dominated by Norwegian phenom Petter Northug and a hard
charging Lukas Bauer of the Czech Republic, who skied away
from Northug in the final climb to victory. For the ladies, it was
an equally dramatic final with Justyna Kowalcyk of Poland
overtaking dominant sprinter Petra Majdic on the final meters
of the Alpe Cermis as well.
While the Americans may not be in the running for the overall
podium, Freeman has high hopes. “If I manage to control my
diabetes well,” he says, “I think a top- 10 finish is possible.”
Freeman has struggled with his blood sugar management in
big events in the past, most recently in Vancouver, and the
busy race schedule could make his race-day insulin dosages
even more problematic.
“We’ve learned a lot this season about his diabetes manage-
ment,” says Grover, “but the Tour will be a big test of just how
much we know.”
Randall will be coming into the Tour after her strongest start
ever on the World Cup circuit. She’s stood on the sprint po-
dium in Duessledorf and Davos and is currently ranked third in
the sprint Cup and 11th in the overall World Cup standings.
“I am definitely looking forward to the TDS with confidence
and excitement,” says Randall. “However, having never done
such a grueling event before, I’m not sure where to place my
expectations. With many of my recent distance races solidly in
the top 30 and my sprinting coming on, I think a top- 20 overall
finish in the Tour would be pretty exciting. I hope to finish the
whole thing and barring illness, that will be my goal. I think
all the race formats seem appealing in some way and I look
forward to the challenge of each individual stage. Of course I
always get excited for the sprints, and that final climb day will
be epic!”
Randall, Newell and Freeman will share an apartment and
prepare for the Tour in Davos over the holidays. They will be
joined by the Canadian Tour contingent as well. While Randall
says she’s excited for her first European Christmas, Newell
says Davos is a perfect place for both training and fun. “I’ve
spent plenty of Christmases in Europe so it’s not a big deal,”
says Newell. “At least this year I’ll have some company.”
Top Tour Contenders
Men:
Dario Colgna, Switzerland:
Petter Northug, Norway:
Lukas Bauer, Czech Republic:
Lukas Bauer takes on the final stage of last year’s Tour de Ski.
Women:
Petra Majdic, Slovenia:
Justyna Kowalcyk, Poland:
Charlotte Kalla, Sweden:
