Toko US XC Nationals Skate Sprint Report
Mon, Jan 6, 2014 - By Ian Harvey
US XC Nationals Skate Sprint Report
Air temperatures were around 1F at 8am (I say around as the temperature can vary greatly depending on where one measures it). The snow was similar to yesterday - semi-transformed, staying dry, fast. Despite temperatures warming up to the mid 20s (in the shade), the snow didn't change much. We went with LF Blue/LF Black mix, HF Blue/Xcold powder mix, and covered it all with the same wax as yesterday HB004 powder. JS Blue also tested very well this afternoon before the sprints. At that point, a good thing to do would be to rub and polish the JS Blue on top of the HB004 powder that may have already been on the skis.
The weather and conditions made for a glorious day of racing and spectating. The most common topic of discussion seemed to be what an amazing venue Soldier Hollow is. Hats off to the volunteers, the organizers, the Soldier Hollow crew who spent so many hours making and distributing our snow, and of course to Mother Nature for the weather!
US Nationals 2014 Skate Sprint
All athletes shown are affiliated with Toko
Men's Podium: 1-3 Torin Koos, Ben Saxton, Reese Hanneman
Women's Podium: 1-3 Jennie Bender, Caitlin Gregg, Rosie Brennan
Torin leading the pack in the A final
Torin Koos with another US National title
Jennie Bender - obviously a very fast finisher winning another US National Sprint!
Rose Kemp, Sun Valley Elite Team
Reese Hanneman with 2 podiums in 2 days
Eric Packer, Stratton T2 Team
Patrick OBrien, Craftsbury Green Team
Sam Naney, Methow Olympic Development
Miles Havlick, Sun Valley Elite
Kate Fitzgerald, APU (Gloves only)
Matt Gelso, Sun Valley Elite
Erika Flowers, Stratton T2 Team
Dakota Blackhorse Von Jess, Bend Endurance Academy (Gloves only)
Caitlin Gregg, Team Gregg
Rosie Brennan, APU
Ben Saxton, Stratton T2 Team (Wax and Tools only)