February 2002 News Updates: Continued
February 19-24 Updates
February 18 Update
February 17 Update
February 16 Update
February 15 Update
February 14 Update
February 1-13 Updates Including 2002 Olympics Days 1 - 5
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February 18 Update
2002 Winter Olympics: Biathlon Women's 4 x 7.5km Relay
Germany Cruises To Biathlon WomenÕs Relay Gold
Team Germany, race favorites at the start, didnÕt disappoint another rowdy Soldier Hollow crowd by winning the Olympic womenÕs biathlon relay in 1:27:55. The German team consisted of Katrin Apel, Uschi Disl, Andrea Henkel, and Kati Wilhelm. Team Norway came back from as far afield as sixth place to claim silver (+:30), largely on the strength of strong skiing and solid shooting by 3-4 skiers Gunn Margit Andreassen and Liv Grete Poiree. Early race leaders Russia finished third (+1:24). Team USA had a tough day finishing 15th (+13:21).
With the exception of one left target during scramble skier Katrin Apel, the German day was pretty much perfect. In the biathlon relay, skiers are given three extra bullets for a total of 8 shots at 5 targets on both the prone and standing shooting stops. Apel left one on her standing stop but even after leaving the penalty loop in 12th and still trailing by 43 seconds at the first tag...Team Germany was not to be denied. Note to self...it helps to have Olympic medalists sitting in your 2-3-4 relay spots, especially when 3 and 4 hold golden hardware. German veteran Uschi ŅTurboÓ Disl shredded her skiing legs and was quick enough on the range to tag 3rd leg Henkel with a 21 second lead over then second place Bulgaria. At the mid-race point Norway sat in 5th but only 33 seconds off the pace. Andreassen only needed two extra shots to clean and skied the third fastest time of her leg to bring Norge up to second at the tag. From then on the only question was whether Poiree could make up enough time on Wilhelm to make things interesting at the finish. A window cracked open on WilhelmÕs standing stop as the German struggled a wee bit, but Poiree matched the two extra shots needed to clean and the race was all but decided.
The American skiers we found were understandably non-plussed with their day. Scramble skier Andrea Nahrgang said, ŅI had a couple shots that were right on and it was just bad bullets screwing me up. I also didnÕt feel very good at all about my skiing. I think I did the best I could but thereÕs nothing much I say. WasnÕt our day.Ó Kara Salmala added: ŅWe all really wanted to do well here. I might have pressed a little not out of pressure but more a desire to do well for the crowd. You start going for it and shoot a little faster than you should. WeÕll see if we can turn things around at the World Championships.Ó
After a morning forecast calling for stable temps and snow during the race, temperatures climbed instead into the 40s again under partly cloudy skies. The result was the first time the Soldier Hollow track has given way at all this Games. It certainly wasnÕt sloppy but it was slowest conditions the skiers have thus far seen here.
Golden Team Germany comments afterwards...
Katrin Apel (scramble) - ŅI started with full power on skiing and maybe I overdid it. I had some problems with the standing shooting and had to adjust. Then one of the cartridges fell out and I had to put it in manually and wasted quite a bit of time. I wasnÕt really happy with my leg. I thought for a moment leaving the range that the gold was gone because of me. Skiing the last part I didnÕt think of that anymore, only that perhaps the others could make it up. But in the end it went well. Gold is gold so IÕm happy in that respect.Ó
Uschi Disl (8 Olympic medals now in 4 Olympics, the all time record for female biathletes)- ŅI donÕt like warm temperatures and considering all the competitions you feel it in your legs. But overall IÕm happy with my day and very happy content with the result.
Henkel - ŅShooting is definitely my forte while skiing can be so-so. Today went very well on the range but I did struggle a little on skiing.Ó
Wilhelm - ŅAt the beginning my teammates gave me quite an advantage. But even that isnÕt easy. I got a little sloppy on the second shooting as a result. When I missed twice and I was reloading, I knew Liv Grete was next to me and would do everything in her power to catch me. On German dominance at these Olympics (three golds, two silvers by the German women)...we had some expectations but we didnÕt realize we would be so strong. We did well at first and that motivated us and kept us going. We train together quite a lot, we see each other on a daily basis. It is quite good to see each otherÕs results to keep each other going.
Silver Team Norway comments...
Ann Elen Skjelbreid (big sister to Liv Grete Poiree skiing the scramble leg): It is always very exciting to shoot standing in relay. IÕm very happy to get them all down even with the extra three shots. By doing so I was able to keep close to several other teams and in the end things worked out OK.
3rd leg Andreassen: ŅIt was a good race. Shooting went OK with one extra on each stop, but the skiing was difficult. It was very warm so it was hard to ski well. But we are very happy with silver so it does not matter now.
Poiree: ŅWe have to be very satisfied. To be second is very big. This is the first time we are so close to Germany at the end of the race. It shows that if we work together we can get a good result and even come closer to Germany in the future.Ó Asked about the benefits of being able to train around Norwegian superstar Ole Einar Bjoerndalen...ÓIn Norway the men and women of the Norwegian team we train together often. Ole Einar runs faster than me so I donÕt workout with him that much (laughs). But we do all learn from each other by training together so it is a good situation.Ó
Bronze medalists Russia...
Second leg Galina Koukleva (left two on standing taking Russia from second to over a minute out) - ŅI think my shooting was outright horrible and IÕm not happy with the results. Basically I define biathlon as nerves, nerves, nerves. I didnÕt have that today. Certainly we are happy with the bronze. We did it together and even though we werenÕt close to silver or gold, we are happy.Ó
Akhatova (anchor) - ŅThe race today was very trying. From the start it was very hard, and very tense. When I was racing I wasnÕt thinking about medals, just racing. I knew a lot was going to be on me. Certainly we are happy with bronze because at the Olympics you have to be happy with whatever you have when you win a medal It is so hard to do so.Ó
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Get Out Your Radar Gun, Tomorrow Features Olympic XC Sprints
Canada's Beckie Scott goes for her second medal of these Olympics tomorrow as the XC sprints take over Soldier Hollow. Another massive crowd is expected to be on hand and given the tight configuration of the sprint course, the noise level for the elimination rounds could be the highest of the Games if Scott or a talented U.S. squad can turn up the heat on a loaded field.
xcskiworld.com will offer up three reports tomorrow...one pre-race, one after qualifications are completed, and one summary after both men's and women's finals are in the bag.
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Worldloppet Updates
Japanese skiers swept both the men's and women's podiums in the February 10 Sapporo International Ski Marathon (50 km FT)
Three best men in 50 km FT: 1. Takeshi Mizobuchi, 2:15:41.8,1,JPN 2. Takehiko Shimada, 2:18:26.2,2,JPN 3. Yasuaki Fukushi, 2:18:56.6,3,JPN Three best women in 50 km FT: 1. Yuka Koshita, 2:43:33.9,1,JPN 2. Fujiko Miura, 2:51:54.5,2,JPN 3. Megumi Izumi, 2:58:32.8,3,JPN
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Veerpalu To Ski Swedish Vasaloppet
The Olympic Champion over 15km, classic technique Andrus Veerpalu from Estonia is registered in the 78th Vasaloppet. In 2001 Veerpalu became a sporting hero in Estonia after winning the gold medal over 30km classic technique in the World Championships, two tenths of a second before Norwegian Frode Estil. The elite team from Estonia will also include Olympic skiers Meelis Aasm?e and Raul Olle (the winner from 2000).
"To have an Olympic Champion in the Vasaloppet obviously means increased media coverage. It also creates added pressure on the long distance specialists" according to the Vasaloppet's General Secretary Rolf Hammar.
A Norwegian has not won the Vasaloppet since Ole Elles?ter in 1971 but this year the Norwegians are making a serious attempt to win the race and have formed project 2002 in co-ordination with the Vasaloppet's organisers. Among the Norwegians aiming for top results will be 28 year old Horvard Skorstad (winner of the 2002 Tartu Ski Marathon).
Other notable names entered in the world's largest ski event include Swedes Henrik Eriksson and Staffan Larsson, club mates from IFK Mora SK with enormous successes in the Vasaloppet are training hard and both hope to repeat their victories from 2001 respective 1999. Germany's team includes Andreas Schlutter who finished in 15th place in the Olympic 15km and was part of the bronze medal German relay team. Japan is also competing with their best skier - Hiroyuki Imai.
Notable note: The 78th Vasaloppet has a total of 16,281 entries (!).
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Double Olympic gold medalist Johann "Juanito" Mhlegg and Norwegian 2001 World Sprint Champion Tor Arne Hetland will headline the 34th running of the Swiss Engadin Skimarathon the weekend of March 9-10.
