Day 5 - The Relays

Odd and Bjorn take on the big hill at the Relays

Wednesday was the day for relay competition. In the relays nations compete against eachother rather than individuals competing. Like other International World Cup/Olympic events, the format involves multiple skiers from the same team skiing both classic and freestyle (skating). This event was 4 by 5KM for a total of 20KM. Each skier skis one 5KM leg. The first 2 legs are classic, and the second leg, including the 4th "anchor" leg are skating.

Odd and Bjorn were both invited to be on the relays from our group. Odd is in the M8 65-69 years, and Bjorn is in M10 75-79. They both skied the 3rd leg, which meant they skied freestyle. Both Bjorn and Odd are from Norway, and they ski on Madshus skis, like Bill and I do, which are skis made in Norway. The national rep for Madshus, Peter Hale, has been here all week, and he offered to wax skis for Bjorn and Odd. So they both have had real fast skis most of the week.

We saw Odd coming up the hill as the 2nd person in the M8 class. He was really moving fast -- the photo doesn't quite capture it -- and this was a big uphill. His team finished 2nd out of a lot of teams, which was really an outstanding result; There are fewer teams in the younger divisions, but in the 50+ age groups there are teams from USA, Canada, Italy, Norway, Russia, France and other countries.

Bjorn also had a good race. He was also skiing fast up the hill -- later he told us that he thought the hill was even bigger, and was surprised that he had reached the top up where we were cheering; surprised, but happy. Bjorn's team finished 2nd, just behind the Norwegians. Bjorn knows everyone out here, esp. other Norwegians; and he is such a good sport, congratulating the Norwegians and others that are doing well.

The Russians are doing really well. They brought 100+ skiers to McCall, and they are fast skiers. The M2 division had the fastest time; and they won several divisions. We saw the M3 guys skiing as well; The team was Rune ? originally from Norway, Dale Niggeman from Wisc, Ian Harvey, former Olympian, and Eric Jensen, a Swix rep who is skiing really fast. Ian Harvey skied the 3rd skate leg and made up over a minute of time; and then Eric Jensen passed a Russian to take home the Gold - that was a great win for the USA.

Eric, Bill and I spectated and had a fun time. I brought a bunch of stuff -- including a couple of US flags. A russian woman came over to me and pointed at my US flag and said -- "can I have flag"; she really wanted my $1.99 US Flag -- I was more than happy to oblige.

In the morning as we were suiting up to go watch the races, Eric had zipper f%@$ on one of his Alpina Skate boots that he'd need for the 45K Skate race on Friday. He couldn't get the zipper back in place and ended up finding some tape to tape the boot up. Peter Hale told him he should be able to find a pair of Madshus boots.. luckily we have a few days to figure it out.

Later we went for a 15K ski on what would be the race course for Friday. We decided to take a detour up to the high point that overlooks Lake Payette. Breathtaking! Well.. that's all for now; Thursday we have another day off to rest for the big 45K race on Friday. J.