Nordic Skiing/Biathlon Thread

[Mayomaniac]

Those gloves are great in the cold, keeps your fingers a lot warmer than the traditional gloves.

I actually use full blown mittens when it's really cold because I have bad blood circulation in my hands (and feet, but getting first degree frostbite on some toes as a teenager made that one even worse).

 

[OJRvE]

Some Swedish comments from today. Frida seemed happy after all, she said it was a good race but Jessie was extraordinary strong especially at the end. She feels better every day and look forward to the remaining races. She complained about cold fingers, but it’s pretty standard. The warmer the better is good rule of thumb for her.

Ebba said she had to dig deeper than usual, I am not sure if she tried to blame the skis or if she really thought the conditions were tougher then usual. She said she felt dizzy right after the finish. Then she was not in balance in one of the interviews when the report asked if she was happy with bronze she yelled it was a dumb question and of course she was happy even if she before the race said she was going for gold.

For Sundling my feeling was that she backed off to save energy when she felt it wasn’t her day. National coach Byström said she still has the x-factor when it comes to the relay so I believe she’ll do the last leg. Ribom rested today but will do the first leg, Karlsson and Andersson joked about deciding the middle legs with rock, paper scissor. It’s hard to tell if any of them has a preferred technique. I would go with Karlsson on the third leg now since I am less worried with her now (it was of course the opposite three days ago). The fact Andersson felt dizzy is a little bit worrying that something is not right.

 

[BullsFan22]

The Swedes would do well to have Frida in 2nd and Ebba in 3rd. Sure, Ebba finished behind her today, but it was only 5 seconds and I think the warmer, a snowy/slow conditions expected during the relay will suit both of them and Ebba had a strong 2nd leg in Toblach. I didn’t watch today’s race, but judging by the results, Dahlqvist had one of, if not the distance race of her life. A top 10 on a hard course is very good for her. I still think Sundling is the better option for the anchor. It’s 5km, and Sundling is a better closer.

Really hope that Germany or Finland can salvage a medal and keep the Americans at bay.

 

[OJRvE]

The Swedes would do well to have Frida in 2nd and Ebba in 3rd. Sure, Ebba finished behind her today, but it was only 5 seconds and I think the warmer, a snowy/slow conditions expected during the relay will suit both of them and Ebba had a strong 2nd leg in Toblach. I didn’t watch today’s race, but judging by the results, Dahlqvist had one of, if not the distance race of her life. A top 10 on a hard course is very good for her. I still think Sundling is the better option for the anchor. It’s 5km, and Sundling is a better closer.

Really hope that Germany or Finland can salvage a medal and keep the Americans at bay.

You could basically flip a coin there, I don’t think it would mean much of a difference. When Johaug was around it was probably wise to have Andersson against Johaug since they have similar frequency.

With Fink and Gimmler in this shape, Germany looks set for a medal. Finland will have it tougher. I wonder if they could try something unorthodox like Pämäkoski-Niskanen-Piippo-Joensuu and try to break away early from Germany/USA and then benefit from Sweden and/or Norways pacesetting.

 

[BullsFan22]

You could basically flip a coin there, I don’t think it would mean much of a difference. When Johaug was around it was probably wise to have Andersson against Johaug since they have similar frequency.

With Fink and Gimmler in this shape, Germany looks set for a medal. Finland will have it tougher. I wonder if they could try something unorthodox like Pämäkoski-Niskanen-Piippo-Joensuu and try to break away early from Germany/USA and then benefit from Sweden and/or Norways pacesetting.

I think that would be brave decision from Finland. If that’s their lineup, they can’t afford to do anything but push the pace in both classic legs. Germany will have Hennig in what I presume the 2nd leg. If she’s up there, she will be a huge benefit not just for her own team but for those around her either trying to break away or to catch up. That said she skied a curious skiathlon. She looked strong enough for a medal, but for some reason skied behind Niskanen and only attacked on the last big hill, like 1.5 km or so before the finish. She can’t afford those same tactics in the relay.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

I really like Diggins. As a Norwegian I much prefer her to for example my compatriot and Diggins' opposite; Heidi Weng. A neurotic dumbass.

Or Karlsson. Whiny and not at all able to understand her own limitations.

I did really like Heidi in the days when I felt like her neuroses and dejection were due to the way she was clearly the 'best of the rest' out there but never got what her talent deserved, but stuff like the interview Discgear alluded to counts against her in my mind.

My position on Karlsson is made pretty clear in comparing her to Jutta Leerdam in my speed-skating comparison. I really liked her at first as somebody that could actually pressure Therese Johaug in the distance races, but as time goes by she seems like the all-about-me counterpart to the much more down to earth and likable Andersson/Kok.

Diggins can go play in traffic for all I care. I find her so false and like the worst stereotypes Europeans have of America. All pretences and plastic smiles and not an iota of genuine feeling or emotion.