Finland Rides The Wind To Nordic Combined Gold
After sitting pretty with a killer team jump on Saturday, the Finnish Nordic Combined team started today with a 44 second lead and finished in that same pole position 48 minutes and 42 seconds later to claim gold in the Olympic Nordic Combined team event. Superstar jump and runner Samppa (he of the blue hair and kickin guitar riff) put the icing on the Finnish cake take the Finns home but it was second leg skier Hannu Manninen that was the big hitter taking the lead up to a max of 50 seconds...too much a margin for silver medalists Germany or bronze medalists Austria to bridge.
Germany, starting the day in fifth (+1:51), fought their way up to second at the end of the third leg only to see an epic battle go down to the line between their anchor Ronny Ackermann and AustriaÕs anchor Felix Gottwald. After putting a major hurt on Ackermann up HermodÕs Hill and even...for a brief moment...looking like he might just bridge to Finn anchor Lajunen, Gottwald completely fell apart down the finish straight. Ackermann, left for dead just moments before, found just enough pace to blast past Gottwald and turn bronze into silver.
For the U.S. team, the day started with incredible promise starting in third spot just 50 seconds behind Austria. Todd Lodwick took things out with a charge, taking time from both the Finns and Austrians early but struggling on the final uphills. At the first tag Lodwick ended up fourth when AustriaÕs Christoph Bieler eeked by. Still, hope continued that someone in the U.S. camp could break out the big stick. Second leg skier Bill Demong also looked strong early and was able to keep contact with Germany, but a fade late put third leg Johnny Spillane in fourth and 12 seconds back as he headed out. Spillane gave it a proverbial good go out of the gate, but yet again, the second half of the tough 5km B loop had him struggling to the line. On the anchor tag to Matt Dayton, the U.S. was 44 seconds out. Dayton skied a solid leg but could make up only 20 seconds of the 1:31 deficit. Bottomline: U.S. ends up fourth for yet another best-ever U.S. Nordic finish. But clearly the boys and their coaches wanted more.
U.S. Coach Jan Erik Aalbu: ŅThis wasnÕt what we were looking for. We wanted a podium finish today and we had a really good chance for it. We just did not ski fast enough today on any of the legs. Hopefully something will happen in the sprint because we are very close and we know it can happen.Ó
Matt Dayton seemed to sum up the athleteÕs feelings: ŅYes, it was a best ever result but we are definitely disappointed. We are definitely capable of better. We have high expectations and we want to be in the medals. None of us are going to end up being bums in the street because we didnÕt get a medal but still, it is very disappointing.Ó
For the gold medalists, Lajunen took the lead in summing up their day...ÓLaj: I knew there were very strong skiers coming from behind me so I had to keep pushing all the way to the finish. We had a fantastic jump but perhaps that put a little bit more pressure on us because I think it is a little easier to come from behind. ItÕs great to have the gold.Ó The winner of the Combined individual event early last week, Lajunen was asked about his chances for triple gold in the sprint this week. ŅIn team competition you are fighting for your team and all Finland so I focused on that today. Tomorrow IÕll think about my chance on the large hill. But I have to jump well to do well in the sprint. Jumping well in training will be critical to give me confidence for the real competition.Ó
Austrian anchor Gottwald on the final kilometers of his battle with Ackermann: ŅI donÕt think the last kilometer was the key, it was the last 100 meters. I tried to attack in the last short uphill and I tried to come to the finish line hard. I was actually surprised that Samppa wasnÕt that far in front of me in the stadium. But you have no chance when you are tired and someone is coming from behind like Ronny.Ó Asked about the disappointed American day and why the top nations ended up where they usually are...ÓWe expected the Americans to fight hard for a medal but when I started, the gap was already pretty big. I knew in the last part that no one could come from behind at that point. I think the Americans are a very good and are improving. Perhaps the teams sitting here have a little more experience. There are always more teams competing well and it gets harder and harder to do well. Someday the Americans will have their chance.Ó
Silver medalist Ronny Ackermann on his unlikely surge around Gottwald in the stretch: I know Felix is a very good skier and has very good form at the moment but I also knew that I have a good chance in the finish. I just had better pace coming into the last part and thatÕs why we have silver.Ó
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Men's XC 4 x 10km Relay: Round Three Goes To Norway
Over three Games and 120 kilometers of head-to-head Olympic relay battles, Norway and Italy have managed to orchestrate three incredible duals. Today, round three went to Team Norway as Thomas Alsgaard did what he does best...come through in the clutch to win a sprint finish over Italian anchor Cristian Zorzi. Norway won in a time of 1:32:45 with Italy .3 behind. A gutsy effort by the German team put them into 3rd, 49 seconds behind Norway.
But, but, but (you knew it was coming didnÕt you?)...as is the norm for this magic Soldier Hollow vibe...North American once again had a big reason to scream for joy as Team USA delivered four fantastic legs and finished a best-ever fifth, just behind the Christian Hoffman-anchored Austrian team. USA finished in 1:34:05 (+1:20). The previous best finish by a USA relay team was 6th in 1976.
We wonÕt bother going into extensive detail about the race simply because NBC promises prime time coverage this evening and most other nations will have the complete relay aired at some point. The highlights are worth covering however.
Off the start, a bold Raul Olle put Estonia out front of a nearly-intact field. The sold out crowd, no doubt, had worries when U.S. scramble skier John Bauer left the stadium at the very back of the group but over the 2nd and 3rd uphills Bauer looked relaxed and confident even with the large mass ahead of him. BauerÕs confidence proved to be right on the money as he managed an incredible move around pretty much everyone at the midpoint of lap one (everyone skied two 5km loops...slight differences in a few spots for classic and skating). Coming into HermotÕs Hill the first time, Bauer was in a nifty lead mini-break in front and at the top of the big climb he had the U.S. in fourth. At this point it starts to dawn on everyone, Ņhey, heÕs in fourthÓ.
Around the second lap Bauer hangs tough taking everything the lead group can dish out and when the fractures start to develop on HermodÕs Hill the second time, it is the American who takes it to the teams chasing Anders Aukland, the leadoff Norwegian. Bauer crests the hill in second. Aukland manages a pivotal break and tags Frode Estil with a lead of eight seconds as Bauer tags second U.S. classic skier Kris Freeman in fifth...but conveniently only five seconds behind second place Italy. Freeman would show bigtime guts first bridging and then hanging with a chase group of Italian di Centa, GermanyÕs Schluetter, and KazakhstanÕs (!) Riabinine. The storyline on lap two is a whole lot of noise but in the end Estil tags the first Norwegian skater, Skjeldal, with an eleven second lead. The chase pack is led into the stadium by Germany. Estonia comes in third after a HUGE leg by Andrus Veerpalu. Italy comes in next followed tightly by the U.S. in fifth (yeah, thatÕs called two legs...U.S. in fifth!). The U.S. sits a mere 14 seconds off of Estonia for the bronze. What is going on here?
On the third leg (something always goes down on leg three), Italian Pietro Piller Cottrer puts in the single most important move of the day for both Italy and the U.S.. Cottrer starts right in front of U.S. skier Justin Wadsworth, but the Italian rips off what had to be the fastest first couple kilometers of any skate leg. Cottrer would say later that he knew what he had to do and he Ņlit a fireÓ on the hope he could bring Italy back into the race for gold. He did just that. As a result of the strength of CottrerÕs move, Wadsworth is left with no one to ski with after heÕs only been on course for a few hundred meters. Using some major intestinal fortitude and riding the crowd support, Wads hangs in there keeping the U.S. within striking distance.
Cottrer gets up to Estonia and Germany and the three begin to gnaw away at Skjeldal the rest of the leg. For his part, the lead Norwegian does exactly what he has to do, stay in front. He gives time but he never gives away the lead. The tag to Alsgaard is only a half second ahead of Italy...once again we have a two team party for the final leg of an Olympic relay. As with 1994 and 1998, it is Norway and Italy.
Jaak Mae gives Estonia another huge leg tagging in third (+9.1 seconds...with Germany just behind). However, Estonia has used up itÕs best weapons whereas Germany has a furious assault ready in the form of Rene Sommerfeldt. Wadsworth hangs tough as Austrian Gerhard Urain bridges during lap two and tags the U.S. into the anchor in the now-familiar fifth (+:55.7).
Now we have some giddy fun boys and girls.
For 8 kilometers, Alsgaard and Italian anchor Zorzi feel each other out but neither mounts a significant charge. Behind, Sommerfeldt drops Estonian anchor Aasmae and pretty much finds a happy bronze place for the rest of the day. Neither gaining significantly on the lead two or giving to chasers, Germany salts third. Further back, U.S. anchor Carl Swenson shows a whopping load of heart to stay on Hoffman and they quietly mow down Aasmae to slip into the 4-5 slots. After that point, the day plays out with the front two dancing for gold, Sommerfeldt in his own little world, and Hoffman battling Swenson for 4th.
