The first annual National Training Group (NTG) camp in Park City is underway, and participants were challenged early on with the infamous Agony Hill Time Trial on the first day.
Alexa Turzian (SVSEF/CU) and Caitlin Patterson (Alaska Winter Stars/UVM) tied in the women’s race, both posting a time of 18:40. Kate Dolan (BSF/DU) finished third, 40 seconds back.
Scott Patterson (Alaska Winter Stars/UVM) edged Reid Pletcher (SVSEF/CU) by two seconds in the men’s event, clocking in at 15:00. Sylvan Ellefson (Ski and Snowboard Club of Vail) was third in 15:18.
Commented US Ski Team (USST) World Cup Coach Matt Whitcomb, “As far as today’s test goes, I’m encouraged with U.S. development. The effort was maximal without exception.”
Video of the time trial can be seen below.
Camp participants followed up the time trial with two easy distance sessions and a speed workout before getting a day off.
Whitcomb pointed out that the USST has found that the third or fourth day after travel is usually hardest on the athletes, compounding the issues of jetlag, dehydration, altitude, and training load.
Whitcomb described the off day as a “precautionary rest day that can yield very productive camps.”
Matt Gelso (SVSEF) joined the group on Monday, and USST members Andy Newell, Liz Stephen, and Noah Hoffman have participated in several workouts.
USST National Training Group Agony Time Trial
Women
1. Alexa Turzian 18:40
1. Caitlin Patterson 18:40
3. Kate Dolan 19:20
4. Sophie Caldwell 19:22
5. Rebecca Rorabaugh 19:43
Men
1. Scott Patterson 15:00
2. Reid Pletcher 15:02
3. Sylvan Ellefson 15:18
4. Erik Bjornsen 15:28
5. Andrew Dougherty 16:13
6. Rolf Figi (U of U) 16:29
7. Ben Fick (independent) 16:38
8. Tyler Kornfield 16:55
9. Sam Tarling 16:58
Topher Sabot
Topher Sabot is the editor of FasterSkier.