 

[Sciatic]

But the thing is... they aren't Americans. I'd say it's cos they've got the voice in their ear because of the Discovery buyout, but they were pro-US before that too. They also cheerlead the Norwegians so it's not about impartiality vs. boredom of other teams that frequently win either. I mean, it's not even like Diggins hasn't won several races before, and they never get this excited for Niskanen, or Pellegrino, or Jouve, nor did they for Cologna or Kowalczyk in years gone by. They don't even get this biased for Musgrave and I could actually understand them being biased in that case.

Personally I think she's like a Disneyland attendant, she's trying to force down your throat how happy and fun she is at all time, and I really can't stand that. Like a bad salesman who is trying way too hard to seem like your friend to seal the deal. But if you feel she's more genuine, that's fine. That's just a difference in personal takes. However, if you think that this kind of commentary bias is acceptable from a de facto international, neutral broadcast, that I have a problem with. Because it's not just a one-off, getting caught up in the moment thing that could be forgiven (at least if it was an underdog story or something like that, which it obviously isn't as she was one of the on-paper favourites here). It is a relentless, constant propaganda offensive that permeates even races she isn't in.

“Personally I think she's like a Disneyland attendant, she's trying to force down your throat how happy and fun she is at all time, and I really can't stand that.”

She is over the top with all that. But for some context, have you spent much time in rural Wisconsin? My daughter, for reasons I can’t recall, went to uni in Minnesota where it was mostly Minnesota and Wisconsin kids. She had a hard time adjusting throughout her 1st year there, especially in class discussions, because everyone was so darn . . . cheery and agreable..

 

[Libertine Seguros]

“Personally I think she's like a Disneyland attendant, she's trying to force down your throat how happy and fun she is at all time, and I really can't stand that.”

She is over the top with all that. But for some context, have you spent much time in rural Wisconsin? My daughter, for reasons I can’t recall, went to uni in Minnesota where it was mostly Minnesota and Wisconsin kids. She had a hard time adjusting throughout her 1st year there, especially in class discussions, because everyone was so darn . . . cheery and agreable..

No, I haven't, I'm from the other side of the planet. But this isn't the first time I've seen it referenced that people around Minnesota are generally like that.

Which tells me that apart from Hüsker Dü and Prince, Minnesota has nothing to offer and I should never visit.

 

[BullsFan22]

I remember an article years ago where she came out as a snob, thinking she owns the road while roller skiing and read that she started yelling at a driver or drivers. As someone that’s roller skied, it can get annoying with cars, even when you’re always to the side and giving cars the room they need and deserve, some want to prove their manliness and they like to get close, I get all of that, but she came off as if she’s owed something, like she owns the road. And I too am put off by her cringe, her over the top laughs and even the ‘dancing,’ she does. She’s been racing at the World Cup level since making her WSC in Oslo in 2011, so she’s been around. One of the reasons she’s popular is that xc skiing is such a fringe sport in the US, that anyone from the US that makes a mark in this sport in Europe is automatically propped up in Europe, especially Scandinavia and even in the US. Glitter, socks, it’s all cringe and everything to try and take away from pressure and to soften any blows when the results aren’t there.

Kern is kind of trying to do that as well. I mean they behave like children. I hope it doesn’t start going around like an infection.

 

[Bavarianrider]

Anything but a Norwegian 1-4 would be a shocker today given the deleted field and the weather conditions. Funny enough, the Norwegians always excell in the "middle European" conditions while they struggle the more real "winterish" it gets.

 

[meat puppet]

Which tells me that apart from Hüsker Dü and Prince, Minnesota has nothing to offer and I should never visit.

No love for the Mats?

Poromaa might as well be the best placed non-norwegian, around 4-5.

 

[BullsFan22]

Poromaa, Moch, one or two Frenchmen, maybe Musgrave and that’s about it for those that can challenge the Norwegians for the podium. Esteve-Altimiras could get into the top 10. That would be good for him.

 

[BullsFan22]

No, I haven't, I'm from the other side of the planet. But this isn't the first time I've seen it referenced that people around Minnesota are generally like that.

Which tells me that apart from Hüsker Dü and Prince, Minnesota has nothing to offer and I should never visit.

You don’t like Bob Dylan?

 

[meat puppet]

Poromaa, Moch, one or two Frenchmen, maybe Musgrave and that’s about it for those that can challenge the Norwegians for the podium. Esteve-Altimiras could get into the top 10. That would be good for him.

If Hyvärinen can summon one of his finish-as-a-zombie performances, he is a top-10 candidate as well. But not podium, even if his eyes go like pinballs.

 

[BullsFan22]

If Hyvärinen can summon one of his finish-as-a-zombie performances, he is a top-10 candidate as well. But not podium, even if his eyes go like pinballs.

I think he needs to shave that hideous mustache. I would give him a 3 minute penalty just for that.

 

[search]

lol, two minutes later I see this article

Latujen herrasmiehestä tuli paha poika – Mitä Perttu Hyväriselle tapahtui?