On the final HermodÕs Hill, first Alsgaard and then Zorzi make moves but neither is able to separate. They rocket to the top and then...both stand up and start playing a familiar game of Ņyou first, no please I insistÓ. At a sub-touring pace they cruise close to the final downhill and finally Alsgaard decides to get things going. Around the final horseshoe and into the stadium they come. First Zorzi, then Alsgaard appear to have the upper hand. With his patented stretch run, Alsgaard puts things into hyperdrive and at the end Norway wins. After Sommerfeldt comes in, Hoffman and Swenson mount sprint number two with Hoffman getting the better of things...but not by much. U.S.A. fifth, best ever, gid-ee-up.
Silver medalist Zorzi talked about the battle with Alsgaard: ŅThe very last kilometer I was waiting and I wanted to see what Thomas would do. He behaved the way I expected, so I went for it. On the downhill I was indeed behind Thomas as I thought that would be the best strategy. Yesterday I tried that part with Valbusa and it worked out well. On the straightaway the first 20 meters I led but in the end he had much more energy. We are all very happy with silver however.Ó
German reactions to winning the bronze...
Sommerfeldt: Although our team results might have had some struggles as different points, we pointed towards this relay as a potential bronze just like the bronze at the World Championships last year.
Schlutter: Definitely 8th place in Nagano wasnÕt what we wanted four years ago. WeÕve worked hard and had some younger skiers develop. We are very happy with the third place today.
Angerer: Olympic medals are valued higher than World Championships medals so this is a bigger result for us.
Asked about the potential for Johann Muehlegg to come back to the German team? (Muehlegg has denied any wish to do so but the German media continues to hound the story.)
Schlutter; With our new people and now a couple medals, I donÕt think it would be his decision to come back if he wanted to. We have a good team and we are doing well with the team we have.
Sommerfeldt: I believe that was a problem in Nagano. Muehlegg avoided us stayed separate, no team spirit. Now we have a team and work together. I think it is better than he stay in Spain and we have the group we have now.
Norwegian anchor Thomas Alsgaard took all the questions for the Norwegian team...ŅAs always, it was a very exciting race for all of us. For some reason at the Olympics it always comes down to Norway and Italy in a sprint. Today we were scared of both the Russians and the Italians. We thought the Germans, Austrians, maybe Sweden would also be strong. On paper the Norwegian team is always strong but in the relay it is easy to ski behind so it is very hard to get a gap. Ņ On the sprint...ÓIt is always best to come into stadium in second and we both wanted to do that. We stopped a little bit and neither would do it. I thought, OK IÕll go. And it worked out.
Did he enjoy another sprint finish? Alsgaard joked...ŅI thought that was what you want. Everyone says we need more drama in the sport. ThatÕs what we tried to do.Ó (laughs)
HeÕs been part of two gold medal relays now, which is sweeter? ŅI wonÕt compare, IÕm just happy we won. Everyone in Norway happy. We could have lost it and it would have been a disaster. (laughs) ItÕs always a good feeling to win a race. It was very important for the entire Norwegian team to show we still are the best team in the world. Ņ
Why is Norway so good? ŅIn Norway XC is the national sport. We have so many young guys that want to be good in XC. What can I say? We have so many racers that there is always someone who wants to succeed. When the FIS wants to make changes to give other countries a chance, it doesnÕt matter because Norway always finds someone to do well in those new events. For the last 10 years we have the best skiers in the world at our training camps and races. The younger skiers can compare themselves to the best, see how far they are behind, and what they have to do to be the best in the world. When I got on the team, I saw with Bjorn Daehlie and Vegard Ulvang what I had to do. I could see how far I was behind.Ó
About the Swedish disaster in the relay (13)...ÓI donÕt know what to say. With Per not in the relay and Mathias sick, their race today wasnÕt showing their best. I think they lost their motivation and had nothing to race for. I do think they will be back though. Ņ
The U.S. team was a giddy bunch after the race and with very good reason. As with Beckie ScottÕs historic individual medal performance on Friday, 26 years had past since the U.S. had been really Ņin thereÓ in an Olympic relay. Some very good teams had toed the line over that quarter century-plus but something always happened that knocked the U.S. back off the top echelon. Today, nearly everything that happened was positive.
John Bauer: IÕve been feeling good and today one of my better races. No panic at all. I skied tactically well the entire time which was key. My big move at 3km happened because I got around a bunch of guys on a downhill and then herringboned up the next uphill to get almost in front. I was able to hang in just fine on first lap even though there was some hard skiing the first time up HermodÕs Hill. Really pumped to ski well but I think we were really prepared for today and the crowd made the difference between a good day and a great day.Ó
The junior member of the U.S. squad today by a decade or more, Kris Freeman had little to say but plenty of smiles. ŅItÕs an honor to be up here with these guys. I had the race I wanted to have to help the team. I think we have more we can accomplish in 2006 and 2010. IÕm just hoping Norway doesnÕt dominate in 2010 like they do now.Ó (smiles)
Justin Wadsworth reacting to hearing the Norwegians mention the U.S. as a potential challenge before the race. ŅItÕs a huge compliment that the Norwegians think we would be a factor. Finally we have some respect.Ó About his race...ÓI know Pietro had one of the fastest skate pursuit times last week so I knew he would come out hard and I also knew what he was capable of. I had to ski my race and not let his start bother me. I needed the crowd because I didnÕt feel at my best and they were the difference no doubt. it felt like we were racing in Norway. What IÕm really impressed with is the races that John and Kris had. John...man, he was cool as ice out there. Both of them skied such great races. And how about Carl coming back against Hoffman after Hoffman had gapped him on the big uphill? You have no idea how hard it is to do that.Ó About the historic day...ÓI hope the young kids will look at this and know that we can do it now. IÕve been working the last ten years of my life to help get the U.S. to this point and it is really cool to see it all pay off.Ó
Carl Swenson: Ņ I knew from watching JustinÕs leg that he was staying with HoffmanÕs team (Austria) and that IÕd have Hoffman to work with on my leg so Justin made it real easy for me to know what to do. Hoffman definitely took the sprint out of me late in the leg but IÕm glad I could keep us there. ItÕs so satisfying to have such a great day in front of the home crowd...this is less than once in a lifetime, we are just fortunate to have it happen at our peak.Ņ
U.S. Coach Christer Skog: ŅAfter this past week, on paper you could see that we could be in the top six. A year ago or even half a year ago you would have said wow(!) if someone had said the U.S. could be in the top six here. But I think we have even more we can do. In a couple weeks we have another relay in Falun and I think we can see these guys do even more over there.Ó
Final Comments: As with the electric atmosphere surrounding Beckie ScottÕs bronze pursuit, the U.S. men lit up a sold out show and gave everyone on hand everything they could ask for today. We knew what could happen but the U.S. boys showed what they were made of in taking the fight to the rest of the world. On a day like today, the only thing you could wish is that theyÕd award five medals. It was that could. Said it before and weÕll say it again kids...IT CAN HAPPEN, IT CAN HAPPEN, IT CAN HAPPEN.
Pre-race Report
Same old, same old with the weather. Pretty much perfect. Clear with only a few high clouds, cool (high 20s warming to low 40s by afternoon), high humidity (80%) dropping over the day, perfect tracks...the mojo holds for yet another day.
The long-awaited XC showdown between the Norwegian men and the rest of the world is at hand. Norway will run Anders Aukland and Frode Estil in the classic legs, then follow with Kristen Skjeldal and Thomas Alsgaard in the skate legs. This line-up is notable for several reasons. The biggest is that Alsgaard was most likely not one of the four until he pulled off his incredible silver (medal) rush in the pursuit on Thursday. Another notable note is that only one of the four (Alsgaard) made up the Norge four-some that won gold by an inch or so in Nagano four years ago. On one hand, one has to acknowledge the amazing depth of the Norwegian juggernaut to be able to once again be gold medal favorites with a totally reloaded line-up. On the other hand, the question has to be asked whether inexperience might enter the picture...particularly with the two young flyers in the classic legs. Finally, in a fascinating turn of events, Alsgaard's sudden return to form actually allowed the Norwegian XC coaches to stay within the XC ranks for the fearsome four. Without Alsgaard, the XC coaches would have had little choice but to go to the Norge biathlon team asking "can we please borrow Ole Einar (Bjoerndalen) for the relay...we promise to give him back". As amusing as that scene would have been, it does sound an ominous note for the world's best men's team since they really would have had a bit of a problem in the skate legs without Alsgaard. With him rolling, they once again will toe the line with number one on their chests and on their minds.
The rest of the field offers up the biggest question mark since the 10 years ago in Albertville. On paper, Italy and Russia would be the favorites to chase Norway to the finish. Also on paper, one would have to believe that Italy could potentially make a tight race of things if they can stay close in classic. But that's paper and this is racing.
