John O'Malley Photo Gallery

John O'Malley has put together an amazing photo gallery of The Tour. For those who didn't make it to the race I think it tells the story well.

Below is my favorite photo from the weekend-

Day 1 Photos

The following photos were taken on day 1 of The Tour by one of the marshalls-Remy Driehuis.

Gena and Alexis were pretty dominating on Day 1. They put 10mins on their closes rivels and looked strong

Gary and Tim chased the leaders hard, being a lot closer to Gena and Alexis than they were 2 weeks earlier at the CraigieBurner. They traveled very well together as a team which was key to there success.

I love this shot of Steve and his "speed stance"! All thats missing is a cape.....

The Tour- Overall Results

Day 1 results Day 2 results Overall

Team # Name Place Time Place Time Place time

10 Sibaev/Poilvert 1 1:37 1 1:45 1 3:22

9 Ensor/MacPherson 2 1:47 2 1:50 2 3:37

8 Sherrat/Conlan 3 1:55 4 1:54 3 3:49

2 Lang/Finnigan 4 2:03 5 2:06 4 4:09

11 Tynan/Poulsen 5 2:13 6 2:08 5 4:21

1 Henson/Piper 7 2:27 7 2:24 6 4:51

4 Marsh/Bruerton 6 2:23 8 2:31 7 4:54

3 Scrimgeour/Sinicali DNS 3 1:52 8 1:52

Gena Sibaev and Alexis Poilvert, The Tour 2009 Winners

Photo: Gillian Ensor

Day 1!

Finaly Day 1 of The Tour!

Amazing day with great weather, sun shine, great spring snow and a entertaining course of around 1250 vertical meters.

The start at Cheeseman Ski Area

Ensor & MacPherson, final climb, Tarn Basin

Marsh & Bruerton bottom final climb, Tarn Basin

Day 1 course

Results from day 1-

Team # Name Place Time

10 Sibaev/Poilvert 1 1:37

9 Ensor/MacPherson 2 1:47

8 Sherrat/Conlan 3 1:55

2 Lang/Finnigan 4 2:03

11 Tynan/Poulsen 5 2:13

4 Marsh/Bruerton 6 2:23

1 Henson/Piper 7 2:27

The Final Tip!

The final tip for The Tour! Yeah.

Have Fun!

That after all is the goal of such events, to have a good time. I am sure all the racers will be turn up with there "game face on", but I think it will be hard not to enjoy ones self this weekend.

The weather forecast is looking good, the cafe at Cheeseman will be open and 7am for racers and you'll be skiing around with some like minded folks in the backcountry.

A few things you could do to increase the fun factor-

-Bring a Camel Back or similar hydration system and sun screen. Spring is here! Remember the race is self supported, that means no water stations out on the course.

-Dress light- more than likely its will be hot and over heating is the last thing you want to do. Check HERE for a old tip for dressing right and don't forget the BUFF.

-Wax up your skis and skins. The Swiss kids up at Cheeseman will wax (and tune) your skis and some glob stop type wax on your skins won't hurt neither.

DOC Concession

For those who don't know a pretty large chunk of land is managed by the Department of Conservation, including the area that The Tour will take place.

For us to be able to use the area around Cheeseman Ski Area for this event a concession application had to be filed. The concession application process was an interesting and very beneficial one. Heaps of questions that make you think about what kind of impact your event and actions might have on our environment an dhow we can minimise them. Together with Kirsty from DOC I was able to identify a few things-

-No weeds or animals- Except for an avalanche rescue dog (which we have no plan on using) no animals at The Tour. Other no no is weeds. We ask that you make sure that all your gear is clean before getting up to Cheeseman. While Didymo is a big player in the snow, you can never be to safe- visit HERE to see how you can help stop the spreed of this weed.

-Toileting/ Rubbish- While the "Pack it in, pack it out" method is a good one, I am a big fan of the "Don't pack it in in the first place" practice. Use the rubbish and toilet facilities at Cheeseman before the race, or do take a bag with you for your waste.

Go to www.doc.govt.nz for more information on conservation and ways you can do your bit.

