HURT skis at Empires

Despite focus of HURT on the upcoming Championship weekend in Day, NY, many of the HURT faithful used the perennial Empire State Games as a final tuneup before the end of season throw down. Even though all members of the team have had the same end of season focus there is a great deal of individuality about the training/tapering and racing goals leading into the championship race. For the team director, it was a final opportunity for him to see his guys in action as he plans his relay teams. We caught up with a few of the HURT skiers to ask them about their goals and purpose for racing Empires:

Tetlow: Well I just really want a skate tuneup...champs is skate so I am only in for day 1...besides, Schenectady has neither snow or hills and Placid has both.

MDH: WHAT?!!!...Tetlows only skiing day 1....screw this...I'll take my silver medal in the skate race and going home.

Yarsevich: Wait? Champs is a skate race? Quite frankly I'd rather dominate this classic race and get all the hardware. IM ALL IN!!! Champs can wait. (2nd place Pursuit)

Kvam: Is this how you ski? I can't remember....help!

Matt T: Nobody had been paying any attention to me all season...SURPRISE!!! its statement weekend baby! (3rd place Masters Skate, 4th place pursuit)

Diehl: I'm 50+ and still a classic skiing MACHINE...watch this! (1st place Masters)

Stong Performances were also turned in by A. Huneck, E. Huneck, The Director, The Queen, T. Huneck, Burt, Clarke, Matti Tornianen, A. Luban, E. Luban, Timmerman, and Halligan. All are ready to show they are going to be in top form for next weekend.

Top teams also showed up in Lake Placid this weekend and showed some of their hands. Team Director was there to take notes and plan a strategy for domination. After the races we asked A. Huneck about his impressions of the field.

A: "No surprise that if Dr. Douglas shows up the field is toast. Unless he is forced to ski backwards. Then at least there will be a final sprint. Rochester will come in force and bring a well rested and talented squad. Glenville has some skiers but they are a young team that lacks depth. Seyse is on good form but has been a racing fanatic and 21K may feel very long for him. Santor's been skiing very strong and what's even more of a concern is the full backing he is receiving from the legion of doom. All chips seem to be in Santor's corner and it looks like Peru is planning to play a little "Sweden tactics" with a recovering Rose in the field. However don't count out OUR overwhelming depth in Saturdays field. It will be very interesting. I expect there to be a great deal of buildup and buzz throughout this week... Especially once the relays are set."

Q:"Do you plan to reveal the relay teams to the media?"

A: "maybe...maybe not"..."that being said...(looking away from the camera)...if you are on Team HURT and haven't registered fro the relay and intend to race get on that...thats an order!!!)

Below are top secret technique analysis photos from the Director!


























Enjoy the HURT Television coverage of the weekend.