The bottomline is that none of the non-Norge teams has a line-up that makes you stay up at night. This is the XC relay equivolent of the Elite Eight in the NCAA basketball March Madness. Sweden is not running Per Elofsson (we do not know why) which instantly changes them from gold contenders into hopefuls for any medals. Germany, Russia, Austria, and Estonia all have wicked fast dudes in certain spots but none has the top-to-bottom heat...plus experience...to say they will be a shoe-in to hang onto the lead pace. Many of them can, the issue is whether they will.
As we commented on yesterday, the U.S.A. is right smack in the middle of a beyond-bizzare opportunity. With six warm engines to choose from, the U.S. staff went with experience in three of the four slots and the result is perhaps the best chance for a U.S. top five (or better) relay finish ever. John Bauer will scramble, Kris Freeman will run the second classic leg, Justin Wadsworth runs third and first skate leg, and Carl Swenson with anchor in the second skate leg. Keys for the U.S.? Bauer must be in the lead pack at the tag. Ideally, that pack will have a gap on 1-3 of the contenders putting a lot of pressure on strong second leg skiers such as Botvinov (AUT), di Centa (ITA), and Veerpalu (EST). Freeman has a straightforward task...hang in there. If he is tagged down to the lead pack he has to find the form to bridge. Wadsworth, ironically for the third leg, has the one of the toughest jobs of the day. The U.S. is betting that Wads can do some damage against skiers that most other teams are trying to "protect" in the third hole. If he can shake things up enough to create some gaps, particularly on the downhills where Wadsworth is light's out...that could be the ticket to Graceland. For Swenson, any way you cut it he will have a clear mission. Take the tag and get across that line ahead of anyone within spitting distance. Swenson has struggled at Soldier Hollow but he is a PTP'er...a prime time player. There is a sold out throng of 15,000 people packing this joint and we guarantee with triple-your-money-back that if...IF...IF...Swenson is tagged with a chance at anything remotely resembling a top six or better (Dare we dream?...you bet your sweet bippy we dare!), the endless racer will deliver.
Regardless of the final outcome folks, this is going to be good.
Double Relay Showdown On Tap For Sunday
Strap em' on boys, a double dose of testosterone-loaded, fuel-injected relay action is coming tomorrow. First up will be the men's XC 4 x 10km as Norway will attempt to defend their scrappy gold medal from Nagano...won by the length of Thomas Alsgaard's big toe. Then...due to a postponed Nordic Combined team jump on Tuesday...the Nordic Combined boys will throw down in a 4 x 5km afternoon special. Making this particular NC relay mighty interesting is the fact that the hometown U.S. boys are sitting in third position after the team jump, starting the relay 1:34 behind the leading Finn squad and 50 seconds behind second place Austria. Japan sits 6 seconds back of the U.S. with a tough German squad another 11 seconds back. Gadzooks that should be a barnburner.
A start list for the XC relay was not available by our posting time but rest assured Team Norway will be the race favorite as they have been the past three Olympics. However...they lost on hometurf to Italy in '94, almost lost (probably would have were it not for the kick-butt second leg of Erling Jevne) in '98, and they have no guarantees this year. Italy will be tough again and so will Russia. Austria and Germany have potential. No one knows what is going on with Team Sweden. The darkest of horses (but don't count them out folks!) is actually...truly...honestly no less than good ol' Team USA. Few teams are showing the depth of the U.S. men this past week and if they can stay close into the skate legs the estimated 15,000 on hand will be beyond a frothing, churning, hysterical, frenzy. Yeah, a medal of any color would be a long, long shot. But as Canadian Beckie Scott proved yesterday...IT CAN HAPPEN, IT CAN HAPPEN, IT CAN HAPPEN.
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2002 Olympics: Day Eight Complete Reports - Men's 12.5 and Women's 10km Biathlon Pursuits
A Biathlon Gem In WomenÕs 7.5 Pursuit
In a race that proved that biathlon is both shooting AND skiing, Russian Olga Pyleva came from 8th off the start line (+1:03) to leap-frog an entire podium trio on the final standing range stop and win the Olympic womenÕs 7.5km gold this afternoon. Pyleva trailed a lead group consisting of Magdalena Forsberg (SWE), Liv Grete Poiree (NOR), and surprising Irina Nikoultchina (BUL) entering the range the final time by over half a minute. But in a wild reversal of fortune that makes biathlon so cool, Pyleva suddenly found herself winning the race when she exited as all three frontrunners missed two targets and had to ski an extra 300 meters worth of penalty loops. Pyleva was never threatened again as she blasted through the final XC sprint and crossed the line in 31:07. The critical final misses by the front three also handed a silver opportunity to German Kati Wilhelm, race leader off the start based on her gold in TuesdayÕs 7.5km race. Wilhelm seemed dead in the water after a disasterous first prone round with three misses. She stayed in there with strong skiing and only missed one more shot the rest of the way to finish 5.3 seconds behind Pyleva at the end.
Although Pyleva and Wilhelm were out of grasp, the double miss trio still had a battle on their hands for bronze. Smart money would have been on Forsberg but the Swede clearly was struggling with her skiing today and it looked at first like Poiree would have the best of the battle. True to Soldier Hollow form, surprise was the name of the game as Nikoultchina had the better skis coming around the final double stadium parade loop and closed down the stretch to beat out Poiree for the bronze by 2.5 seconds (+:8.1). NikoultchinaÕs bronze prevented another history-making event as Liv Grete came within one shot...or just faster skis in the rapidly-warming snow today...of making it another medal for the household trophy case (husband Raphael claiming silver in the menÕs race this morning). Galina Koukleva (RUS) slipped past a fading Forsberg on the final ski leg for fifth and sixth respectively.
The U.S. women had a tough day with Kara Salmela going from a start position at 49th to end up 45th. Andrea Nahrgang started 50th and finished 47th. Rachel Steer started 60th and dropped out after leaving 6 targets in the prone 10. We tried to talk with Kara and Andrea in the mix area but ended up finding out you donÕt mess with frantic Russian and Bulgarian press corps (Gotta to ask the question...have these guys ever heard of a shower?) while waiting for NBC to get done with their headshots.
After the race, the surprise gold medalist was asked if she thought it was fair that she had gold after trailing the entire race..."Is this fair? In the biathlon, nothing is fair. I'm just lucky today. Everything came together. I didn't think about winning today. I would have been very happy with any medal. But of course, the gold is wonderful. I don't think I realize what's happened yet."
Silver medalist Wilhelm: "I had no pressure today because I had already won gold in the 7.5km. But when I missed three in the first shooting I thought it was over. I thought wind was a factor and I made an adjustment for it and was better the next time. The leaders got nervous and I fought my way back."
Bronze medalist Nikoultchina: "I was very surprised that I won a medal because I shot very badly. In the end, I was just happy to be on the steps (podium). I knew this was my last chance to medal, and I just had to go all the way to the end."
Liv Grete Poiree (now second, fourth, and fourth for the Games) said, ŅI feel I started off well and had good speed but towards the end I started to struggle. When I missed two at the final standing I knew I didnÕt have a chance. If it had been one miss, I think I could have made it for a gold.Ó PoireeÕs husband Raphael was positive about his wifeÕs day despite the oh-so-close finish...ÓI am not disappointed at all with her race. She gave maximum effort and there are so many good athletes here that it takes a near perfect day to win much of the time.Ó
Comments: All you can say as a spectator with a race like today is ŅWowÓ! Purists will tell you that biathlon is one of the best spectator events on snow because of what the range can do to a race. Today was evidence of just that. A Las Vegas bookie would have had a tough time finding anyone to take a bet on the entire front three going 3 for 5 on the final standing round...yet thatÕs what happened. The entire race, few were paying attention to Pyleva and yet at the finish sheÕs on top of the results sheet. Wilhelm? Totally forgotten after she came back from the first round 3 misses only to leave another one on round 3. Yet she has silver. Nikoultchina dukes it out with two of the superstars and takes the bronze. What a cool sport! The sold out house roared their appreciation throughout and one has to believe more wacky highjinx are going to be in order for the biathlon relays this coming week.
The Norwegian Rainbow Warrior Reigns Again
Ole Einar Bjoerdalen might very well be calling Soldier Hollow a third home soon. The Norwegian biathlete who lives in northern Italy is finding things so comfortable here he might as well move in. The newest ŅRainbow WarriorÓ (the Norge biathlon suits have a cycling World Champs rainbow on the shoulders) once again crushed the competition in winning his third straight Olympic gold. Bjoerndalen won the menÕs 12.5km pursuit in 32:34 giving up 23 seconds to FranceÕs Raphael Poiree and missing 2 of 20 targets but still easily taking the hat trick. The triple gold is the first time in history that a biathlete has won three golds at a single Olympic Games. For his part, Poiree made history of a different sort, breaking a personal oh-fer on Olympic hardware. No male French skier, including the amazingly successful Poiree, had ever won an individual biathlon medal up until this morning. Living up to his nickname as ŅThe King Of PursuitÓ, Poiree started in the 9th position (+1:06), shot clean except for one miss on the second prone stop, and roared past German Ricco Gross on the final standing range stop to claim silver. Gross, who started 4th (+:53) battled with TuesdayÕs silver medalist and teammate Sven Fischer early in the race but after Fischer faded on the range, Gross had a double miss on the final standing stop and that was enough to allow the fast skiing Poiree to slide past for silver.
