request the Complete Job Description with Key Dates.
Attn: BBNT Program Director/Head Coach, Scott Johnstone freeheel_scott@hotmail.com
208-409-0181

Boise, Idaho is a great place to live and work! Bogus Basin Nordic Team has excellent dryland practice venues, including 32 miles of paved greenbelt for roller skiing and other sites. A foothills trail network behind Camels Back Park in Boises idyllic North End provides an optimal dryland meeting site and is close to team members, ski area road, shopping and Boises lively downtown. Transit time to Bogus Basin is 40 minutes over a paved 16-mile road. Bogus Basin Nordic Center has a 6,000 square foot modern lodge with secure Team Room, 37 kilometers of varied ski trails, including 6.2 km lighted by solar power. Explore the benefits of living here at wikipedia.org and www.boise.org. Read the rest of this entry »

Published: Tue Jul 29, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Updated: Tue Jul 29, 2008 5:18 AM MDT

Lake Placid, NY - The New York Ski Educational Foundation XC Program hosted 17 athletes from around the state at the Olympic Training Center July 8-13 in Lake Placid. The week was to be a high volume week and a chance to continue working on technique.

Athletes had three focuses for the week:
1. preparation (for training and the upcoming winter)
2. focus while training
3. technique (improve efficiency)

All three of these areas were linked together through thinking while training — think about what you are doing and how you are using your muscles while skiing.
The first evening athletes were checked off for their first day of training on the “Are you ready?” board. Many of the kids had 1s, 2s, or 3s for day one, rather than the ideal 8 points per day. The board showed each athlete listed for each day of training and had areas such as on time for training, water bottle with a carrier, watch, snack, dry shirt and shoes, correct gear, recovery in between sessions and a coaches' surprise for the day. Each day was scored and totaled up for the week. By the end of week, all athletes were getting the max daily score on the board. Charlie Bencze (J2) was the grand champion and won a NYSEF hooded sweatshirt.

The week of training looked like this:
Tuesday PM - trail run, mobility and core circuits at Mt. Van Hoevenberg (1.5 hour)
Wednesday AM - classic easy distance with technique stations (2 hours)
Wednesday PM - skate easy distance with technique and video (2 hours)
Thursday AM - 20 mile double pole with 20 x 30 sec repeats (2 hours)
Thursday PM - soccer, agility and core (1 hour)
Friday - High Peaks hike including five 46er peaks of Lower Wolfjaw, Upper Wolfjaw, Armstrong, Gothics and Sawteeth (5 hours for the boys, 6 hours for the girls - the boys went the opposite direction of the girls and bet them back by 1 hour!)
Saturday AM - 17 mile distance ski, skate followed by classic (2 hours)
Saturday PM - off from training, trip to the summer ski jump competition and town
Sunday AM - skate time trial (1.25 hours)
Total for the week: 16.75 hours for the boys, 17.75 hours for the girls

Athletes finished up a great week of training with the famous Franklin Falls skate rollerski time trial — 7 km for the ladies and 9km for the men. It's a real tough course with the last half of the course climbing steep uphill. Everyone pushed through and finished the week off strong.

Special thanks to James Upham (USBA Development Coach), Zach Hall (USBA B Team), Sara Studebaker (USBA B Team) and Eric Carter (UVM Student-Athlete Intern) for providing group meetings on technique, nutrition and principles and adaptations of xc ski training.

Athletes attending: Dan Stevens (Scotia), Willie Bencze (Tupper Lake), Charlie Bencze (Tupper Lake), Wayne Clark (New Paltz), Judd Collier (Plattsburgh), Will Frielinghaus (Queensbury), Alex Goff (Lake Placid), Sam Phanuef (Old Forge), Sam Cowan (Lake Placid), Colin Delaney (Lake Placid), Alex Madden (Lake Placid), Elizabeth Izzo (Lake Placid), Carly Wynn (Queensbury), Amanda Moreland (Bloomfield), Kati Christoffel (Clifton Park), Mairead Fogarty (New Paltz), Heather Mooney (Keene Valley/Saxtons River, VT).

