• Fast Kids (ages 9-13) – Summer Adventure-Based Programs, FAST KIDS Mountain Bike Series – begins June 17, 2013.

• Juniors(ages 14-18) – Basic Summer Training or year-round Competition Team – begins June 17, 2013

• Adults – Classic Roller Ski Group, Skate Roller Ski Group, Wave 1 Group – groups begin week of June 3, 2013

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Every year the event is hosted by a different skiing organization across the country. Two years ago the Loppet Foundation hosted the Junior Olympic’s (JO’s) in Theodore Wirth Park, and this year athletes got the chance to travel to Fairbanks Alaska to race. Skiers compete in J2 (14-15 year olds), J1 (16-17 year olds) and OJ (18-19 year olds) age categories. Skiers must earn their spot to compete on the Midwest Regional Team at the national competition based on their performance at JO qualifying events.

Tom Bye finsihed 10th in the classical race at Junior Nationals.  Photo c/o Skinnyski.com

Eighteen LNR Juniors traveled to the JO’s, accompanied by LNR Coach and Junior Olympic Midwest Regional Coach Reid Lutter making them one of the largest clubs represented at the event. Athletes competed in classical distance, skate sprint, classic relay, and skate distance distance events. Notable performances included Zak Ketterson who finished second in the classic J2 race, and Thomas Bye who placed 10th in classic J1 boys. Ben Saxton had three second place finishes and one first place finish as he held off Fairbanks native Logan Hannerman in the 15k classical race.  On the women’s side, Vivian Hett placed 7th in the J1 skate race and 8th in the classical race, and Kaley Shagen had the top LNR finish in the sprint with an 8th place finish.   
  

Stellar individual performances led to team glory with LNR taking first place in the Men’’s Club Competition. Combining the men’s and women’s scores, LNR placed second in the Overall Club Competition – the first time a midwest club has ever placed that high. “This is a big deal competition for clubs,” said Bednarski. “The boys came in front of one of the strongest clubs out there – Alaskan Pacific University (APU). That is huge.”

Jakob Ellingson received championship honors in the sprint, pursuit and mass start events at the Junior National Biathlon Competition.  Photo c/o Haugenphoto.com

While most LNR athletes went west for JO’s – a smaller fleet of skiers headed east to Maine for the National Biathlon competition. LNR athletes (and siblings) Jakob and Siena Ellingson medaled on the trails. Jakob, coming off his recent MN State High School Championship, became the National Champion in three races including the 7.5K sprints, the 10K pursuit and the 10K mass start. Siena Ellingson had a breakthrough on the shooting range on the second day of competition, hitting 16 of 20 targets and placing second in the Pursuit competition.

While most LNR athletes train exclusively for cross country skiing, athletes have the opportunity to pursue biathlon through camps and additional experiences recommended by Bednarski, who also serves as Director of Athlete Development for the US Biathlon Association. Jakob and Siena are cross country skiers turned biathlete after Bednarski encouraged them to try a training camps several years ago. Jakob carried his momentum to the Austrian Alps where he competed in the World Junior Biathlon Championships in Austria earlier in January, placing 21st in the 12.5km individual race.

Junior Olympic participants were recognized at the LNR Banquet the Loppet Foundation held in March. And the melting snow does not seem to be dampening anyone spirits – time for spring training! If you or a youth you know is interested in training on the LNR Year Round Competition Team, please contact Piotr at bednarski@loppet.org.

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