Tornio Race- by Mikayla

The course was extremely pleasant and easy to ski; it made it very fast and fun! The event was huge and exciting to see so many good competitors. I enjoyed the first day of a full weekend of racing on Easter break!

PELLO- RACE TWO

On the first race day the coaches and athletes were interview for the local Tornio paper. Our pictures were taken and the reporter showed up at the races today with 11 copies of the local Tornio News Paper for our group. The front page was a huge picture of our very own KIRA looking very intense and concentrated skating strong. There was a huge article in the paper about Team Alaska being from America and what we have done on our trip. There is also a picture of Neill racing with all of us girls cheering for him in the background. We have yet to figure out what the article actually says because it is in Finnish, but google translator will be helpful for that. It was really cool to be a part of these races and get recognized- Claire

Pello Race- by Mikayla

The course was challenging for the first few kilometers but then went by fast for the second half of the race. There were many fast downhills and a couple very steep inclines. The race was very competitive with the only two Japanese girls taking 1^st and 2^nd in my age group (N18).

Pello Race- By Kira

The race today was more challenging technically and strategically I thought. There were a couple really steep, long uphills but a lot of fast downs and rolling sections too. I had a good race despite the constant burning in my tired legs. Eliza started behind me and I lead the way for most of the course. I was super excited and was able to stick with her to the finish once she passed me. Anyways, all in all, a very good day for the US team! I think we all are starting to feel a bit tired and sore, but are looking forward to classic races tomorrow and Monday. Happy Easter!

Pello- by Claire

The race actually went pretty well today considering my pre-cautions. I worked on my breathing specifically and it worked out well for me. It was the best I have done on a super hilly course and I am positive about the next two days.

Pello- by Neill

If I compare my good race from yesterday I’m not super happy but all and all the race today went pretty well.  I was only pasted by a few people and apparently they were top 5 finishers yesterday.  The course today was a lot more challenging because of the steep hills but there were a lot of fun downhill’s to coast on and to regain some strength.  It’s exciting to see so many fast people in one place and thrilling to know I’ll be racing them tomorrow!!!

Pello- By Ema

To days race was one of the most fun fastest races I have had this year. It has been really fun to ski in such nice worm weather against so many fast people. I am looking forward to tomorrow’s classic race.

Pello-By Eliza

Today’s race was a sweet, hilly course, but not one that exactly played to my strengths. I just went out and tried to enjoy the course, playing with pacing off of Kira for a bit, who started 30 seconds in front of me, before picking it up and trying to focus on the speed of the course and its final downhills. I was pretty pleased with my result, and felt that it was an ok skate race. Excited for some classic races!