Coaches: Margaret Maher (NYSEF), Jason Hettenbaugh (Rochester Nordic Racing), Eric Carter (UVM Student-Athlete Intern)

Franklin Falls Skate Time Trial
Women 7 km Date Skis Time
Carly Wynn 7/13/08 Elpex 30:11:00
Amanda Moreland 7/13/08 Marwe 30:39:00
Elizabeth Izzo 7/13/08 Marwe 32:06:00
Audrey Mangan 7/13/08 35:10:00

Men 9 km Date Skis Time
Sylvan Ellefson 7/13/08 Marwe 29:19:00
Matt Delaney 7/13/08 V2 105S? 29:58:00
Eric Carter 7/13/08 Marwe 31:41:00
Paul Smith 7/13/08 Marwe 32:46:00
Harry Poole 7/13/08 Marwe 33:00:00
Colin Delaney 7/13/08 Marwe (pursuit wheels) 34:56:00
Alex Madden 7/13/08 Marwe 35:33:00
Charlie Bencze 7/13/08 Marwe 36:24:00
Dan Stevens 7/13/08 Marwe 37:11:00
Sam Cowan 7/13/08 Marwe 37:16:00
Willie Bencze 7/13/08 Marwe 39:54:00
Alex Goff 7/13/08 Marwe 41:30:00
Cooper Dodds 7/13/08 V2 850 41:35:00
Judd Collier 7/13/08 V2 940C 46:03:00

Published: Thu Jun 05, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

This is only a partial list of camps around the country. If you have a camp to add, please email us at info@fasterskier.com and post it on the FasterSkier Calendar.

Maine Winter Sports Center Training for Success Summer Camp

Come join the coach of Maines newest college ski program, Petr Jakl, University of Maine Presque Isle head coach, to get a jump-start on your ski season with other high school skiers from around the state.

Place: Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, ME

Date: Aug 1 3, 2008

Coaching: Petr Jakl, Head Nordic coach at University of Maine Presque Isle and MWSC Staff

Assistant Coaches: University of Maine Presque Isle Student/Athletes from the Coaching Degree Program and Maine Winter Sports Center athletes.

Who is the Camp for: Intermediate and advanced cross-country skiers between the ages 14-18.

Cost: $100 includes T-shirt, training camp and lunches. (Arrangements can be made for overnight accommodations if that is of interest. Rollerskis can also be rented for $8/day.)

Program: For young cross-country skiers who are interested in learning specific dry-land training techniques as essential preparation for a successful competition season. The dry-land activities will include running, roller skiing, strength, plyometrics, games and stretching.

Contact: For more information contact Petr Jakl at (207)768-9689 (Work), (207)764-4882 (Home) or by e-mail:petr.jakl@maine.edu

Deadline: Please return registration information (see the registration form) and the $50.00 deposit by July 5, 2008 to: Sheri Sirios, 552 Main Street, Caribou, ME 04736.

CXC Summer Training Camps

In the last several years CXC has established outstanding opportunities for skiers at all levels to participate in training camps, from introduction to high performance training. These camps are instrumental for athletic development. They provide exceptional opportunities for not only working with top level regional and national coaches but also to live, train and learn with some of the top athletes in the country. We welcome athletes and coaches to participate in our camps and look forward to providing CXC expertise and experience, commented Yuriy Gusev, CXC Executive and Athletic Director.

CXC Birkie Camp, Telemark Resort, Cable, WI
July 28 31, 2008

This is an open camp for all level athletes, from novice to advanced. The camp goal is introduction to structured training and technique improvement. All sessions are organized in small groups of similar levels. Staffing by a variety of top regional coaches provide athletes a wide range of experiences. The CXC Birkie Camp is very popular among middle school and high school athletes and brings a large group of participants together every year. This camp offers opportunities for Master Skiers and Coaches Education as well.

CXC Regional Elite Camp, Cresthill Resort, Hayward, WI
June 28 July 3, 2008

This is the top level regional camp for athletes who are training seriously and are prepared to elevate their athletic endeavors. This camp targets qualified Regional Elite Group and State Development Group and offers a few slots for petitioned athletes. US National Team coaches attend this camp to coach and observe regional talent. Coachs education is a critical aspect of this camp as well.

CXC High Performance Camp, US Olympic Training Center, Lake Placid, NY
September 26 October 5, 2008

This is the best opportunity for the athletes to experience how professional athletes live and train along with members of the US National Team and top athletes from around the country. Participants of this camp are selected from participants of the CXC Regional Elite Camp attendees by US National Team coaches based on commitments to professionalism and athletic excellence.

