BY HEATHER FOSTER

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation XC Gold Team member Peter Wolter and SVSEF XC Comp Team and U.S. Development Team member Sammy Smith continued their consistently strong performances at this past weekend’s Mayor's XC Ski Challenge Super Tour in Minneapolis. The race was hosted by The Loppet Foundation.

“It was a good weekend out there,” said Peter Holmes, SVSEF XC Comp Team assistant coach. “The weather held up throughout our time in Minneapolis, which made waxing pretty straightforward. Peter and Sammy both had good races, but both also left the weekend knowing they could’ve done better and will use that as fuel for their next races.”

After a dominating qualifier in the freestyle sprint, Smith skied her way into the “A” final and led the heat. But she had a little misstep and finished sixth overall. She recovered quickly for Sunday and raced her way to fifth in the 20km classic mass start.  

Wolter had a solid 13th place in the freestyle sprint followed by a gritty performance on Sunday, finishing fourth in the 20km classic mass start. 

“I had a solid weekend of races,” said Wolter.”The skate sprint was good given that it’s my weakest type of racing. It was a good learning experience at the least. The classic 20k was going well until it wasn’t—I can’t complain too much about a fourth place, but I know my place is on the podium and I will be ready for the next one. I’m excited to race the American Birkebeiner for the first time this weekend and then head to Europe for some World Cup or OPA cup racing.” 

Next up for Wolter is the American Birkebeiner,aka “The Birkie”, which is being held this weekend in Hayward, Wis. Then it’s a waiting game for Wolter, who hopes to head back to the World Cup in Europe with Team USA. Also on the schedule will be a trip to Italy for the Opa Cup Finals March 17-19 in Dobbiaco, Italy.

Smith will return home for a few weeks to prepare for the Opa Cup Finals.