History was also made for the U.S. as Jay Hakkinen registered the proverbial Ņgood oneÓ coming from the 26th start spot to log 12th place...at long last breaking the hex that had capped the best-ever U.S. Olympic effort at 14th. Earlier in the Games, teammate Jeremy Teela had tied that best-ever 14th mark (today Teela was 22nd) making for two top-fifteen U.S. results for SLC 2002. What made the day particularly exciting is that Hakkinen had climbed as high as 8th heading into the final standing round but left one pivotal target that cost him several places and also robbed him of momentum on the final ski leg. Still, a best ever Olympic result is nothing to sneeze at.
ŅI was in shock, really, when I finished,Ó Hakkinen said afterwards. ŅI was just trying to ski with people around me and have my own race. IÕm a little bummed I left that one target (he shoots clean for the day otherwise) but otherwise it was a very good day with great skis.Ó Asked about making U.S. Olympic history...ÓItÕs great to get past that 14th place mark. Americans have been stuck in 14th place since the beginning of Olympic biathlon. Getting past that mental block was very important. ItÕs a really important step for U.S. biathlon...but IÕm still really set on getting medals in the future.
For triple gold medalist Bjoerndalen the day was a lark...ÓI didnÕt worry so much today that they would catch me. Instead, I focused more on having a good race for myself. I also wasnÕt totally confident...I was just doing what I had to do. Today I really was having fun out there...I was skiing on a positive wave. I think having fun is very important because sometimes the Olympics can get a bit too serious. On my two misses I shot too fast but the rest of the time on the range everything went OK.Ó
Did he ever think three golds at the Games would be possible? ŅI never thought about winning three races here. 50 people can win nearly every race in biathlon so you canÕt think youÕll have such results. IÕm in perfect shape now and IÕm shooting well and today I had perfect skis. Sometimes my shooting doesnÕt go as well as it is going here and I donÕt always know why. IÕve been working hard with my mental trainer and I feel much better now with my mental prep for these races. On second prone station I paused quite a bit on my last shot (which was good) because I wasnÕt centered on the target. DidnÕt worry about the speed as much as the result. You can do that when you are mentally strong.Ó
Asked about his second hobby as a formidable XC skater and his chances for racing the huge-on-huge XC relay tomorrow, Bjoerndalen replied: ŅToday at 1pm they decide on SundayÕs relay team for XC. If IÕm good enough to be selected I will race but I wonÕt be disappointed if I donÕt am not selected and do not race. Thomas Alsgaard is skating well now and Kristen Skjeldal is also very good. But if they give me the start I have decided I will race.Ó
Which is harder to him...the XC 30km last Saturday or the biathlon pursuit today? ŅThose are two very different races. I raced some XC World Cup races earlier this year and discovered how important experience is in XC. I donÕt race enough XC and so I donÕt know all the things I need to know about the races, the courses, and the other racers. You need to think a different way in XC and there is a lot of tactics. I like it but you need more experience to go really fast and do really good.
Why do biathlon when he can obviously ski so well? ŅWhen I was 16 years old I was doing both and at that point I was better in XC. I won 3 XC junior titles in Norway. But I decided on biathlon because I had more fun with the shooting plus my brother was doing it. I also felt I had a better chance to make the national biathlon team than the XC team which was so strong. In the future I will continue to race XC but only when IÕm in good shape. I would like to race in the Olympics again in both cause IÕm having a lot of fun doing both.Ó
For Poiree the relief at finally getting the Olympic hardware monkey off his back was less important than getting ready to see his wife (Norwegian Liv Grete Poiree) race in another hour or so. Could be the first time an Olympic medalist was in a hurry to get a press conference rolling as he joked around with the media...ÓAre there any questions? I need to go see my wife in her race. So letÕs get going!Ó
Why does this guy do so well in the pursuit? ŅThe tactic in the pursuit all the time is to be like a fighter...and I like that. Early on I tried to shoot very fast but it wasnÕt as fast as I wanted and I still had one miss. In the standing it went better and I was a little bit lucky that I shot clean. After the one miss in prone I was a little bit worried but things worked out."
On finally winning an Olympic individual medal...ÓI had trouble with the altitude in the 20km, my best skiing race in the 10km, and finally today everything went much better. Up until now it didnÕt feel like the Olympics because I wasnÕt performing at my best. But today it felt like the Olympics. The crowd and the overall atmosphere.. My third shooting was incredible, shot very very fast. IÕve shot in 15 seconds before but you have to be a little lucky when you are going that fast. I have trained so hard this year you canÕt imagine. Having two medals in the family is so great for my wife and I...I also hope this will help biathlon in France. With this medal my team will be at 600% percent in the relay, we will fight as hard as we can."
Winning the ŅHoney, Why DonÕt You Say Something Like ThatÓ quote award, the French superstar said...ÓMy wife is my Olympic gold medal...but now I finally have one of a different sort.Ó
For bronze medalist Gross, the day was a chance to get out of the 4th place bunker (Gross was 4th in both the menÕs 20km and 10km this past week...ÓBiathlon is one of those sports where the air is rather thin. Meaning, you can be very high one day and very low the next on the results. IÕve been 4th and among the world class athletes and both times I missed a medal by the thinnest of margins so I didnÕt feel bad about my efforts. By the fourth shooting today I really thought I had a chance to catch Ole Einar so I took some chances which cost me but you have to if you want to do something great. I had nothing to lose going out today so I wasnÕt that nervous. I didnÕt think about being fourth again, I just looked ahead. After third shooting I took all the chances and it didnÕt pay off but IÕm still happy.Ó
Several questions were asked of the athletes about the menÕs biathlon relay coming up next week and the general concensus was that Russia, Germany, Norway would be the favorites with Belarus, Austria, and France likely to be strong contenders. Germany has won three consecutive Olympic relay golds.
Early AM Report
With the buzz barely settling to a dull roar here at Soldier Hollow after the last two days of historic performances in the XC same-day pursuits, yet another day of fantastic racing action is on tap this morning. What quite possibly may be the single largest crowd yet (after a week of progressively larger and larger crowds) is filing into the venue to see the men's and women's biathlon pursuit races. Skiers will start based off of their times in Tuesday's men's 10km and women's 7.5km biathlon events using a normal pursuit start. They then shoot twice prone and twice standing with the first across the line the winner as in XC pursuits. Biathlon experts tell us that the pursuit is just as exciting as the XC version, if not more so, due to the frenzy getting in and out of the range with so many bodies packed so close together. Yee-haw! We got us a tussle on the range!
The broken record continues with yet another perfect weather day on tap. Even the early AM temps are a bit milder today. SLOC boss Milt Romney must have some pretty powerful connections to be working this voodoo.
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Quick Follow-Up To Feb 15
A couple Beckie Scott quotes we had to share with readers...
On being an outspoken advocate for a clean sport and strong doping controls..."This race is for the clean athletes around the world."
About the rest of the Games, Scott says.."The sprint was the event I was hoping to medal in. This is just a bonus." Warning to the rest of the field...she has hardware now. Fear her. Beware of the Beckie Blitz. Oh, and there is more..."In the relay we are shooting for the top five but if everything goes right, we believe we can be on the podium as a team."
And from the gal she beat in the toe lunge, fourth place Neumannova said after the race: "I felt I had third place in the sprint, but I didn't see the girl (Scott) coming from behind the last 15 meters. By the time she passed me, there was nothing I could do. There was no question about the result. I was fourth. I knew it at the line."
2002 Olympics: Day Seven Report - Women's XC 5km classic/5km skate Same-Day Pursuit
This Time Scott Was Truly Great...Russia Finishes 1-2
And then there were two.
Twenty-six years ago a young American by the name of Bill Koch pulled off the impossible and won a silver medal at the Seefeld Olympics. Twenty-six long, long, long years passed without any other North American or non-European claiming an XC Olympic medal of any color. Twenty-six years. Gerald Ford was U.S. president. ATMÕs werenÕt around. Kids in college today werenÕt glimmers in anyoneÕs eyes.
Twenty-six years.
Now there are two non-Europeans skiing this planet that can say they have Olympic hardware as Canadian Beckie Scott ended the run today with a finish war for the ages in claiming bronze in womenÕs same-day pursuit behind RussianÕs Olga Danilova and Larissa Lazuntina.