Manazeri Olli-Pekka ”Lelu” Ojansivun aikana suomalaishiihtäjän julkisuuskuva on muuttunut huomattavasti.

www.iltalehti.fi

 

[OlavEH]

er got what her talent deserved, but stuff like the interview Discgear alluded to counts against her in my mind.

Discgear?

Diggins can go play in traffic for all I care. I find her so false and like the worst stereotypes Europeans have of America. All pretences and plastic smiles and not an iota of genuine feeling or emotion.

I think Diggins could be quite genuine. Have you ever met her or been close to her for a longer period of time?

 

[OlavEH]

lol, two minutes later I see this article

Nice mustache. Seems like a greasy French dude from a mediocre gangster movie!

 

[Discgear]

Poromaa might as well be the best placed non-norwegian, around 4-5.

That's totally depending on the conditions. That Frida and Ebba finished 2 and 3 yesterday with inferior skis was nothing short of a miracle, but bears witness of how super strong they currently are. Frida btw screamed "jävla skitskidor" when she finished, use google translate if you're up for a treat. I'm personally convinced that at least the Finns and the Swedes do not have any now banned C8 wax in their trailers. Just look how they have handled the difficult conditions since Sunday. And btw, Swedish commentators have for a long time said that there are certain conditions that the waxing team can't handle. It turns out it coincides with the very same conditions that is the sweet spot for C8: new snow on artificial snow, just below zero so damp is pressed up to the surface, dirty earlier raced snow mixed with residues from wax , with another word "fat" snow.
Klabo has his own dedicated waxer and since he always - in every condition - has super skis, I'm quite sure they are using all stuff available... With competetive skis Poromaa could be a top six. With inferior skis, no way.

 

[Mayomaniac]

That's totally depending on the conditions. That Frida and Ebba finished 2 and 3 yesterday with inferior skis was nothing short of a miracle, but bears witness of how super strong they currently are. Frida btw screamed "jävla skitskidor" when she finished, use google translate if you're up for a treat. I'm personally convinced that at least the Finns and the Swedes do not have any now banned C8 wax in their trailers. Just look how they have handled the difficult conditions since Sunday. And btw, Swedish commentators have for a long time said that there are certain conditions that the waxing team can't handle. It turns out it coincides with the very same conditions that is the sweet spot for C8: new snow on artificial snow, just below zero so damp is pressed up to the surface, dirty earlier raced snow mixed with residues from wax , with another word "fat" snow.
Klabo has his own dedicated waxer and since he always - in every condition - has super skis, I'm quite sure they are using all stuff available... With competetive skis Poromaa could be a top six. With inferior skis, no way.

Oh I have no doubt that certain teams have stockpiled C8 wax right before they were banned in the EU...
That said, the Finns didn't have bad skis and Norway didn't have surperbe ones (like they had in the teamsprint). With really bad skis Niskanen probably doesn't finish top 10 in a skating individual start.

 

[search]

also the Americans didn't have anything special, going by Brennan's performance. I doubt it made a massive difference yesterday. Most performances were more or less within the expected range.

 

[OJRvE]

That's totally depending on the conditions. That Frida and Ebba finished 2 and 3 yesterday with inferior skis was nothing short of a miracle, but bears witness of how super strong they currently are. Frida btw screamed "jävla skitskidor" when she finished, use google translate if you're up for a treat. I'm personally convinced that at least the Finns and the Swedes do not have any now banned C8 wax in their trailers. Just look how they have handled the difficult conditions since Sunday. And btw, Swedish commentators have for a long time said that there are certain conditions that the waxing team can't handle. It turns out it coincides with the very same conditions that is the sweet spot for C8: new snow on artificial snow, just below zero so damp is pressed up to the surface, dirty earlier raced snow mixed with residues from wax , with another word "fat" snow.
Klabo has his own dedicated waxer and since he always - in every condition - has super skis, I'm quite sure they are using all stuff available... With competetive skis Poromaa could be a top six. With inferior skis, no way.

When did Frida yelled that? When she crossed the line or afterwards? I never heard that, but the Swedish announcers are talking constantly so it hard to hear the athletes.

 

[Mayomaniac]

also the Americans didn't have anything special, going by Brennan's performance. I doubt it made a massive difference yesterday. Most performances were more or less within the expected range.

I believe Diggins when she said that the big difference was that the less soft conditions allowed her to work more on the descents and to corner more aggressive, a good descender can actually gain time with those conditions.

 

[BigCoward]

Riiber is a freak. Very tight at the top for the relay with Norway, Austria and German separated by 23 seconds.

Looking at the ski rankings though, it's impossible to see past Norway. Anderson is their weakest skiier by far.

 

[Mayomaniac]

Riiber is a freak. Very tight at the top for the relay with Norway, Austria and German separated by 23 seconds.

Looking at the ski rankings though, it's impossible to see past Norway. Anderson is their weakest skiier by far.

The mixed relay really gave Lamparter a needed morale boost, now his skijumping is up there.
Austria lacks Rerl (who is sick) to be able to really put up a fight, but the Germans have enough great skiers to make it close. Still, Norway is the favourite.