Factory Team Skiers Coming to Noquemanon

Sun, Jan  20, 2008 - By Factory Team

The Factory Team, North America’s premier cross-country ski team, is comprised of 11 champion athletes, including six Olympians. Factory Team athletes have been winners of America’s premier marathon series’ (FIS, ASM, GASC) 13 years in a row. Their mission is to use the exposure that our unparalleled racing success brings to show America’s snowbound populace how cross-country skiing can maximize their enjoyment of winter. They accomplish this by being the source of cross-country skiing imagery, information, inspiration, education, motivation, tools, and support for all facets of cross country skiing.

Factory Team members look forward to the Noquemanon each year with goals of continuing their domination of the featured classic event. Factory Team skiers have dominated the race since 2002 – with 6 consecutive victories on the men’s side and 5 of 6 victories since 2002 on the women’s side. Kristina Strandberg, who won the event last in 2007 returns this year to re-claim her title. Joining her is international star Andrey Golavko, from Kazakhstan, skiing his first Noque.

Kristina Strandberg the 2005, 06, 07 FIS Marathon Cup champion sets her sights on the overall SuperTour title this year. A NCAA Champion who grew up in Sweden came to the United States to go to school at the University of New Mexico. After four years of skiing with the Lobos she decided to extend her stay and pursue a graduate degree. As has been the case with many Factory Team athletes over the years, Kristina was able to balance school and skiing for many years.

Kristina now calls Bend, Oregon home, and has started training with XC Oregon over the past summer and fall. This move to Bend was a distinct change for Kristina from balancing a full schedule of school, graduate assistantships, and training to a life that is focused on training. She is very confident that this change in lifestyle is what she needed at this point in her life, and is anxious to see how this new focus on fitness will pay off. Kristina’s 50-second victory in the seasons opening Classic SuperTour and second place finish at US National Championship 10 km Classic allows her to stake claim as one of the best American based classic skier. She is the 2007 Noquemanon Champion.

Andrey Golovko is new to the Factory Team. A two-time Olympian and long time veteran of the Kazakhstan National Team, Andrey is racing on the Factory Team “to see America.” With top 20 results at the World Championships and Olympics Golovko should be a new and consistent face on the podium this season. Two podium appearances at the US Championships within his first week in the states made everyone take notice. His goals include SuperTour victories, the FIS NA Marathon Cup title an American Birkebeiner podium while seeing the best ski trails throughout America.

Cross-country skiing is widely recognized as one of the healthiest activities – winter or summer. The motion of cross-country skiing is non-jarring and easy on the joints. Because cross-country skiing uses every major muscle group, it tones the whole body and is an excellent way to burn fat and work the cardiovascular system. For those who see snow as a curse, cross-country skiing can help you see that it is a blessing. Exercising may be a chore, but cross-country skiing is an adventure.

Without skis, snow is something you shovel. With skis, snow is something you glide on. Wouldn’t you rather glide than shovel? Enjoy winter with the Factory Team! Visit www.enjoywinter.com , sign up for SkiPost and let the Factory Team help you glide through winter.

For more information on the Factory Team visit www.enjoywinter.com and contact Andrew Gerlach,
406-585-2660 [email protected].