The Tour was an incredible rush and I have so much to tell, but I really want to get these pictures up before they become irrelevant and the words are slowly working themselves onto paper, but not ready for the blog yet. Thank you for all the emails, messages, and positive vibes that everyone sent. I was overwhelmed by the incredible support from all of my communities, again. Thank you.
The US women's alpine team was 20 minutes up the road from Val di Fiemme, training and preparing for the Flachau night slalom that was last night and they took the time to come down and watch Saturday's race. They were by far the best cheering squad on the whole course. I think they yelled louder than Dario's fan club with the huge swiss bells! Thanks girls, and Carl!
Paula and Resi holding me up after my best ever classic result in 5th on Saturday! Must have been the cheering!
Racing. Photo courtesy of Marcel Hilger.
Racing. Photo courtesy of Marcel Hilger.
Me and Aino-Kaiso Saarinen. Aikku gave me a necklace that is meant to be passed on to strong, inspiring, happy women around the world. The idea is to keep the necklace for a week or two and then pass it on to another women who you find embodies these attributes. I was very honored that she gave it to me and I think it brought me some luck this week!
Oleg, me, Peter, Matt, Gus. Most of the crew.
The last 2 stages of the Tour I was the only athlete racing, so I had my own personal wax crew and coaches, as well as masseuse! I don't think there was a better staff to athlete ratio in any other team, not even Norway or Russia! From left to right: My wax tech, Oleg. Our new wax tech this year from France, JP. Our steadfast Swedish tech, Peter. My coach, Matt and another newish tech for us this year from the US, and Worchester, VT, Gus. Jason Cork was taking a sick day this day, so was not in the photo, and our masseuse, Meg was also not in this photo. Quite a staff.
The whole crew. Back Row: Gus, Matt. Middle Row: Peter, JP and Jason. Me and Oleg and Meg.
So....that looks like a big hill....
When you have to ski up an alpine mountain, you need the help of lightning bolt socks to get you to the top in a speedy fashion. Glad I had mine with me, and they were even clean!
Driving in the cargo van with Matt and Gus on our way to get a birthday italian pizza! It was so good, even though mine was gluten free! For sure it was the best gluten free pizza crust I have had. It was chewy and everything. YUM!
Gus got the calzone....
....and cleaned his plate no problem.
Me in my B-Day striped outfit and a delicious dessert!
Birthday panna cotta, my all-time favorite European dessert.
Ahhh! I got to alpine ski!!!!
In this scenery too. Doesn't get much more gorgeous than Seiser Alm, even on a low snow year.
And the sunsets here will blow your mind.
As will the Hotel Panorama dinners!! Each one is more gorgeous and delicious than the last.
And then the snow finally fell! 20cm later and 2 days of massive wind and white out conditions and we woke up to this on interval day! How convenient, eh?!
I am fueled constantly by ProBar. If you haven't tried them, they are delicious, all made out of real food, are gluten free and made in Park City!
On my long skate ski this morning. It really could not have been any nicer.
Heading to cold, cold Russia Wednesday morning, so one last interval session here tomorrow and then hitting the road for Munich. Stay tuned for a Russia update as well as some thoughts on the Tour that are taking a while to get down on paper. Happy MLK day. Today's inspiration came from this article and the kindness of these people in today's world.
Get well soon, Nick!
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