49 starters total.

Fast buggers too...

The course started with a few rolling climbs, some flat but generally tended uphill.

The lead women crest a hill.  Here Caitlin Compton leads Laura Valaas both of CXC and Kate Underwood of SVSEF / Subaru.

After a bit of rolling terrain the course went seriously up.

Caitlin still ahead and charging hard.

Liz and Morgan and Ida Sargent giving chase.

Meanwhile Kris pulls away...

Simons (SVSEF/Fischer) Andy Newell, Colin Rodgers (SVSEF/Fischer), Tim Burke (USBA) chase.

Kris on the steeps.

Kris talking about diabetes with a fellow skier after the race.

Post-race reflection.  Igor Badamshin and Parker Tyler of NENSA.

Newell and the New Paltz Nordic Team chat it up.  We had a good crowd of racers (49) and spectators (over 30).  Many of the spectators were here for a 4 hour clinic given by the USST coaching staff in the afternoon (and to watch some good racing).

Thanks to NYSEF for the help with the time trial and for the bibs.  Thanks to all the coaches from all the different programs for bringing your athletes to what was a great morning of training.  Athletes thanks for the hard work - we're getting somewhere.  Though results from a rollerski race should be taken with a grain of salt for not just a few of todays participants this should serve as a serious call to training.

(Vordenberg Images)