Home2004

2004 May

Communication and cooperation are key words for the New Norwegian wax team that are taking shape these days according to the new Chief of waxing, Terje Langli. Fasterskier.com covered in several articles this spring the Norwegian wax team’s struggles, in-fighting, firings and pull-outs by key personnel. Some, based upon this, will claim that neither communication nor cooperation has been the strength of the wax team the last season(s). The new chief wants to do something...

Norwegian SkiSport magazine reports that the 2004 cross country World Cup winner Rene Sommerfeldt of Germany was recently voted best Nordic athlete by European international sport journalists. “Mother and father” Liv Grete and Raphael Poiree took the Biathlon honors – Biathlon skier(s) of the year. Both also won the overall World Cup. Super kids next? Ski jumper and World Cup winner Janne Ahonen was second among the Nordic (Cross country, Nordic combined and Ski jumping)...

The final stage in the learning process called automation and variability is briefly characterized in this article. From that discussion the proper methods and aims are derived and described. Special focus is laid on practical tips, models of training sessions, and suggestions for exercises. The technique of elite athletes is stable against external and internal disruptive elements What is automation and variability? Even in unfavorable external and internal conditions such as bad tracks, wind, exhaustion,...

Gone are the days where you could go and visit former Worlds and Olympic sites and expect to find great 25 kilometer “official” championship loops in addition to a number of other options – at least if Oberstdorf, Germany – the site of the 2005 Worlds sets the new standard. The ski stadium in Reid (Oberstdorf) has only 8.5 kilometer of total trails! The stadium and trails are new and moved from where Worlds was...

Imagine the clean fresh oxygenated air, scented of pine, and snowflakes beckoning you to venture out into snow-hushed woods for play, health, fitness and adventure. No wonder nordic skiing is the top family winter activity. What does it take to get involved in the way of commitment or co$t? The answer is: next to nothing, whereas benefits are unparalleled – fresh air and fun in the snow. Before venturing into the great outdoors here are...

Fine Tuning of technique demands a specific methodological approach. We would like to demonstrate that by looking at the example of upper body work and arm movements during the technique “V1 skate”. Specific movement analyses and skilled exercises lead towards perfection of technique. The initial position represents a decisive stage of “V1 skate”. The proper initial position is characterized by its completed weight shift. This is the prerequisite for an ideal push-off and even more...

After the nordic ski racing season wraps (Michigan Cup races went through March 21 this year due to excellent late season snow), I try to get in shape to run the 5/3 (Sponsoring Bank, Fifth Third Bank, isn't that something ?) 25km River Bank Run in Grand Rapids, MI, concurrently the USATF 25km National Championship. I normally have a tough time getting my road running mileage volume up in time to add speedwork, while avoiding...

Bend, Oregon’s famous multi event race, the Pole Peddle Paddle, took place last weekend. Thousands of racers and an army of volunteers come together each May for an amazing sporting event that takes the town of Bend by storm. This race is an event that is probably not like any other you have tried. Participants range from the very serious to casual racers out for a day of fun activities. This being my very first...

Greater Experiences through specific training of skating techniques. Technical training is still a widely neglected issue. However, only the skiers who consciously deal with the skating motion and who work methodologically are able to improve their movement competence. How does technical training work? Lean back, think of a snowy day in winter, and imagine how you skate along in the V2 alternate skate: a dynamic push-off and a full arm swing. Which leg carries out...

TorbjornSport Press Release – May 19, 2004 TorbjornSport ( Technique: The CD includes basic explanations for every skating technique accompanied by video sequences of world-class athletes to get you in the mood. Concise descriptions inform you about the different techniques and when they are used. The core of the chapter features detailed analyses of the skating movements including picture sequences and explanations of the fundamental phases. Jigsaw puzzles round off the discussion and increase your...