New England Summer Training Camps
For more information and to view a schedule of Invite Only camps held by NENSA, visit http://www.nensa.net

June 25-28, 2008, 2nd Annual GMVS Nordic Camps Green Mountain Valley School, Waitsfield, VT

Event Info: The staff of the Green Mountain Valley School will be offering two dry land camps between June 25th and July 3rd for XC skiers. Each session will last four days and three nights. Room and board will be provided on the GMVS Campus. The camps are designed to bring junior skiers together to train and have fun. Athletes will focus on conditioning, training education and refining their technique. Each camp will end with a roller ski challenge / time trial. Session 1: June 25-28 Designed for 12 to 16 year old skiers. Session 2: June 30-July 3 Designed for 14 to 18 year old skiers. Training will occur throughout the Mad River Valley. Skiers should be prepared for running, ski bounding/walking, roller skiing and strength training. Campers will also have the opportunity to play soccer and swim in the afternoons. Camps will also include slide shows from the past season and motivational presentations by accomplished athletes.

Registration: The cost of each four-day session is $275. Room and board will be provided at GMVS. Camps will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. 20 maximum. To reserve a spot, return this form with payment to: Justin Beckwith, 271 Moulton Road, Waitsfield, VT 05673 Please contact Justin Beckwith at beck@gmvs.org with any questions.

Contact:Justin Beckwith at beck@gmvs.org

July 7-11, 2008, Gunstock Nordic Dry land Camp Gunstock Nordic Center, Gilford, NH

Event Info: Geared towards ages 13-16. Training includes 9 practices with roller skiing, running,ski walking, swimming and games.

Link to flyer: http://gunstocknordic.com/gunstock_nordic_association.files/Ganstock%20camp08.pdf

Registration: Mail Deposit of $100 to: Gunstock Nordic, PO Box 7493, Gilford, NH 03247

Contact:Nina or Igor, 603-293-0379

Website:gunstocknordic@msn.com

July, 16-20, 2008, JLS Sports 7th annual Trip to Trout Lake, Trout Lake, WA

Event Info: This trip will encompass time in Bend, Oregon prior to departing for the Trout Lake Camp. Our group will fly into Portland Oregon and make our way to Bend where we will spend a few days with a host family. Camp participants will have an opportunity to train with MBSEF/PNSA skiers as well as take in the local sights such as Mt Hood's spectacular beauty, Smith Rock climbing area (and its renowned hiking trails) and the Deschutes River and its activities. On Wed July 16th our caravan of MBSEF, Methow Valley, JLS Sports and other western athletes will make its way to Trout Lake Washington for the start of camp. First session begins that afternoon. At last years camp, the presence of two former Olympians, seven junior national champions, and three world junior team members brought a level of accomplishment to the group that is certainly unique. What can campers expect? Rustic lodging or camping, the best swimming hole around, a myriad of paved logging roads for roller skiing that wind up the mountain, and the opportunity to learn from your peers and a great coaching staff. Second year J1's and OJ's will be allowed to scale Mt. Adams with a qualified group leader ( pending conditions). The training at this camp will be challenging. If you are a first year J1 or older with a goal of competing in Eastern Cups, JOQ's and Junior Nationals, time spent on roller skis prior to camp is required. There will also be appropriate groups for those new to Nordic skiing and roller skiing. Link to last years camp summary and pictures: http://www.fasterskier.com/training4412.html Contact Janice Sibilia at jansibilia@aol.com to register or for more info.

Registration: Deadline for sign up: June 8th. Limited Spots available for this trip!

Trip Dates: Depart the East on July 13th, return on July 20th. Cost: $1300.00. Cost is based on 5 skiers and includes ground transportation while west, meals prior to and during camp, gas, camp and coaching fees, and airfare, based on current rates. Contact Janice Sibilia at jansibilia@aol.com to register or for more information.

Contact:Janice Sibilia, Jansibilia@aol.com, (914) 475-5494

August 3-10, 2008, Jerico Roller Ski Camp Ethan Allen Training Center (Army Base), Jericho, VT

Event Info: Nordic training camp with an emphasis on roller skiing. There will also be ski bounding, running, strength and games. Ages 16-24.