Race Program

The Tour Backcountry Ski Touring Race Program

(as of 14th September 2009)

17^th September- course setting

18^th September- course setting

- 7pm-7.30pm racers check in/pick up race number/gear check – Forrest Lodge (Cheeseman)

- 8pm - pre race meeting at Forrest Lodge

- race marshals gear check and meeting

19^th September- 7am- race marshals meet at Cheeseman day lodge

- 7.30am transceiver checks

- 8am – race start

- 10am-1pm racers finishing

- course setting

- 4.30pm- pre race meeting (for Sundays race)

20^th September- 7am- race marshals meet at Cheeseman day lodge

- 7.30am transceiver checks

- 8am – race start

- 10am-1pm racers finishing

-2.30- BYO BBQ lunch!

- 3.30pm- prize giving starts (Cheeseman day lodge)

NOTE - Race will start and finish both days at Cheeseman Ski Area base area

- Race start times will depend greatly on weather and snow conditions. Early start is to allow for course setting and expected spring warming of snow pack (increased avalanche risk).

-IF the warm weather continues expect a earlier start!

The Tour-day 2

Below is a map of a POSSIBLE course for day 2 of The Tour.

It has slightly change to what I did have, but not much.

The course will be very weather and snow dependent, but if all goes well, the course will be very similar to the following-

The Tour-day 1

So as the snow starts to settle (melt!) the likely route that each days race will take has changed a bit.

After going out today and having a really good scout around this is were we are at, but anything could happen.

If you have any questions re the course, please ask via a comment.

The Teams

This post is to give little insight to the teams that have entered The Tour-

(Remember if you are looking for a team mate, leave a comment HERE)

Team #1- John Henson and Grant Piper

Both John and Grant are active members of the Canterbury/Westland section of the NZAC, with extensive ski touring experience in the Craigieburns (were The Tour will take place) and the glaciers either side of the main divide.

Team #2- Gavin Lang and Andrew Finnigan

Gavin and Andrew have ski toured at all the major South Island hot spots and both have their Avalanche Stage 1 qualification.

Team #3- Carron Scrimgeour and Julie Sinicali

Carron and Julie are the first mix, as well as the first international entry to The Tour.

Carron has raced at the 2008 ski mountaineering world champs as well as the Pierra Menta as a member of the British National team, while French native Julie has raced in some major European races, such as the Trophee Des Gastlosen.

Team #4- Clive Marsh and Steve Bruerton

Clive and Steve will be some of the more experienced ski tour's at The Tour, both having been touring since the late '80's. Both are Christchurch tramping club members and have competed in multi sport events, with Clive having made some notable mountaineering ascents, including the Matterhorn and Mt Cook.

Team #5- Yolanda Barragan and Violeta Casado

The first all woman's entry to The Tour comes from an experienced Spanish team! Both Yoli and Vio have competed in the Spanish Ski Mountaineering Cup, with Yoli also racing in the 2008 PDG short course.

Team #6- Javier Martin and Lorenzo Holzknecht

Currently here in NZ, as part of a Dynafit trip, attempting to break the 18.5hr record for the "Symphony On Ski's", Javi and Lorenzo normally chase each other around at World Cup events in Europe, for Spain and Italy respectively. Between them there is 11 Pierra Mentas and their latest notable results were 5th (Javi) and 3rd (Lorenzo) at the 2009 European Champs.

Team # 7 Dave Manning and Ed Sai Louie

Dave and Ed, both engineering students at Canterbury, will be one of the younger teams at The Tour, not that that will hold them back. Living the student life- backcountry skiing most days of the week and both with Chill pass, these 2 have been getting after it. Dave has soloed the Caroline face of Mt Cook, but his favorite peak is Foggy Peak.

Team #8- Duncan Sherratt and Kath Conlan

Duncan and Kath are our 2nd mix team to enter The Tour and are some of the more experienced NZ racers.Both placed 2nd in the 2007 and 2008 SkiMoNZ race series, with Duncan winning the 2008 CraigieBurner. Duncan will organise this winters CraigieBurner and was the organiser of the 2008 Ohau race.

"Question is will the mixed team of D&K take down some of the boys?"

