Steffen Hoos, aka "Hoosie", Toko's International Race Service Manager
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Greetings
from Whistler
In the 15 km Pursuit Women's
Cross-country competition, Marit Björgen of Norway was able to repeat her
Olympic victory in the sprint. She had received super material "under
her feet" from her serviceman Perry Olsson.
There is an interesting story. Perry is responsible not only
Marit but also for the skis of superstar Petter Northug. After Marit had won bronze in the
first race the Norwegian media expected a victory from Petter in the afternoon.
Petter
was only 41st. The Norwegian media only gave
one explanation: the ill-prepared skis were definitely the reason why! The
newspapers have torn Perry apart and given him the blame. A superstar in Norway is often
perceived as infallible. I think this is unfair to
servicemen and condemn this type of treatment.
Marit then, as reported, won two gold medals in the subsequent races. Northug also won bronze in the
classic sprint. All I can say is "Perry keep
up the great work!"
Outside of the competition
courses, the athletes have the option to ski on very well groomed trails
through wonderfully beautiful scenery for a great many kilometers. You feel like you are all alone
with yourself and the nature. Canada is
truly a dream, especially so when the weather is like it was today. It's amazing how much snow is still lying in
the woods at Callaghan Valley considering that in the last four weeks it was
very warm and rained a lot. The snow is very compact.
The Alpine competitions were again
Olympic worthy and went off as planned. Men's Super G was held in very
hard and icy snow conditions and the racers were tested. With two more medals the U.S. built
on their medal account. Bode Miller had
decided in September to continue his career and is for me one of the outstanding
athletes in the Men's Alpine ski circus having already won two medals.
Until tomorrow
Steffen
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