Link to flyer: http://gunstocknordic.com/gunstock_nordic_association.files/Jericho%20camp08.jpg

Registration: Contact Nina or Igor to register for the camp. 603-293-0379, or email gunstocknordic@msn.com

August 10-18, 2008, Burke Mtn Academy Camp, Adirondacks

Event Info: The BMA August camp (10-18 August) welcomes Jesper Johnsson, a member of the coaching team at the Jaerpen Ski Gymnasium in Sweden, as a guest coach for the camp. (Jesper joined Jaerpen when Magnar Dalen moved to take over the Finninsh National team, and often is the “voice” at major Swedish events. A good coach and a lot of fun!) Burkes August Camp is meant to evaluate and build on the summer's training. It will be geared to different levels of experience and different ages but it is focused at athletes who have followed a summer plan. Assessment, and making individual plans for getting the most out of the remaining months of the fall is the primary goal of the camp. Interval sessions, and intensity will play a significant role. This is a Burke Team camp, but we eagerly welcome skiers from other programs, or those who have primarily trained on their own and want to get an idea of where they are. Camp to be held in the Adirondacks.

Registration: Cost $450

Contact:Pete Phillips, pphillips@burkemtnacademy.org, 802-626-1516 ext 1010 or 518-524-4127

August 17-20, 2008, Stratton Mountain Junior XC Camp Stratton Mountain School, Stratton Mountain, VT

Event Info: The Junior Camp is designed for 14-18 year old skiers. The emphasis is on technique, specific training and education. Campers train with top National ranked skiers, work on skills and leave with an understanding of what they need to do to improve their fall training in order to ski faster than ever. Activities include classic and skate roller skiing, ski striding, hiking, soccer, swimming, skits and more! Cost for the 4 day camp is $260. General Camp Information: Both SMS camps are run by Sverre Caldwell and the Stratton Mountain School coaches. Additional staff includes National Champion skiers and coaches from around the region. The camp fee includes room, board, coaching and a camp t-shirt. Everyone stays at Stratton Mountain School. There is at least 1 adult for every 8 campers and there is an adult living on each floor of the dorm.

Registration: For more information or a registration form, write to Sverre Caldwell, Stratton Mtn School, Stratton Mtn., VT 05155 or e-mail Sverre at scaldwel@gosms.org. Both camps are filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Contact:Sverre Caldwell. scaldwel@gosms.org

August 21-24, 2008, Stratton Mountain BKYSL Camp Stratton Mountain School, Stratton Mountain, VT

Event Info: The BKYSL camp is designed for 10-14 year old skiers. Campers are exposed to roller skiing and core strength as well as long term training theory and technique, but the emphasis is on BEING ACTIVE, MAKING FRIENDS AND HAVING FUN! There are a wide variety of activities which include: soccer, roller skiing, hiking, camp Olympics, swimming, skit night and ultimate Frisbee. Cost for the 4 day camp is $260. General Camp Information: Both SMS camps are run by Sverre Caldwell and the Stratton Mountain School coaches. Additional staff includes National Champion skiers and coaches from around the region. The camp fee includes room, board, coaching and a camp t-shirt. Everyone stays at Stratton Mountain School. There is at least 1 adult for every 8 campers and there is an adult living on each floor of the dorm.

Registration: For more information or a registration form, write to Sverre Caldwell, Stratton Mtn School, Stratton Mtn., VT 05155 or e-mail Sverre at scaldwel@gosms.org. Both camps are filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Contact:scaldwel@gosms.org

Michigan Tech Hosts Cross Country and Mountain Bike Camp

Capitalizing on the area's beauty and variety of trail systems, Michigan Technological University will offer an endurance training camp, July 9-13, for students entering grades 8-12. Campers can choose between a cross country running camp and a mountain biking camp.

All participants will train on the trail systems in and around Houghton, Michigan, including the Michigan Tech Trails, the venue for the U.S. cross country skiing championships for the last two years. Also available to runners and cyclists are the Maasto Hiihto/Churning Rapids system in Hancock, and Chassell Recreation Trails in Chassell, as well as miles of logging roads.

These are all unpaved trails, with technical single track. Mountain bikers are required to bring their own bike (with good brakes and appropriate gearing for serious off-road riding) and a helmet.
All campers should be prepared for 1.5 to 3 hours of training per day, with instructors teaching students how to train at an appropriate pace. Campers will also swim in Lake Superior and gain information about the science of training, nutrition and hygiene.

Coaches will include Joe Haggenmiller, head coach of the Michigan Tech cross country and Nordic ski teams. He has coached national qualifiers and all-Americans and has competed at U.S. and Canadian national skiing events. Also coaching will be Margot Hutchins, head track and field coach and assistant coach for cross country and Nordic skiing. An active endurance athlete, she competed in cross country and track and field at Michigan Tech and has won the Whistlestop Marathon in Ashland, Wisconsin, four times. John Durocher is a certified personal trainer, certified health/fitness instructor and has mountain biked for 15 years.

