January 14, 2006

The World Cup competitions in Val di Fiemme today were the only chance for Australian cross country skiers to qualify for the Torino mass start freestyle events. Clare-Louise Brumley stuck her hand up to be counted for the women's event, finishing 40th out of 61 in the 15km. Unfortunately Ben Derrick and Katherine Calder missed out; BD finished 70th out of 74 in a very tough men's 30km freestyle, and KT a non-finisher in the 15km.

Clare Louise was in last place after the first 500m in the 15km, however as per usual picked up the pace as the race progressed. After the first 3.75km lap she was in 50th; after 7.5km 42nd; then she had to fight hard over the second half of the race to pick up the next two spots. The end result of 40th is possibly the best ever distance World Cup result for an Australian female cross country skier, and bodes well for form coming into the Olympics next month. Clare-Louise is now qualified (under the "C Criteria") for both the Pursuit and 30km Freestule events for Torino.

After the start list came out a good result in the men's 30km was always going to be a big ask for BD. No weaker nations/athletes contended this 30km world cup, and all the other competitors including the national group skiers had average FIS points under 75. With the race of his life BD might have been able to stay in one of the larger groups - however this was not to be the day, and after 7.5km the race became a solo one. While BD's chances in the Pursuit are generally less than in the 30km Freestyle event, he will race the World Cup next weekend in Oberstdorf just in case he pulls some incredible classic form out of nowhere. BD will be joined for the men's Pursuit in Oberstdorf by Ben Sim, who is also racing tomorrow in Slovakia after being sick for the first week of January.

For KT this season has just been a nightmare. Sick again at the end of December after some signs of form on Swiss Cup, a good result on this weekend was a lottery. After losing contact with the back of the pack after the first lap, KT withdrew from today's race, and probably from all contention for this year's olympic selection. On last season's form she would have been a definite contender; however this season she just hasn't been close, due most likely to her major shoulder injury in July. At this stage it is unlikely that KT will start in Oberstdorf next weekend.

Next races/reports? Maybe after the Fischen night sprint mid-week? Unless the Aussie guys racing in Sweden write something worth publishing after their marathon tomorrow.
 

Courtesy of XC Files