Norway  puts its economic might on display in Planica to dismay of other nations

Norway puts its economic might on display in Planica to dismay of other nations

Leaders, Money & Finance
"...at the entrance to the ( Planica ski) stadium, the Norwegian Skiing Association has left its mark on the arena by parking a large trailer that will delight the association's VIP guests during the championship…" Have to give a credit to Nettavisen & the rest of the Norwegian media: they didn't skip on the most interesting story of the world championships so far.   The reaction of the rest of the xcski world was pretty much summed up by the Slovenian xcski legend  Petra Majdic:    " What the hell is Norway doing? Does Norway need to make smaller ski nations even smaller? Fair enough that they can afford to pay 6,000 euros to park here for their sponsors, but the cross-country skiing needs now more than ever that there…
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The BLINK Skifestival is back in full strength this year after last two  editions hampered but not broken by COVID

The BLINK Skifestival is back in full strength this year after last two editions hampered but not broken by COVID

Leaders, Newsfeed
The BLINK at the beginning of August is one of those rare stories worth talking about, year after year. Why do we at The Daily Skier pay so much attention to it? Because the competition is evolving, growing in strength, getting more spectators, better sponsorship and more media attention. Because it's the world's first real fusion of xcskiig and biathlon (others are trying to imitate now) Because of its festive, celebratory atmosphere that is difficult to convey unless you are on the ground ( and if you haven't made up your mind about vacations yet, BLINK is on August 3-6 thus year!). In short, BLINK is bluntly showing what a successful cross-country skiing competition should be like, narrow skis or those wheeled. We talked to Arne Idlamd, the guy created…
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How much does it actually cost to prepare an Olympic champion? We talk to the man in the know

How much does it actually cost to prepare an Olympic champion? We talk to the man in the know

Money & Finance, Newsfeed
Markus Cramer needs no introduction. A "doyen du corps" of the international cross country skiing coaches " guild", the German specialist had a great career spanning decades with different national teams, Olympic gold medals under his belt and is currently at his 6th Winter Olympic Games. Who would be better placed to talk about the simple yet complicated for many question: How much does it cost to prepare an athlete who has a chance to win medal at the Olympics? "... Ah, it depends on many, many factors, of course, smiles Marcus, - but if you want to be serious and count everything - a minimum 150.000 euros needs to be budgeted. Per person, per season. To win, to have a realistic chance at the Olympic gold, an athlete absolutely…
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FIS unveils rules for first-ever Mixed Team Sprint  – they are fascinating

FIS unveils rules for first-ever Mixed Team Sprint – they are fascinating

Leaders, Newsfeed
"... And Now for Something Completely Different" - that might as well be a title for the format of a brand-new mixed gender relay sprint FIS just unveiled: Qualification Teamsprint: Each athlete will individually ski one lap by interval start. The result of the qualification round will be calculated by accumulating the times of both athletes and the 20 best team will be qualified to the Final. During the Finals, each athlete of the team will alternatively ski 6 laps each in the following order Women / Man. The last 2 teams will be eliminated after lap 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Overlapping rules will apply. No physical contact between the competitors is required for the exchange. Wow. Almost a revolution in one of the most traditional sports on the…
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Evgeniya Krupitskaya: No Haters Writing To Me  – Definite Sign I’m No Star Yet

Evgeniya Krupitskaya: No Haters Writing To Me – Definite Sign I’m No Star Yet

Leaders, Newsfeed
Nobody had more meteoric rise last season than an 18 year old teenager from Saint Petersburg. Six months ago even the best informed specialists likely haven't heard the name. Unlike other brilliant Juniors, Helene Fossesholm and Veronika Stepanova, who were on the radar for the last couple of years, Evgeniya Krupitskaya, who is year younger, came seemingly from nowhere. But she is surely there to stay: two silver medals at the Junior World Championships plus a 4th place ( a third medal was very close!), a successful debut in the World Cup in Engadin and very respectful performance at the Russian Nationals. We spoke to the " world hottest" junior after her season's end I'm not the " biggest junior prospect in the world" - that's more of my goal…
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