10 Races in 18 Days

It has been a busy March. 10 races in 18 day including 2 50km and a trans-atlantic flight. I am thankful that I was able to stay relatively healthy and felt good through all the races.

One of the reasons I race all the races at Super Tour finals was to defend my Super Tour Distance Lead. The title includes a cash prize which translates to a new car for me.

Thanks Coach Fish for a great season... my best ever... so far

Understandably, fatigue is starting to set in. I am looking forward to a little 'vacation' and change of pace in Vermont and New York City.

xcSkiLife.com is Back

I have integrated my two websites http://in-the-arena-brian.blogspot.com/ and xcSkiLife.com so that they are easier to update and so that they can 'talk' to eachother. I am in Oslo, Norway preparing for Saturdays 50km Hollmenkollen World Cup. Check back daily for updates.

Holmenkollen Arena

Another beautiful day here at Hollmenkollen arena.  I skied in the afternoon to get my body used  to going at 2pm (qualifying time for Drammen sprints).  Hardwax barely worked and I could have skied in my t-shirt.

The new jump and stadium

Happy to have this opportunity

Chris, this picture is for you

The ski world is small.  I ran in to Anders Folleras (former UVM and MSU skier) on the trails today and we did some speed together.  I enjoyed dinner with my good friend Kjetil Dammen and his parents.  It was fun to recall our years at UAA together and to catch up on our recent adventures.

We catch the transport bus to Drammen in 20 minutes.  I am excited for my first Euro World Cup.  Classic City Sprint.  5 racers  (Newell, Hamilton, Hinckley, Me, and Kikkan)

Info at: http://www.worldcupdrammen.no/engelsk

Live Results at: http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/1228.html?cal_suchsector=CC&event_id=27069

First Time to Norway

Norwegians are very proud.  For years I have been told how great the bread is in Norway.  My friend and college roommate Kjetil would try hundreds of loaves of bread but never found any to his satisfaction.  This morning I understood why, the bread here is awesome.  Kuzzy and I have made some pretty awesome loaves at home in Wisconsin, but the bread here is unreal.

It is a good thing that I am racing a 50km this weekend.  The bread/crackers and Gjetost (Norwegian Brown Cheese) is really good.

We are staying in a very nice hotel.  I am trying not to think about how expensive it is ($220/night?).   As the leader of the SuperTour on (Feb 1) much of my expenses are covered by FIS although there are a days that I am responsible for.  This high expense lifestyle is not a norm for me but I am trying to just enjoy it and focus on what I need to do to race fast.

The hotel is called the Soria Moria and is really cool.  We are just above the Hollmenkollen Ski Jump and race trails.  The weather has been beautiful and I can view the entire city from my bedroom window.

Soria Moria Hotel with Hollmenkollen Jump

The Hollmenkollen ski jump and trails have been redone and are brand new.  They actually just opened about a week ago.  I have heard that the project cost over $300 Million.  Pretty amazing investment in ski trails.  World Championships here in 2011 will be amazing.

These guys were walking around the course raking rocks out of the trail.  Committed volunteers?  (The snow was natural and clean to start with)

I spent the morning getting this blog up and rolling.  Updates are easy and I will take my camera skiing with me this afternoon.