Registration is limited to the first 60 applicants. For more information, or to register, go to www.aux.mtu.edu/syap or call (906) 487-2975 or toll-free (888) 829-9688.
Originaly from Source

Published: Sat May 31, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Central Cross Country Ski Association is pleased to announce the 2008 Coaches Conference organized in conjunction with the CXC Regional Elite Camp on June 30 July 2, 2008.

This is a great opportunity for coaches at all levels to learn and observe how US National Team coaches work on technique with top athletes. Presentations will be focused on planning the training process, progress identification and training adaptation analysis as well as presentations by US National Team coaches. Yuriy Gusev, Central Cross Country Ski Association Executive and Athletic Director.

Dates:
June 30 July 2, 2008
Location:
Cresthill Resort, Hayward, WI www.cresthillresort.com

Schedule:

June 30 (Monday)
Morning: Technique Workout Observation Afternoon: Technique Workout Observation
Evening: US Ski Team Pipeline - Pete Vordenberg-USST

July 1 (Tuesday)
Morning: Training Planning and Monitoring - Yuriy Gusev
Afternoon: Training Periodization (one sport and multi sport) - Yuriy Gusev
Evening: Athlete Development - Matt Whitcomb-USST

July 2 (Wednesday)
Morning: Strength Evaluation Observation
Afternoon: Intensity Training Presentation - Bryan Fish-CXC

Cost:
$150 per coach $250 per coach including two nights lodging and food (lodging is limited)

Registration:
On line registration available at www.cxcskiing.org or http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1593928&assetId=8ce6a3a0-75e4-4615-9c9f-766595fde9e4%20

Published: Tue May 27, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

The following schedule is still tentative and subject to change. According to USSA Nordic Director John Farra, the Canadian team will be racing in West Yellowstone and Bozeman, and top US skiers will travel to Whistler, British Columbia in mid-December. Additionally, the SuperTour will travel to New England in mid-February, splitting up the usual string of races in the mid-west.

Published: Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:00 AM MDT

Retired Norweigan Olympic Medalist Vegard Ulvang is heading a group looking to implement an elite late-season ski event in the northern Barents region of Scandinavia and Russia. The Tour de Barents is set to debut at the tail end of the 2008-2009 cross-country season. The event is designed as a “mini” Tour de Ski. Athletes will compete in five races between April 4th and April 11th, including a 50km marathon - the Murmansk Ski Marathon.

The Barents region consists of the land bordering the Barents Sea - the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, as well as the northwestern coast of Russia (see map below).

Ulvang told the Barents Observer that the event will not be part of the World Cup next year, but sees inclusion on that circuit as a possibility in the future.

The hope is that the world's best skiers will attend and cash prizes will be awarded to the top finishers.

The field will be limited to 55 athletes - 30 spots to the top World Cup athletes, 20 spots to the top Russian and Scandinavian skiers, and 5 spots on each day to the top local skiers. The local skiers will not be competing in the overall Tour, but will be eligible for daily prizes and bonuses.

Additionally, there will be a Junior competition that will parallel the main event in an effort to build the future of the sport and promote communication and collaboration among Barents' skiers. Five Junior skiers from each of of the Barents' nations (Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia) will compete. The planned prize for the top Junior is inclusion at a week-long camp with the winner's national team.

Mika Myllyl, the former Finnish star who was banned from the sport for two years as part of the doping scandal at the 2001 World Championships, is also involved in the planning of the event.

Writes Ulvang, “Fifteen years ago every one of the best cross-country skiers in the world ended their competition season in the Barents region. The Polar Cup events were world class competitions, and in Murmansk the Prazdnik Severa was the last race of the season for all the top skiers of Eastern European countries.

“Now is the time to relive this tradition. Many competition skiers and coaches, with extremely good memories, have expressed their wish to revisit the North for competition and training under the best possible winter conditions, during Arctic springtime.”

The Tour de Barents web site provides the following description of the event:

“The Tour springs into action amidst the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the traditional Festival of the North (Prazdnik Severa) in Murmansk, North-West Russia. After the first days prologue the athletes are challenged by the 50-km Murmansk Ski Marathon, which since 1999 has been part of the European long-distance ski race series 'Euroloppet'.

“The third Stage of the Tour will take place in Vads, a fascinating multicultural town on the Varanger Fjord in the far north-eastern corner of Norway. After Vads the Tour continues with sprint races in the fell highland resort of Saariselk-Inari in Finnish Lapland.