After Danilova and Lazuntina pretty much tied in the 5km classic to open the day (coming in two tenths apart and 7 seconds clear of third place classic skier Petra Majdic of Slovenia), smart money had the Russians working together to pull away from the rest of the field. They did just that and after a 4km jaunt at the front, it was Danilova that found the pace coming into the final uphills to get clear and come to the line well ahead (6.9 seconds) of her teammate.
But, as with the menÕs pursuit, the real story wasnÕt about the gold medal. After a 6th place effort (+18 seconds) in the classic portion, Scott was sitting in a good/bad news placement with three catchable gals just ahead (Majdic, Bente Skari, and Viola Bauer of Germany), and three very tough skaters an unsettling 10 seconds behind (Russians Gavriljuk and Techpalova plus Czech Neumannova). Off the start Scott did precisely what she had to do and began to mow down the three in front. First Bauer, the Skari, and by the third uphill Majdic were in the bag. Problem was, the three behind had worked together to bridge and by the halfway point there was a nifty pack of seven chasing the bronze. The pack stayed solid til 3.5km when the Russians and Neumannova put the first of a series of what couldÕve been a lights out moves. Not so fast grasshopper!
Largely due to great skis, by the base of the pivotal HermodÕs Hill the pack was reformed. Another attack, another bridge. On down the last bid DH, up around the horseshoe and suddenly everyone is thinking ŅTHIS is getting interestingÓ. Lost in the battle for third were the two Russians coming across the line. Yeah, yeah...whoopie...1-2. Focus!
Down into the stadium Scott leads briefly but then finds herself sitting behind Neumannova and Tchepalova with Bauer also in the mix but as Scott comes out of the last 180 degree turn she somehow finds a clear lane and history starts to unfold. Ripping off the V-2, Scott reaches down and for a final time finds the will to fight back against the charge of the Czech. Thundering down the stretch it occurs to a five figure crowd screaming at full throat that they she could...she might...can...it...happen? A toe lunge at the finish and this time the photo finish crew only needed a couple minutes to discern the result. Bronze...Scott...CanadaÕs first-ever Olympic medal in XC...second non-European Olympic medal ever for a non-European...the first ever non-European woman to win a medal. Twenty-six years crumpled up and thrown in the trash can.
Beckie Scott, Olympic bronze medalist (Ed: All journalistic neutrality aside, dude, that feels soooo incredibly cool to type!): ŅThis feels incredible. It is a dream come true. I had very good skis which was a big part of the day. I was using the Madshus new model for this year and the way they were running I knew I had a very good chance in a sprint around the final corner. This has been ten years in the making, IÕm so happy how it went. I have the best race of my life and it happens at the Olympics! When I woke up this morning I was feeling pretty good and I was hoping to go for a medal today...so the dream came true. After the classic I was in pretty good position. I knew that I could fight hard in the finish if I could just remain in contact. I donÕt know how we will celebrate but I think my teammates and my support staff have something in mind. This race means so much for our sport and our country. IÕd like to think that a lot of people that share in this medal. I have so many people here supporting me so it means the world.
Asked about what has made the difference after a bummer of a Games four years ago in Japan, Scott said, ÓI think since Nagano itÕs been a combination of factors for our entire team. Not just me. One of the biggest changes was a change in our approach to international racing. We decided we werenÕt going to be mediocre anymore. We took a very professional approach and everyone worked together to make it happen. I also felt totally comfortable here at Soldier Hollow. WeÕve raced here siince the U.S. Nationals two years ago and I always have been racing well here. I think the Canadians and Norwegians are the two international teams that have spent the most time training here.Ó
Scott's performance proved Canadian legend Pierre Harvey (twice a World Cup race winner in the 80s but a guy who had some rough times at the Games) a sage analyst during the mid-day break. When xcskiworld.com asked Harvey how he thought the afternoon would play out he said, "Beckie is so good at finishing races...no one out there is better at it...I think that if she can be in a group for a fight to the finish that she will win. She needs to be in a group of 2-3 girls and within only a few seconds, but she can do it with that situation. If she can medal, it will be incredibly good for all of Canadian skiing. The government does not support XC skiing very much right now but if they can see a medal or at least another performance like her sixth place on Monday...then perhaps there will be more support for greater things in the future." Amen brother.
For the other North Americans, Sara Renner (CAN) had another great race moving from 26th in the classic up to 19th (her second top twenty of the Games). American Nina Kemppel slid from 27th to 32nd but was still pretty happy with her overall day. Canadian Milaine Theriault came in 25th after a 24th place effort in the classic...the story there being Theriault clearly has some mojo working in her classic and she is perhaps THE key to the Canadian gals doing some wicked voodoo hop-hop in the relay. With Theriault now healthy and humming in the 5km classic...that women's relay could be a fun-fun-fun day at the beach for the Maple Leafs. American Wendy Wagner came in 50th.
Due to the nutty celebrations going on for Scott, the only North American we could find to talk to afterwards was Kemppel who said, "This second part was tough for me. Few too many tangle ups out there where I was battling and that didn't help. I'm pleased with the way I'm improving as the Games go on though and now I can focus on the relay and the 30km." Asked about the decibal level of the crowds that keep getting bigger every day (13,000 tickets sold today...it is really getting cool to be here for the non-XC folks and that's pumping up the numbers)...Kemppel said, "I am so proud to be an American and be out here with all these people. It's honestly more valuable to have all this support than probably any medal could be."
Gold medalist Danilova: ÓIt was a very successful race for me and IÕm tremendously happy. After the first race I was hoping for one of the medals either gold or silver. It was a hope but I wasnÕt 100% confident. My experience with the 15km I knew I had to save my energies but in the last big climb I decided to make a spurt and it was succesful.Ó About beating her teammate Lazutina who also finished second in the opening Olympic 15km...ÓThere was nothing but the race in my mind. You canÕt think about teammates at that point. Gold makes me tremendously happy.Ó
Lazutina: ŅIt was a very difficult race, I feel this is the toughest race because you have to do both techniques. IÕm very pleased, a tremendous result for me. The silver medal today is very precious to me. I believe the strongest of us got the gold...and more important today Russia got itÕs gold. I wasnÕt surprised how well Danilova raced.Ó
Editor's Commentary: I don't want to get too carried away with what happened today for one simple reason. I don't think the Canadians...or the Americans....are done making noise, kicking butt, and taking names at SLC 2002. The Canadian women have every reason to believe Beckie's comment at the press conference that she thought they can be in the top five and perhaps even on the podium in the relay. No one should have a reason to doubt U.S. Coach Skog who thinks the U.S. men can be 6th on a good day...and anything on a perfect day in Sunday's men's relay. The Tuesday sprints are a totally wide open affair and you do NOT want to bet against Miss Beckie in that rumble. Nor should one count out a stunner from one of the U.S. jets (there's Swenson, Randall, Peterson, and remember a Thunder Storm named Koos has been quietly gathering strength). Finally, the distance races are a fantastic opportunity for several of the veterans to snare huge-on-huge days. There's a lot of racing left and a lot of noise to make. Reflection on the incredible day for Scott, Canada, and the entire sport can come afterwards.
However...there is one thing that needs to be put in headlines right now. What Beckie did today proves IT CAN HAPPEN KIDS. YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE A EUROPEAN PASSPORT TO WIN AN OLYMPIC MEDAL IN CROSS COUNTRY SKIING. IT CAN HAPPEN. IT CAN HAPPEN. IT CAN HAPPEN. YOU JUST NEED TO BELIEVE.
10:30AM (MST) Mid-Race Report
Russians Olga Danilova and Larissa Lazutina are 1-2, with only 2 tenths of a second separating them, after this morning's classic leg of the women's same-day pursuit. In a surprise, Slovenian Petra Majdic sits in third (+7 seconds) with Bente Skari fourth (+13 seconds). Fifth is another surprise with German Viola Bauer (+16 seconds)...and sixth is Canadian Beckie Scott who sits 18 seconds out from gold and 11 seconds out from bronze for the 11:30am skate pursuit. Danilova's pace setting time was a crankin' 12:58.7.
Other North American's finished 24th (Theriault, CAN), 26th (Renner, CAN), 27th (Kemppel, USA), 34th (Wagner, USA), 51st (Fortier, CAN), 53rd (Peterson, USA), 62nd (Randall, USA). Only 50 skiers start the pursuit so Fortier, Peterson, and Kikkan Randall will miss that end. Said Kemppel after the first leg..."This is much better. It was my best race so far. Each race is getting better. I think it's a bit of the years poking through."
Beckie Scott said, "I'm happy but the race isn't over yet. I thought I'd be a little closer to the podium right now, but I'll give it a good shot in the second race. I've been working hard on my skating, so I think it's going to be alright."
