That's about a boot size... Way it went down was that Newell was third at the bottom of the first climb, second and inches behind 1st at the top.  He was second at the start of the second hill with Odd Bjorn coming strong.  Newell was still in third at the top of the final hill but was spent.  Rotchev caught him just before the finish and what you see above is the end of the story.  Later that night Rotchev gave Andy a bottle of special vodka as a gift for a great battle.  It was an excellent show of sportsmanship.  Andy then gave the bottle to Trond, Vidar and I as a gift to us.  Thanks Andy!

Reaching for it.

Torin Koos wearing bib two - second place in the prelim.  The kid was hauling.  He won his first heat with the same kind of gap he won the OPA cup here a weekend ago.  In the second heat he had a major gap on the top of the first hill - and I mean major.  But on the second hill his skis were a bit too slick and the Norwegians ate him up.  We were able to radio in to Newell and tell him to take his other pair of skis for his second heat as the first skis kick would likely no longer work well enough.  Sorry that Koos' skis on his second heat didn't hold up - but the conditions were very tough and changing.  Halsey, Roar and the whole crew did an outstanding job!

Torin on the first bridge, just before the first uphill where he turned on the jets - big time speed - he left all of these guys behind.

Here Andy has moved into second in the final and is nearly neck and neck with the leader.  Great skiing Andy - be sure to check out www.xskifilms.com - and buy a few of his movies.  They could be collectors items before long.

Beckie Scott and Chandra Crawford of Canada in the Women's B-final.

Women's sprint winner Ella Gjoemle, NOR.  The third place finisher in the women's race, Guro Stroem Solli also of Norway who was not named to their Olympic team had an interesting thing to say after the race, "I am not disapointed in being left off the Olympic team.  I think only those who have a chance to win should go."  She is young and said she has 10 more years of racing...

Interesting point of view from someone who just got third in the WC.

The team is now in Seiser Alm, Italy.  Most the Olympic teams from the top ski nations are also here.  This is a time tested training ground for cross-country teams over the years and a beautiful place to be.

(All Vordenberg Images)