“The winner of the overall Tour de Barents will be determined in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and home to Santa Claus. The final will be a pursuit race. After the first 5 kilometers, athletes will twice ascend the 520-meter slope up the Ounasvaara Fell (climb of 140 vertical meters). Only after this exciting double ascent will the athletes continue along the home straight to the finish line.”

The Tour de Barents is still under development and all aspects are subject to change.

The proposed schedule is as follows:

More information:
http://www.tour-de-barents.com

Map of the Barents Region (Source: UNEP/GRID-Arendal, Cartographer: Hugo Ahlenius, http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/barents_region_topography_and_bathymetry3 )

Sources: tour-de-barents.com, FIS.com, Barents Observer
Originaly from Source

Published: Fri Dec 07, 2007 2:00 AM MST

Updated: Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:19 PM MST

Cross-country action starts tomorrow with the Women's 10km Classic and Men's 15km classic in Davos, Switzerland. Nordic combined jumps in the morning, and races a 15km in the afternoon.

- Live, On-Demand, and Video Highlights
- Results, Photos, News and More
- Follow your favorite skier throughout the FIS Season

Click here to watch!

2007-2008 FIS Cross Country World Cup on WCSN Schedule

Date City Country
10/27/2007 Dusseldorf Germany
10/28/2007 Dusseldorf Germany
11/24/2007 Beitostolen Norway
11/25/2007 Beitostolen Norway
12/8/2007 Davos Switzerland
12/9/2007 Davos Switzerland
12/15/2007 Rybinsk Russia
12/16/2007 Rybinsk Russia
12/28/2007 Nove Mesto Czech Republic
12/29/2007 Nove Mesto Czech Republic
12/30/2007 Prague Czech Republic
1/1/2008 Oberstdorf Germany
1/2/2008 Oberstdorf Germany
1/4/2008 Asiago Italy
1/5/2008 Val di Fiemme Italy
1/6/2008 Val di Fiemme Italy
1/22/2008 Canmore Canada
1/23/2008 Canmore Canada
1/25/2008 Canmore Canada
1/26/2008 Canmore Canada
2/9/2008 Otepaa Estonia
2/10/2008 Otepaa Estonia
2/16/2008 Liberec Czech Republic
2/17/2008 Liberec Czech Republic
2/23/2008 Falun Sweden
2/24/2008 Falun Sweden
2/27/2008 Stockholm Sweden
3/5/2008 Drammen Norway
3/8/2008 Oslo Norway
3/14/2008 Bormio Italy
3/15/2008 Bormio Italy
3/16/2008 Bormio Italy

FIS Nordic Combined World Cup Schedule

12/8/2007 Trondheim Norway
12/9/2007 Trondheim Norway
12/30/2007 Oberhof Germany
1/3/2008 Ruhpolding Germany
1/6/2008 Schonach Germany
1/12/2008 Val di Fiemme Italy
1/13/2008 Val di Fiemme Italy
1/19/2008 Klingenthal Germany
1/20/2008 Klingenthal Germany
2/15/2008 Liberec Czech Republic
2/16/2008 Liberec Czech Republic
2/17/2008 Liberec Czech Republic
2/23/2008 Zakopane Poland
2/24/2008 Zakopane Poland
3/8/2008 Oslo Norway
3/9/2008 Oslo Norway

Published: Sun Oct 07, 2007 2:00 AM MDT

This winter the J1 Scando Cup Championships will take place in Otepaa, Estonia on February 1-3. Coaches who wish to attend should have experience coaching and managing young athletes, an in-depth knowledge of waxing, a great attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make this a great trip for the athletes. The trip will be lead by Sun Valley coach Abi Holt. Officially, there are two specific positions to fill (Assistant Trip Leader and Head Wax Tech); unofficially, we'll all be herding kids and waxing together until the job gets done. The Assistant Trip Leader position is a two-year opportunity that will train the coach to become the Trip Leader for the following winter. If interested in either position, please send a resume and cover letter to mwhitcomb@ussa.org by October 25th. The staff will be selected by November 1st.

Selection criteria for athletes are posted at www.ussa.org - go to cross country, selection criteria.

Rough Trip Dates: Jan 25 Feb 11th, 2008. The likelihood exists that this J1 team will train for an additional week after the championships to cheer on the US Ski Team in two World Cup races in Otepaa on February 9th and 10th!