Two Day Marathon Event

You can't spend two weeks in the mountains competing in weather-sensitive events without some delays... this is the reality, but doesn't make it any easier when things start changing. The NC team event began on schedule on Wednesday morning. Everything seemed like it was going to be smooth. Trial jump- no issue, first round- no issue. Then Bill Demong- USA's first of four jumpers in the second round- came down and had an uncharacteristically short jump. He felt like it was technically one of his best efforts but that a heavy tailwind had brought him down. All wind data is watched and recorded here and US coaches confirmed that the wind had been bad for Demong and announced their intention to protest the round. Fortunately for the US, other coaches noticed the changing conditions and didn't want to take the chance that one of their skiers would fall victim to the same bad luck. The round was cancelled and eventually restarted but deteriorating conditions through the late morning and early afternoon made it impossible to complete the second round (and leave time for the skiers to finish a 4x5km XC race in the afternoon). The decision- let the first round stand and try to get the second round in on Thursday, a schedule that, despite some indications to the contrary, was able to be maintained. In the end it was a disappointing day for Team USA as they jumped to 8th and then moved up to 7th in a field of 9 teams. One of the stronger teams in the competition- Norway- didn't even compete because 3 of their skiers were ill with symptoms ranging from scratchy throat to flu. They wanted to rest up for their last event- the sprint event (one jump on K125 and 7.5km XC) next week. Given their absence, Team USA really felt like they had a chance to medal. When I saw Bill Demong on Wednesday morning he said he was frankly disappointed to have the Norwegians pull out because he felt the US was strong enough to beat them anyway. Things can change quickly.

Todd Lodwick is one of the big names in US Nordic combined (and quite popular in Europe where the world cup events are on TV every weekend). He is planning to retire after this season and wants to go out with a bang. He's going to dress in traditional ski attire- knickers and a Norwegian sweater- to compete in one of his last events in Oslo, Norway... perhaps giving up meters and minutes on the jump and xc trail ,but forever leaving an image for the Norwegians who have admired and supported him for so many years. It should be quite a sight. I ran into Todd's parents at the team event yesterday and had a chance to catch up. It's been a grueling trip for them as public transportation has been sketchy and their 20'+ fish pole (retractable) to which they tie an American flag has been the source of many hassles from bus drivers and police. Still, though- they've managed to work it into every event site and it's a signature feature in the stands of every NC competion. Todd's mom had a gift that had been presented to her from some of Todd's European fans- a homemade 4' x 6' Todd Lodwick banner that thanked him for his years of competition.

One last story about Lars Bysteol, the Norwegian who's partying antics had put him at cross purposes with the Norwegian team. In the days that followed his gold medal performance on the K95 hill I heard of multiple Bysteol sightings in the village of Sestriere, home of the mountain athlete village. In each case Lars had his gold medal with him and was showing to anyone who wanted to see it (a gold medal tends to invite a crowd). There are at least a few people working with me at NBC who not only had a chance to see the medal but also have pictures of themselves wearing it! Somehow you picture a gold medal being secreted away to an undisclosed secure location. Not in this case. Let's hope Lars' medal makes it home with him.

On the family front- everyone showed up in brave form yesterday evening after many trains, planes and automobiles. A quick shower then dinner. Up yesterday am, then down again, then sneaking into the team NC event by showing their NBC visitor pass. A gold medal performance! Stands have been so empty for NC events that they've been happy to fill the seats. On Wednesday they gave 2,000 grammar school students the day off and brought them to the jumps where they performed admirably, cheering throughout the entire day!. If it weren't for the parents of athletes I'm not sure there would have been 100 people in the stands for the second round of jumping Thursday morning. I've been to better attended little league games.

Friday morning and snowing. Heavy rain yesterday yielded to bluebird skies which in turn fell to evening snows that have continued through the night. Forecasts call for strong winds which could put a damper on tonight's large hill qualifying event. Fingers crossed.