And the winner is....

...we can't decide.

HURT nordic had some serious contenders for MVP this past weekend and the HRTnews room and group of social media posting elves need your help in picking the winner.  A case can be made for the following contenders...


1) "Brangelina" was taken so I guess we are going to have to call them "Brattamanchukbach"? Anyway....they are HURT nordic's powerhouse-couple and a couple of powerhouses.  These two tore up Lake Placid on Saturday and Sunday's JNQ's and netted top podium spots...forever having their names etched in Harry Eldridge lore.

2) For those of you that weren't there and missed it...with 45 minutes left in the Mega-Relay, Rachel Yarsevich rolled into Garnet Hill with two kids under 7 needing to get dressed for winter, bearing homemade baked goods, amidst a chorus of "are you gonna ski?" queries and...as cool and calm as Yankee's stud Ardolis Chapman...she got two kids winter-ready, skied a lap, (with time to spare) and turned certain defeat into stunning comeback in the Mixed Relay division of the Mega Relay.  The late arrival snatched a full sweep from the bloody jaws of Peru Nordic who dominated the Men's and Women's division races.  If that isn't MVP worthy, I don't know what is. 

3) She has brought loads of championship gene contributions to the HURT team and now she snaps killer photos.  Her photography jumps off the screen and....I am just gonna say it....damn, she just makes us look good!!! Kristin Halligan and her growing photo business are now on hand to show you the best of our team in true MVP style.  Check out her stuff and use her for all you snazzy photo needs!

So there are our top three nominations for weekend MVP.  What's your vote? Do you have another nominee?  How about those coaches stuck in the trenches battling changing conditions and icing kick wax on Saturday?  Should they get the nod?  How about an MVP for "resilience" in our athletes who battled it out for precious JN points when the going got tough?  How about a vote for coaches Huneck and Halligan for getting the waxing done, and using "coaches training" to post strong results on Sunday? How about Chris Y and DPK who removed toppled trees and blow-down from Garnet Hill early on Saturday? How about the US postal service for getting top quality waxes from far flung locations to HURT coaches on a short notice?

A lot of work goes into making the wheels of the HURT machine run smooth.  From organizing and running the events, supporting athletes, driving, feeding, cheering, and making the photo memories look so good.  

A big thanks from the S.M.E.T (social media elves team) goes out to all those who had a hand in making this weekend great in HURT country.

A Rikert "warm-up" with JNQ's coming

59 degrees at 10pm Friday...8 degrees Saturday morning...1 on Sunday

Pouring rain Friday...sleet Friday night...snow Saturday...blue skis Sunday

This past weekend had it ALL for the intrepid crew who went out to Rikert for the tune-up races before the next two weekends of JN qualifying. Coach Halligan and PK battled 25 mph wind gusts, ice rain and tricky snow to give the crew slick and kickable boards during the classic sprints on Saturday and inhaled enough cold flouro powder on Sunday to last them at least a couple days. 

The pics from Kristen Halligan on Sunday show the scene.  Side note - Does any nordic skier's mom make them look as good as Kristen makes Mikey look? She takes some seriously good pictures.  #putthatinyourmothersdaycardmikey

Bryce in action

Frago gettin' after it

Brian Beyerbach skiing to 21st on Sunday

Other swaths of HURT nation spent Sunday at Saratoga Biathon Club for a skiathlon on firm fast conditions.  Chris Y, Tim H, Greg S, Eric H and Tyler K laid it down for the HURT squad and kept pace in the NYSSRA points series.  With home-race advantage at the Mega-Relay next Saturday and big junior weekends in Lake Placid and Rochester coming up, HURT looks poised to once again stamp their dominance in the NYSSRA points competition. 

A great week of weather is coming with snow in the forecast and real nice skiing temps on the weekend.  We hope you get in some of the action this weekend!

Out of the deep freeze, into the heat.

The race season is heating up just as the temps get a major bump.  Now that you have crawled out of fetal position after skiing in the -36F temps of the weekend, take a look at the upcoming events (and event changes) that January has in store for you.

This weekend you've got three great options for racing. Rikert is hosting two days of NENSA Eastern Cup action with a classic sprint on Satuday and freestyle 5K/10K on Sunday.  HURT coaches will be on hand to wax world class boards. 

The weekend also features two great NYSSRA events at Saratoga Biathlon club: The Shenendehowa Classic race and the GHN-ADK skiathlon.  Both should be stellar races and details and registration can be found on skireg. 

So....either book a place in Middlebury, VT or head over to Day, NY this weekend.  The racing will be stellar. 

And plan on spending the evening on your ical....

Here is what's comin'

JNQ, JNQ, JNQ, JNQ.....and Mega racing at Garnet Hill.

Lake Placid and Rochester are hosting back-to-back JNQ weekends for juniors looking to make their way to Soho for JN's, Maine for EHSC, or Gore for U16's.  The race will be fast and furious as Mid-A has never looked so deep and stacked with podium potential.  With the Gore cancellations the JN qualification route has changed. Be sure you read here to know what is going on. Again, HURT coaches will have your back for fast boards so if you are a junior looking for support, reach out to us. 

For those less JN inclined.....we have you covered too. 

Saturday, January 20th we are hosting the fan-favorite MEGA-RELAY at Garnet Hill.  Garnet Hill has never been better and new ownership has the place vying for the top destination in the region for great skiing.  If you haven't been there recently, shame. on. you. Make up for it by spending a day at the Mega-Relay.  It is also the race with the race with killer prize packs that will feature Barkeater Chocolate and Nut butters from Vermont Peanut Butter Co. As well as adult-gatorades, snacks, desserts, ski items and gift certificates. 

The HURT Laydz have yet to lose, or be challenged in the Women's division.  Will this be the year?

Saturday, January 27th come on back to Garnet Hill.  Barkeater Chocolates and HURT Nordic are bringing you the Garnet Hill Pursuit Race. Join us on January 27th for a continuous pursuit nordic ski race. The race will be a mass start race beginning with a 4.5K Classic loop followed by a 4.5K freestyle loop. The race will begin at 9:30 from the Ski Lodge. Following the conclusion of the race we there will be a 2.5K Bill Koch Youth Ski League Race. Plan to stay all afternoon for some great skiing and fine refreshments in the Garnet Hill Lodge. Garnet Hill Lodge will provide a host of prizes for race participants and great food items as well.
A 3k Try-it citizens open race is FREE with purchase of a day pass or your season pass. Competitors will Walk away with great prizes from Barkeater Chocolates in North Creek as well as other great prizes from the companies that sponsor and support HURT.

And that takes you to February.

So you will be busy.

See you there!