Assuming the two lead Russians aren't catchable, Scott has a pretty straightforward task for hardware...pass three, don't let anyone pass. Easy to say, much tougher to execute. She has a very good shot of taking out Majdic, Skari and Bauer, that's the good news. The bad news is that tough skaters Gavriljuk and Tchepalova (RUS) plus Neumannova (CZE) sit 10-13 seconds behind her. Notable is that Belmondo (always a threat in a skate pursuit) is 51 seconds off the gold pace. After yesterday we know not to write anyone off in the pursuit but that's a lot on a fast 5km course. One question mark would be if Danilova can handle the heat Lazutina is going to put on early. If not, Danilova would be a sitting duck and that would potentially give Scott another skier to go after in front. If it came down to a sprint, everyone knows Scott has a podium sprint finish this year and Danilova doesn't.
Couple other quotes...
Skari: "This was not a good race for me. I'm not in a good position for the freestyle. To get a medal I need to skate better than I ever have before."
Neumannova: "I wasn't feeling so good but the best skaters are very close in ability. I expect to do well in the freestyle."
8:30AM (MST) Pre-Race
The clear skies and valley inversion is back after a one morning hiatus (although the weather improved considerably after a snowy start yesterday). This morning the temperature is a brisk 7F just prior to race start with humidity at 85%. Little to no wind. Track conditions look to be a return to the "salty" (a great description provided by one of the biathlon wax techs) cocktail of fresh powder crystals, transformed snow, and man-made base. Conditions look to be fast, hard, and offer up far more consistent waxing than yesterday.
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Olympic Combined Relay Re-Scheduled For Sunday
After high winds forced a postponement of the jumping portion of the Olympic Nordic Combined team competition, the Combined XC relay portion has been re-scheduled for Sunday following the men's XC relay that morning. The U.S. team has a very good chance at hardware...IF...their jumping can keep them close enough for their considerable XC abilities to shine through.
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American Birkebeiner Shortened To 25K
HAYWARD, Wis. -- (by Leslie Hamp) As Old Man Winter slumbers through the ski season, race officials of the Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner ski marathon in Cable and Hayward, Wis. are making contingency plans for the 51K cross-country ski race scheduled Saturday, Feb. 23. At a special Feb. 13 meeting of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), board members decided to shorten the 51K Birkebeiner race to 25K. Under the alternate plan the shortened Birkebeiner will start at Cable Union Airport and finish at "OO" in Seeley. If Mother Nature dumps additional snowfall and conditions permit, the race will be lengthened, possibly up to 45K with a finish in Duffy's Field.
The 23K Kortelopet will not be altered. Once again skiers will start at Cable Union Airport and finish at Telemark Resort in Cable.
Opening ceremonies, Salomon Elite Sprints, and the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie will still be held on Main Street in Hayward on Thursday, Feb. 21. The Salomon Elite Sprints will be a roller ski event, and the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie will be a walk/run event. Races continue on Friday, Feb. 22 with the Junior Birkie and the Chequamegon Telephone 10K held at Telemark Resort in Cable.
ABSF board of director Jane Bidwell says the changes are a positive decision based on current conditions. "As it stands right now, we can hold a safe and quality event to at least 'OO' at 25K," Bidwell said. "I would say 90 percent of the trail is spectacular skiing. It's just a few of the hills that are causing us concern. If we can solve those problems, we will continue the race to 45K at Duffy's Field."
Executive Director Cherie Morgan said festivities will continue on race day with food, music and a festive atmosphere on Main Street. Morgan notes that conditions remain good on the Birkie and Kortelopet trails. Colder temperatures and light snow flurries in January and early February have meant skiers have been able to train on the Birkie trail. In fact, two races were held the weekend of February 8 and 9 with 900 racers skiing the pre-Birkie and 200 racers skiing the North End Classic. Racers reported good, fast conditions on the Birkie trail.
While Old Man Winter keeps race officials and skiers guessing as to race day conditions, one thing is certain: nearly 8,000 skiers and 20,000 spectators will descend on the communities of Hayward and Cable, Wis. for race week festivities from Thursday, Feb. 21 through Saturday, Feb. 23.
2002 Olympics: Day Six Report - Men's XC 10km classic/10km skate Same-Day Pursuit
Johann Has His Fiesta Grande Super-Sized
SpainÕs lazer-guided, built-for-speed, turbo-powered (you get the idea) XC superstar Johann Muehlegg did it again on Thursday once again turning a phenomenal Olympic field - and a wicked tough race course - into his own private Grande Fiesta. Muehlegg won the Olympic menÕs same-day pursuit today by blasting the fastest classic 10km time in the morning (26:07...13 seconds up on Norwegian Frode Estil) and then pulverized the afternoon 10km skate to the tune of a final victory in 49:20. The final winning margin of 28.5 seconds does little to indicate how thoroughly Muehlegg put a whipping on the field since the Espana Express literally stopped in the stadium to grab a Spanish flag and skied the final straightaway parading his adopted nationÕs banner to the line.
Lest anyone think the dayÕs story would be done there...once it was established early in the pursuit that there would be no catching Muehlegg out in front, Estil (silver medalist in the 30km classic Monday) found himself quickly swallowed by no less than nine skiers over the course of the first of two five 5km laps. Among those nine was the incredible skating blitz being put on by EstilÕs Norwegian teammate Thomas Alsgaard. Alsgaard, a non-player in the 30km and the 16th best skier in the classic 10km today, had few believing he could come back after giving Estil 36 seconds to the silver and another Norwegian teammate Anders Aukland 16 seconds to the bronze. With the sheer depth of the menÕs field, little hope seemed to be there for a guy that looked to be struggling with form. Once again Alsgaard took it to eleven at the darkest of moments of a major pursuit race. Does this guy love the spotlight or what?
Cruising through the chase packs toiling behind Muehlegg, Alsgaard (who would post the fastest skate time of the day...yep, faster than even Muehlegg) suddenly found himself in the front chase pack at the end of lap number one and from then on it was a race the lanky dude loves. Tons of moving and shaking took place over the next five kilometers but little significant...or at least successful...moves took place until the second time up HermodÕs. With another great crowd screaming at full throat, Italian Georgio di Centa made a bold play around Alsgaard (conveniently positioned in the front of the silver/bronze pack) that instantly accelerated the pace and stretched everyone to the hilt. Although he had the lead all the way up to the top of the hill and di Centa still had pace coming off the top, Alsgaard, Estil, and SwedenÕs Per Elofsson (a quiet but significant player in the chase 10 all afternoon) would not be denied hanging with the Italian down the final big DH, in/out of the horseshoe hill and through the first stadium straight. On the final stadium turn, Team Norge finally had a reason to go fully nuts in this Olympics as Estil and Alsgaard separated from di Centa and Elofsson and put on a magnificent show down the stretch. At the line Alsgaard went into his patented Alsgaard leg stretch (he can basically touch Nevada when he does this) but amazingly EstilÕs toe was right with him. A photo finish had the jury in a lather for an extended period but in the end a tie was declared between the teammates! (The photo of the finish is, without doubt, going to make it around the world very shortly, but sitting here looking at an early photo copy you simply cannot believe how close this stretch was. This makes AlsgaardÕs stretches at the 1998 Olympics versus Daehlie and 1999 World Championships versus AustriaÕs Hoffman look like runaways. Both guys completely flat out with toes even. Unreal.) The final result behind Muehlegg...Alsgaard/Estil (+:28.5), Elofsson (+:32.5), di Centa (+:33.4).
For those wondering, word at the press conference was that a tie has never happened before in an Olympic XC race for any medal. Just your average day in the Wasatch Range.
And it still keeps getting better! Go back another five places behind the first chase group and you would find the young presence of one American by the name of Kris Freeman having a fantastic day. The New Hampshire native had a great classic morning but the question of the day was whether he could hang in there given the chaos and pace of the skate pursuit. The answer? Affirmative Captain. Freeman not only answered the early challenge, but used the rush of second fastest skater Italian Pietro Piller Cottrer (who moved from 23rd in the classic to 7th in the end of the skate) to help boot up the zip disk. Freeman moved up...yeah, you got that...UP in the standings over the first lap, and found himself climbing the staircase series of monster hills on lap two in fifteenth position. Despite a game chase effort behind him by a mini pack of up to five skiers, at the line Freeman had 15th nailed down for a tie for the 6th best-ever American Olympic XC finish ever (tied with Richard ParsonsÕ 1932 50km effort..yeah, that year ainÕt a misprint folks!). John Bauer started right behind Freeman but such was the pace of the youngster that BauerÕs outstanding 20th pursuit place finish seemed like further back than it really was. Patrick Weaver was caught on the skate by teammate Justin Wadsworth and the two finished 44th (Wadsworth moving up from 54 in the classic) and 47th (Weaver sliding from 36th in the classic).
After an extended mugging by the international broadcast media in the finish area, todayÕs press conference basically turned into a quick photo op with no open questions allowed before the boys had to rush off for post-race doping control.
