Canmore, Alberta – Rumor has it that there are days when the sun does not shine in Canmore, but over the course of two World Cup weekends, we have yet to see it. Cold, hard tracks await the sprint qualifier set to start in less than an hour. The stadium is still in shadow, and the snow will remain cold for the qualifier.
Nat Herz chatted with US Coach Pat Casey. Interview below, with photos after.
![Nat getting the scoop from Pat Casey (USST)](http://images.fasterskier.com/2010/02/fs-nat.jpg" "Nat getting the scoop from Pat Casey (USST)")
One interesting note on the qualifier – according to athletes, only one track will be available on the course for the qualifier. This means no unlimited track switching (and skating in between). During the heats, the full compliment of tracks will obviously be open. While this eliminates a certain amount of decision-making, and hence strategy, from the qualifier, it should also cut down on skating. You can read FasterSkier’s course and race preview here.
![Norway testing skis - the top Norwegians are not here, but that doesn't mean they won't be battling for the podium](http://images.fasterskier.com/2010/02/fs-vidar.jpg" "Norway testing skis - the top Norwegians are not here, but that doesn't mean they won't be battling for the podium")
![More testing - the tracks on the left are on the descent into the finish stretch](http://images.fasterskier.com/2010/02/fs-track.jpg" "More testing - the tracks on the left are on the descent into the finish stretch")