Team #9- Tim Ensor & Gary McPherson

Tim and Gary have been regulars at SkiMoNZ race's for a few years now and will be a strong team. Gary won the first Temple Basin Rando Rally in '06 and is now Q'town based, skinning regularly pre work at Coronet.

Tim had his break through race last year at the Porters Dynafit Speed Up, placing 2nd and then when on to finish 3rd over all in the SkiMoNZ race series.

Team # 10- Gena Sibaev and Alexis Poilvert

When they aren't hanging off a cliff with drills in hand this pair are lapping big vertical at Treble Cone.

Gena represented his native Russia at the 2006 World Ski Mountaineering Champs and both have strong and impressive mountaineering resumes. After 2nd (Alexis) and 3rd (Gena) place finishes at this years CraigieBurner, team # 10 goes in to The Tour as race favourites.

Team # 11- Mark Tynan and Dave Poulsen

Another quality team, Mark and Dave are top 3 contenders if things fall into place for them on the day. While their ski mountaineering race experience is limited to just 3 CraigieBurners between them, 2 weeks is a long time is competitive ski mountaineering and expect them to be in the running.

Tip # 4- Do the 'Burner

Tip for The Tour #4 is a pretty obvious one (like all of them I guess), but the CraigieBurner this weekend makes for great preparation to The Tour.

I won't go into a heap of detail as there is a load of info on www.carigieburner09.blogspot.com

There are 2 course's, "Lifts" and "Lunges". The Craigieburn Range has been hammered with weather over the last 2 weeks now and things are looking great, with over 50cm of new snow!

Looking forward to seeing you all on the start line.

Gary Mac getting his Burn on last year

Tip #4.1-Book your accommodation for The Tour, as well as book a massage

This is kind like a bonus round.....

I feel like maybe I'm giving out to many tips now, but get in touch with Cheeseman Ski Area ASAP and book your accommodation for Friday and Saturday night (18th and 19th September).

After the first day of racing I would recommend soothing tired legs by getting a massage and a hot spa. You can book a message by contacting Chris via http://www.theburn.co.nz/contact or calling The Burn B & B at 03 318 7559. Remember that there is a race meeting Saturday afternoon when booking your massage.

OK, one more tip- Early entry closes this Sunday the 6th September, after that entry for The Tour will be $260 per team. I'll have entry forms with me at the CraigieBurner prize giving for those that are around.

Tip # 3- Dress Right

The one thing that always amazed me is how much people over dress for a ski mountaineering race (or just for a fun days backcountry touring for that matter). It's unlikely that you would wear thermal layers, a fleece and Goretex when going out for a run or bike ride, so why would you wear all this stuff doing a ski mountaineering race?

Over dressing is probably the easiest and fastest way to overheat and slow yourself down. The reason most dress so heavily is they don't want to get cold, when the reality is that most people will overheat, sweat and then get cold on the downhills.

The choice for top racers is the not so flattering one piece, Lycra race suit. While they don't win style points, they are extremely functional.

If the Lycra isn't for you then try to get a hold of some soft shell pants, a thin long sleeve thermal and a breathable fleece or soft shell top, preferably with big pockets to stuff your skins into. The important thing is it's breathable, so you don't overheat on the uphills. The downhills are short and you'll warm up again fast once you are skinning uphill again.

The key to the system is to always be moving, so you don't have the chance to get cold, this means quick transitions and eating on the move.

A Buff is a good addition as you can use it as a neck warmer or head band when feeling cold, or easily remove it when hot.

You are required to of course carry a waterproof wind breaker pants and jacket, but more than likely these will stay in your pack, so make them small and light. If the wind does get up you maybe required to put them on.

Here's the list of required clothing-

• Upper body clothing: three layers that properly fit the competitor:

• 1 long-sleeve body layer. Depending on weather conditions, the jury may decide that short-sleeves are suitable.

• 1 ski suit with long-sleeves or a second layer with long-sleeves.

• 1 breathable, waterproof long-sleeved windbreaker.

• Lower body clothing: two long-legged layers that properly fit the competitor

• 1 ski suit or ski pants

• 1 breathable and waterproof windbreaker layer

• a ski cap or headband

• pair of gloves

Click HERE for full list of required equipment.