Muehlegg: "I wasnÕt totally sure the classic race was going to go as well as it did. There is always a risk in waxing and the weather made things very difficult today. But my service team did some good experiments in last yearÕs World Cup races and I ended up having good skis on both legs. I have to say thanks to the technical guys. We are a small team and to do so well is a credit to their efforts. I think today I was a success because of hard work. I know IÕm not the best skier or sprinter, but I have a good motor and with these hard hills, the altitude, and firm tracks I can do well. It's quite warm, but cold or warm, the track must be hard because I am heavier than the others. You know I've won every distance race in the United States that I've entered so I hope I can come here more in the future! I started very fast in the afternoon because you must start really tough to win these races. It wasnÕt easy...I knew with lots of skiers behind they could ski together so my tactic was to take it out hard and keep pushing it. IÕm really happy."
When did he think he had it won? ŅWhen I passed the stadium the first time I thought it was finished and that I had won.Ó (Ouch)
What about a win in the 50km? (Muehlegg will not do the sprint and will likely not have a relay team although we do not know for sure.)
ŅI donÕt know about the 50km. It will be very difficult for me. The King of Spain just called me with congratulations and after the last victory on Saturday I was up until 2:30am with everything going on afterwards. With all this happening it is not easy to prepare for a 50km. I hope to have a grande fiesta for this victory and also have a good 50km...but it will not be easy. IÕve already had my big successes here. Of course the tracks are here might make it possible to do well so weÕll see.
Estil as he looks at the photocopy of the stretch finish...ÓI need to start stretching to get my leg out further (smiles). IÕm so tight in my hamstrings, the picture shows how little I can stretch my legs compared to Thomas. The team physio therapist teased me after a Norwegian championship race recently because I lost a sprint there also due to the same thing. IÕm very happy I didnÕt lose silver because of it.Ó
Estil continues: ŅI felt strong in the last uphill. Elofsson made a gap ahead of me but I felt strong and calm behind him and I knew I had a chance in the last quick uphill cause IÕm quite fast in those short hills. I had more speed in the stadium to slip stream on last curve. Knew I had a chance to win the sprint even though Thomas is so fast. Early in the sprint, though, I didnÕt see Thomas come up on my side. I thought I had full control of silver, quite surprised to see him there but we battled and ended up tied. I am very surprised myself at this finish. I am much better in classic but I have improved this season in skating. At the end it was so close, we were just flying. We knew we couldn't catch Muehlegg so the race was on for silver.Ņ
Asked about having two Norwegians on the podium after his lone medal thus far for the number one men's team Estil showed not only class but true team ethos..."It's good but it is better that Thomas is in good shape because we need him in the last leg of the relay."
Alsgaard talking about his poor classic race and phenomenal pursuit...ÓAs usual I always start too far behind in the pursuit. Just like Nagano (he was 5th in the classic and 1st in the pursuit vs. Daehlie) and the 1999 Ramsau Worlds (14th in the classic, 1st in the pursuit), thereÕs something about me in pursuit races. The second part makes me go even when I struggle in the first part...I donÕt know why. In the stadium I actually expected someone to pass me from behind. IÕm very glad it was just Frode and me and the end. IÕm a good sprinter but IÕve said many times it doesnÕt matter if you are fast...it comes down to has best legs at finish. I was very tired after making up so much time over the pursuit and I had to fight harder than ever before to catch Frode in the end. My body dealt better with the altitude today but I still donÕt know what makes it go up and down. All I can do is to hope my body will allow me to go on a given day and hopefully I can do even better things the rest of the Olympics.Ó
For the U.S. boys it was another stellar day at the office only slightly less spectacular in an historical sense than Monday's 15km.
Freeman: "I wasn't going to do anything stupid out there. I let the guys pass me, and then I passed them. But it was kind of cat-and-mouse the whole way. The hometown crowd is great. There's nothing like racing for your country at home. The cheering gives you a boost on that last hill when everything hurts. Coming into the Games I was hoping and praying for a top 30...in my heart I wanted a top 20. Now I have something even better."
Bauer: "Training and racing here the past couple years was a huge amount of help. You've got a nice advantage when you've been training at an Olympic site for two years. I'm pleased with how things have gone. This is where I wanted to be all along. It's where I belong. I just wanted to be in these places a few years ago. The great thing is that I'm going to be one of those athletes that has their best year, the last year they compete at the top level. That's something special."
Although Wadsworth said in the finish Ņanything had to be better than this morningÓ, his skate effort was quite notable coming in 24th best of the day. Considering how far back he started and his lack of Ņquality ridesÓ, thatÕs not a bad afternoon at the office by any means. Of course FreemanÕs time had to be fast ...and it was (16th)...and Bauer clocked the 26th best skate time.
Thus far in the Games the American men have logged six top 25 finishes and two top 15's on final result sheets (and 4 more top 25's on leg times in the separate ends of the same-day)...a positive trend that could very well continue into the sprints, relay, and 50km. Perhaps more important than the actual results is that no less than three different U.S. men have led the way each race day thus far (Andrew Johnson, Bauer, Freeman)...great help un-looked for has come from Patrick Weaver...Justin Wadsworth looks like he's back on the saddle...and the speed duo of Carl Swenson and Torin Koos are rested and ready for the sprints. In-ter-est-ing.
U.S. Coach Christer Skog again was pleased with the performance of the men's team and wasn't afraid to look ahead to Sunday's relay. "We have six guys that are really skiing well which is fantastic. This really gives us hope for the relay. The key is to put the right guy in the right leg to have the best possible team. That's the tricky part. A good day will put us in the top six."
Asked about what happens if the American men had a perfect day the Swedish native smiled and replied: "Here in America you all remember the 1980 hockey team and the 'miracle on ice'. Well, a perfect day for us can be a 'miracle on snow'. It is possible."
Did Skog find it amazing that Alsgaard pulled off the amazing comeback again...albeit for a silver? "No, I'm not surprised at all. He probably thought it was fun to do that. He struggles with his motivation so much that something like today is perfect for him. I think Alsgaard's best chance for gold is going to come in the sprint."
Random notes....
- xcskiworld.com once again ran into Norwegian legend Vegard Ulvang between the two legs today and the 1992 triple gold medalist downplayed any hope for Estil and Aukland in the skate pursuit. "They are very strong in classic but it will be very hard in the skate. It can happen but it will be tough." Interesting enough, no mention was made of Alsgaard which may or may not indicate that even the Norwegian staff was stunned by "Dr. Smooth's" sudden reversal of fortune.
- xcskiworld.com also ran into another Norwegian legend between legs today...this one the notable presence of Mr. Bjorn Daehlie and asked the all-time XC champion what was on his mind..."Soldier Hollow is a fantastic facility. Everything you could ask. It was my dream and goal to compete here to end my career so, yes, it does hurt a little not to be out there racing. But it is also nice to be a spectator."
Daehlie won his first World Cup race in December 1989 about 25 minutes west of Soldier Hollow at the Mountain Dell golf course just off I-80. We asked him if he had returned to the venue and what his reflections were about the past 13 years. "I did have a chance to look at Mountain Dell earlier in the Games and it did bring back a lot of memories. I was very young then so it was a special time for me. Since then there have been many tremendous years and much hard work. It has been a wonderful life in skiing."
Asked about his relationship with several of the XC athletes such as Philip Boit from Kenya who are finishing up to 19 minutes behind skiers like Muehlegg in a 10km Daehlie said: "I first met Philip in Norway and I've always been impressed by how hard those guys work. They really put in an effort despite great odds in this sport, limited support, little snow time, etc.. I feel those guys in back are part of the Olympic movement and it is important that they be allowed and encouraged to compete here. There are practical considerations which have made it easier to have them take part. In a race like today they are structuring the start list so that these slower skiers are starting after the fastest skiers so they do not disturb the race for the gold medalist. They also limit the pursuit to the top 60 skiers which means their day is just the 10km. This is very important so that they can compete but they do not interfere with the best."
- Attendance continues to be very strong at Soldier Hollow with daily estimates ranging from 9000-12,000 fans walking in the gate for XC and biathlon events. Word on the street down in Salt Lake City is that the races up here have suddenly become "the place to be" even for folks that have zero background in Nordic sports. A great trend one can only hope will continue well past the Games!
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Tomorrow: Women's Same-Day Pursuit But Combined A Question Mark
Friday will offer up another same-day pursuit with the women getting the nod in a 5km classic/5km freestyle battle royal. The favorite list is a familiar parade with the big Russian names all up there plus Italian Belmondo, Czech Neumannova, and the wild card being Norwegian Bente Skari...can she skate well enough? But the dark horse much of the Soldier Hollow crowd will be rooting for will be Canadian Beckie Scott who has a (very) legitimate shot in both the pursuit and sprint events of improving on her sixth place in Monday's 10km. It's also a good bet that top U.S. women Nina Kemppel and Wendy Wagner will be looking to improve their Monday results.
