The weather and ski conditions for this year’s Boulder Mountain Tour were pretty much as according to the weather forecast. A few inches of new snow, race time temperature of around 22 Fahrenheit and low to medium humidity. The (relatively) low humidity made for slower “than hoped for skiing†and makes it harder to see progress from your fastest previous year’s results conditions and this year’s race for those who look at those things. Have in mind that the elite skiers skied a lot slower than last year as well, when you view your results. If the top guys skied 12 minutes slower and you are not among them you should (percent vice) add more than 12 minutes to your last year’s time when making comparisons. You have made lots of progress if you for example only skied 12-18 minutes slower than last year!
Some Highlights
Men:
Nathan Schultz (finally) won the men’s race after having placed in the top six numerous times. He showed that patience pays off.
Justin Wadsworth lost the battle for first by 1 foot. Justin retired from ski racing after last season to focus on adventure racing. Atomic skis convinced Justin to appear in four races this season. This was Justin seconds race of the year and it shows that you shouldn’t underestimate experience — retired or not. Justin and Nathan simply skied away from the “pack†— that was strong, given the conditions.
 placed 7th overall and showed who’s the fittest in that age category in the country. Race him at the upcoming Birkie or World Masters in Lillehammer, Norway if you don’t believe me.<br />
Randy Beckner (age 51) was 30th overall. I’m curios to see where he will place in this age group at the upcoming Birke — pretty well is my guess. </p>
<p>Women<br />
<B>Rebecca Dussault</B> won the women’s race convincingly. She (easily) skied away from the entire field but I wonder if this is the type of racing that she needs to do in order to get sharp and ready for upcoming European World Cup racing — I don’t think so.<br />
<B>Suzanne King</B> (age 39) was second overall, and is “as tough as they comeâ€. She is an expert in exactly this race. Beating third place finisher Smigun at the end was impressive.<br />
<B>Katrin Smigun</B> was third overall. She should still be a top contender at the upcoming Birkie.<br />
Coach Grethe Lise Hagensen won a tough age 40-44, Muffy Ritz dominated age 45-49 and so did Alison Bradley in age 50-54. This trio should be high up (on the lists) in future year’s races as well. They have all raced at a high level for decades.</p>
<p><B>The Day After</B><br />
Don’t go to this race without skiing some of the numerous other great trails in this area, either a few days before the race or the day after. I choose to ski on the bike path from Sun Valley to Hailey on Sunday morning. Roughly 22 k of flat skiing with great scenery along the river. The path is groomed for both skating and classic. It’s a great recovery workout and super place to practice your V2 technique. </p>
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