Some interesting news and articles, esp for Ski
Marathon-ers. Also, please enter our caption competition!
BATH TO BRISTOL – 22 APRIL
To mark the start of the summer rollerski season, we'll be doing a trip from
Bristol to Bath, along the 15 mile Sustrans cycleway which joins the two
cities. Very much a social tour, this will be a chance to meet other
rollerskiers and push yourself as you would on snow.
The trip is free, although you can hire rollerskis from us if you do not have
your own. More information at – http://www.rollersk
COURSES & CLASSES COMING UP
This Sunday we will have the latest of our classic/skating Dorney courses – see
http://www.rollersk
For intermediate / advanced skiers we have secured Alan Eason to do a Dorney
course on 25th March. Aimed at anyone who has done a beginners course at Dorney
(or elsewhere) and is happy with the basics. Alan's one of the country's
leading cross-country skiers (currently in Japan competing in the World
Championships) and has had excellent feedback as an instructor. Book also at http://www.rollersk
We have a 4-week skating course beginning 17 March, see http://www.rollersk
Our classes continue each week in Hyde Park / Richmond Park / Dorney – see http://www.rollersk
ONLINE SHOP
You can now order rollerskis online at http://www.rollersk
CHRIS RICHARDS - SKI MARATHON RACING
Chris Richards has the following advice for anyone taking on a ski marathon – http://www.rollersk
SKI MARTHONS & ENGADIN
No fewer than 120 British skiers are entered for the Swiss Engadin ski marathon
next month. For anyone taking part in the Engadin, we are going to make our
9.30 class session / club session on Saturday 3rd March a special pre-race
preparation class, so come along if you'd like some last minute practice!
Other races coming up include the Vasaloppet, Birkebeiner and Skarverenet - and
good luck if you're taking part in any of them.
Congratulations to those who have already done the Koenig Ludwig Lauf and
British Championships.
FERGUS IN NORWAY
Our instructor Fergus is currently based in Nordseter, Norway, where he's been
helping set up a cross-country ski school. He's ideally placed for anyone doing
an independent trip to the area and wanting to brush up on skills. For further
details see http://www.rollersk
CAPTION COMPETITION
One of our readers has kindly sent in a picture, which we deemed worthy of
publication. To preserve the skier's identity (he happens to be a leading
member of the British cross-country skiing establishment) we shall refer to him
simply as `Dr Adam Pinney'.
We will offer a prize (either a copy of Nordic Manual by Ewen Martin or a
Madshus hat) to the best caption. Send your entries to us by 14th March. The
competition is open to all.
See http://www.rollersk
YOUTH OLYMPICS & KIDS IN XC SKIING
The European Youth Olympics got under way in Spain yesterday, with Scottish
cross-country skier Alex Standen chosen to carry the flag for the UK
delegation. I will remember Alex from the London rollerski race last year. He
fell over 3 times at considerable speed, but each time he got up and chased his
way back up the field, dripping with blood. A great young fighter, we wish him
and the rest of the team the best of luck!
More information on –
http://www.olympics
ROY YOUNG BLOG
Roy Young is one of the coaches for the Huntly Nordic Ski Club and the GB
Development Squad. Both his children, Andrew and Sarah, are extremely good
skiers, and he has put online some of his training programmes and ideas. Well
worth a look for anyone interested in getting kids skiing -
http://toutxc.
SCHOOL XC SKI TRIPS
On the theme of kids' skiing, Nordic Challenge is a small holiday company,
which has had considerable success in introducing cross-country ski holidays to
schools. Run by ex-military men Nick Gaskell and Tony Turnbull, the company
introduces teenage school groups to the sport, with a week of cross-country
skiing, biathlon and other fun activities. More information can be found on
their website –
http://www.nordicch
SKIING ON THE MOON
With the snow situation a bit dire this season in Europe, skiers are looking
further afield for alternative destinations. North America is the obvious
choice, but have you considered the moon? This article is worth a look –
http://news.
(Thanks to Alistair Brown for sending us the link).
ELITE ATHLETES OR PRIMA DONNAS?
In the world of sport, you would imagine XC skiers to be serious minded but
fairly down to earth people, not given to the silly hysterics expected from,
say, footballers.
Not so Mssrs Northug and Fredriksson who have recently been exchanging blows
with their respective handbags. It all started with a crash, and escalated
after Mr Northug of Norway accused Mr Fredriksson of Sweden of being somewhat
overweight. Perhaps it's time for cross-country skiing's own Heat magazine?
See http://www.fastersk
YOU TUBE VIDEO
If you haven't already seen it, here's a good video of the Tour de Ski – which
took place over the New Year –
http://www.rollersk
--
Iain Ballentine
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Roller ski instruction & cross-country skiing
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W: http://www.rollersk
E: iain@rollerski.
M: 07968 286129
T: 020 8348 2540
The Rollerski Co Ltd 2007