With World Cup starts ahead of him, U.S. classic sprint champion Eric Packer talks about his successes this season and how he overcame a scary setback last June. "Everyone has to deal with adversity, what matters is how you respond," he explained.
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Tad Elliott
Crossing Off the List: Anne Hart, Paddy Caldwell Top Craftsbury SuperTour 5/10 k Freestyle
Gabby NaranjaFebruary 9, 2016
In the SuperTour 5 /10 k freestyle events this past Saturday held in Craftsbury, Vt., Anne Hart beat out Chelsea Holmes by less than three seconds for first, and Paddy Caldwell achieved his first victory of the season. "It was my first ever SuperTour win, so it's nice to cross that off the list,” Hart explained.
What's the hardest workout Tad Elliott did before winning the 30 k freestyle mass start at U.S. nationals? The Crumble Workout. It involves all-out intervals and reduced rest in between. The goal: to blow up on the last or second-to-last interval.
Tad Elliott has been through a lot the last couple years. Every day, he said he questioned whether he'd make it back to the top. One of his supporters, Fast Big Dog interviewed Elliott about his recovery from illness and path back to a national title.
Elliott’s Still Got It, Wins Fourth National Title in 30 k Freestyle
Kaitlyn PattersonJanuary 7, 2016
Although Tad Elliott’s name may have been missing from the top of U.S. results recently, at U.S. nationals on Thursday, the former U.S. Ski Team member showed he has what it takes to win races: and did so by nearly 10 seconds in the men's 30 k freestyle mass start.
There are workouts where you finish battered and beaten, muscles packed with lactate. And then, there are days when you just go out and ride your bike. Unlike some of the more painful sessions one might do on foot or in the gym, former U.S. Ski Team member Tad Elliott calls this road ride a “free workout” — its psychological toll is minimal.
Babikov, Gregg Ski to 50/30 k Victories at U.S. Distance Nationals (Updated)
Lander KarathMarch 26, 2015
Thursday's SuperTour Finals action welcomed the 30 and 50 k U.S. Distance Nationals, where Canada's Ivan Babikov won over Colorado's Rune Malo Ødegård and USST/SSCV's Noah Hoffman, who claimed the title of national champion. Caitlin Gregg (Team Gregg/Madshus) won the 30 k by just under three minutes over USST/Burke's Liz Stephen.
Brooks Wins Second Birkie; Bonaldi Takes Men’s Race in Dramatic Finish
Colin GaiserFebruary 21, 2015
The 2015 American Birkebeiner 51 k freestyle marathon on Saturday offered no shortage of excitement, as Italy's Segio Bonaldi outsprinted three French skiers to win his second Birkie by half a second. American Holly Brooks used a hard push in the final kilometers to collect her second Birkie title as well.
2015 American Birkebeiner Preview: Bridges, Brooks and More
Vince RosettaFebruary 20, 2015
There will be several things to keep an eye on during this year's 42nd American Birkebeiner, including top competitors, like two-time U.S. Olympian Holly Brooks, and a brand-new bridge just a few kilometers from the finish. Watch it live and follow our post-race coverage.
NMU’s Bratrud Busts Out U.S. Nationals 15 k Skate Victory, 50 Seconds Over Freeman
Alex KochonJanuary 4, 2015
Heads turned and ears perked up alongside the course at U.S. Cross Country Championships on Sunday as Kyle Bratrud was rumored to be leading the men's 15 k freestyle individual start. In fact, the Northern Michigan senior led from start to finish, and ended up winning for his first top 20 at nationals.
Saturday's 10/15 k freestyle individual starts marked the final day of racing in the SuperTour opener in West Yellowstone, Mont. In the men's race it was a game of strategy which ultimately favored Matt Gelso (SVSEF), who won the race by 9.6 seconds of Brian Gregg (Team Gregg/Madshus).
Team HomeGrown, with Hoffman, Elliott, Now SSCV Elite; Focus Shifts to Juniors
Alex KochonNovember 6, 2014
With two seniors and two postgrads on its elite team this year, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail decided to drop the name "HomeGrown" and call them the SSCV Elite, while spending more time and resources on junior development in Colorado.
West Yellowstone SuperTour Men’s 15 k (Photo Gallery)
Alex KochonDecember 1, 2013
A look at the top 10 and some other men in Saturday's 15-kilometer freestyle individual start -- the second and last race of the West Yellowstone SuperTour.
Pre-SuperTour, Thanksgiving Day Video
Alex KochonNovember 28, 2013
Some of the most competitive skiers in the U.S. SuperTour circuit give thanks and express appreciation for friends and family before, during and after their Thanksgiving ski sessions in West Yellowstone, Mont., one day before the SuperTour opens there on Friday.
‘Train Like A Birkie’ Camp Timed for Fat Tire Bike Festival, with Elliott Back in Town
Alex KochonAugust 9, 2013
Tad Elliott's headed back to Wisconsin for another "Train Like A Birkie Champion" camp, this time with his mountain bike. Organizer Bill Pierce added a mountain-bike component to this year's three-day camp (Sept. 6-8) to appease Elliott and all the citizens/masters that train for more than just the Birkie. Pierce is also hoping to raise $4,000 for the Birkie Skier Development Fund.
You probably know the players, the four main guys that make up SSCV/Team HomeGrown, but here's the scoop on what they're up to and what each is aiming for in the lead up to Sochi.
Just over a week ago, Tad Elliott heard the news he had an inkling was coming: he was not re-nominated to the U.S. Ski Team. With two seasons of international skiing behind him, he's decided to keep on the nordic path while renewing his other passion, mountain biking.
When it comes to 50 k's, not many skiers in the U.S. can match Kris Freeman when he's on form. The 32-year-old claimed his third consecutive U.S. distance title on Thursday, beating a tenacious Andy Newell and Einar Ulsund in the last lap of a warm, sloppy 50 k mass start classic at Royal Gorge.
Bjornsen Digs Deep, Bests Freeman in Hill Climb for First SuperTour Finals Title
Alex KochonApril 8, 2013
Erik Bjornsen thought he was done for. The 21-year-old U.S. Ski Team and APU skier had gone out too hard, too early in Monday’s 6 k freestyle hill climb before the real ascent up Sugar Bowl Resort even started. Somehow, he found at least three more gears and beat Kris Freeman to the top for his first SuperTour Finals title.
In their last races of the season, several top skiers had plenty to say in the first three races at SuperTour Finals. Here are some of the best quotes that didn't make it into the race reports.