Nov. 26, 2011
YELLOWSTONE, Mont. – The University of New Mexico Nordic ski team has spent its Thanksgiving break competing in pre-season events in Montana and Colorado. The Lobos’ Nordic team had a very nice showing during its three days of competition at the West Yellowstone Super Tour. The Alpine team is just beginning competition in Colorado today.
The Nordic competition proved to be a great launching point for the Lobos, especially for some of the younger skiers. Linn Klaesson shined for the Lobos on Wednesday, Nov. 23, finishing first among all collegiate skiers, sixth overall, in the classical sprint. Klaesson beat out 2011 NCAA champion Eliska Hajkova from Colorado in the race. Klaesson’s teammate, Anita Kirvesniemi finished third among collegiate racers and 19th overall. Kirvesniemi’s finish is a sign of good things to come from the sophomore out of Finland. Rounding things out for the women was freshman Anniken Bratlie, who finished fifth among college skiers and 25th overall in the classical sprint.
“Klaesson had a great classical sprint race,” head coach Fredrik Landstedt said of his Junior from Oslo, Norway.
The Lobos had a pair of freshman compete in the freestyle sprint race. Anni Nord placed second among collegiate skiers, 11th overall, and Clara Chauvet finished third among collegiate skiers for 21st overall in the race.
On Friday, Nov. 25, Chauvet and Klaesson placed back-to-back in the women’s 10K freestyle race, finishing 11th and 12th overall, good enough for first and second among eligible collegiate skiers, respectively.
On the men’s side, Christian Otto had a solid start to the pre-season, finishing 27th overall in the 15K freestyle race.
The Lobos wrapped up competition on Saturday, Nov. 26, with the men’s 15K and the women’s 10K classic races. Sjur Prestseater was the top Lobo finisher for the men, placing 24th overall. Pierre Niess came in 32nd, followed closely behind by Otto, who came in 33rd.
On the women’s side, Kirvesniemi found herself in nice position once again, finishing the 10k classic 22nd overall. She was followed by Chauvet, who finished 31st. Bratlie came in at No. 50 overall.
“Overall, this is a good start to the season for the Lobos,” Landstedt said.
The Nordic team will continue to train in Montana, while the Alpine team will compete in training races starting today at Loveland Resort, in Colorado.