Tip # 2- Never Stop Moving

Weather its going out for a day's ski touring, a tramping trip, or at The Tour, one of the easiest ways of traveling fast is never standing still.

Some of the easiest and simplest ways to keep on the go is to keep a steady pace, use a drinking bladder, carry food in your pockets and stuff your skins down your top (so you never have to stop and take your pack off).

You could go the whole 9 yards and use super slick ski mountaineering race transitions also. These include 15sec or less skin off transitions, under 45sec skins on and the always impressive ski's on the pack with out stopping.

Check out the below video of Javi demonstrating how to quickly go from skinning to boot packing.

Tips for The Tour

With The Tour now only less than 6 weeks away I figured it might be nice to give a few tips to aspiring competitors.

This week's tip is a pretty obvious one. I can't remember were I heard/read it now but is a goodie and one I heard a few years ago when preparing for my first ski mountaineering race.

TIP # 1- Back country ski your ass off.

Like I said its a pretty obvious one, but it's surprising how few people really do it. Rock up early this weekend to your local ski hill and start skinning pre-opening (check with patrol first!). Do a lap (or 3) either in-bounds, or if the avalanche hazard is suitable (you can check HERE) head into the back country. Get familiar with your gear, the techniques and systems that you'll use.

Once you're done skinning then hit the lifts!

If you can't get to the snow, play around with your gear in the living room, getting familiar with it all. And go for a few runs, bike rides or hikes in the hill for your endurance.

Above all, make it fun!

Notes on Entry

If you are looking at entering The Tour, heres a few thinsg to keep in mind-

-Early entry- $200 per team. Early entry closes 6th September.

-Late entry $260 per team.

-Entries close 13th September!

- Entry limited to only 25 teams- spots are filling up.

Entry form is HERE

Light 'n Fast set up

Just got a e-mail for Queenstown based mate Gary. Garys up grading his race set up to some new Dy.N.A ski's, so a very nice light touring/race set up is up for grabs. Would be a great set up for not only The Tour, but also light and fast spring ski tour's.

"Hey there,

Anyone interested in some fantastic touring gear?

These are the ski’s - Ski Trab Duo Sintesi Nice light touring ski.

Bindings are Dynafit TLT speeds Funky bindings – good light touring kit.

Can do everything for $300 (binding) + $500 (ski and skin) = $800. Hardly used – just training and racing really. Bargain!! J

You will need Dynafit compatible boots to fit. But if you get you will never look back.

Let me know, as will be putting on Trademe this weekend.

No worries if not interested. Forward to anyone you think might be keen.

Cheers,
Gary"

If your intrested e-mail info@thetournz.com

THE TOUR- entry open!

Entry for The Tour Backcountry Ski Race is now open!

Click HERE for the entry form.

Expect the young fellow in the white & red suit in the photo above to be near the front of the pack at The Tour

Need a team mate??

One of the great things about The Tour and one of the reasons why I think it has had so much interest is the fact that it is a teams race.

First, the way the teams race works is very similar to a regular day of ski touring, when you and a mate would head out into the backcountry for some turns, touring and skiing together and looking out for each other.

While the teams format is a huge plus (all the biggest, most popular and most fun races in Europe are teams races), one of the draw backs is finding a suitable team mate.

While there are a huge abundance of people going ski touring, finding a team mate with a similar leave of fitness, skills and goals can be difficult.

So, if you are looking for a team mate, leave a comment stating so!

Hopefully we can pair a few folks up.

Speaking of popular team's race's, here's one of the biggest of them all-

The Fast & Furious

"The Fast & Furious" is a article written by Andrew McLean that was published in "Coulior" magazine a few years ago.

Its a cool little piece and was the first time I read about a ski mountaineering race (its probably the first article write by a non Euro about a ski mountaineering race?).

Its well worth a read-

"With Backcountry skiing being such a peaceful pursuit, you might wonder why anyone would want to ruin it by turning it into a competition. The answer, as with thoroughbred horses or hissing cockroaches, is that racing improves the breed. True, not everyone sees touring around in emasculating skin tight suits as an improvement, but there are many other aspects of Ski Mountaineering racing that can directly improve your smiles per hour ratio." READ MORE