(left to right)
2011 World Championships ~ Italy
Greg Ruckman, Scott Simmons, Pete Swenson, Colby Simmons
American SkiMo racing pioneer and founder of the COSMIC series, Pete Swenson, answers a few questions prior to COSMIC's debut race this weekend at Wolf Creek.
1. How many years has the COSMIC series been running?
This is the 8th year
1. How many years has the COSMIC series been running?
This is the 8th year
2. What new COSMIC events can we look forward to this year?
New venues include Copper Mt, Ski Santa Fe, Taos and Steamboat Springs
3. What advice do you have for a first time COSMIC competitor?
Go out with someone who has experience and learn how to do a basic transition. Next most important thing is rent race gear, it's really hard to try the sport unless you have appropriate gear.
4. Will we see you racing this year?
I always try and race, it just depends on how many course marshals we have, if the course needs last minute work or whatever.
5. How about a training tip that will make everyone faster?
Try and train with your pack a few days a week and practice your skin to boot to skin transitions. People loose a lot of time here as they don't practice. For training, most of the time the workout (or rest) you don't want to do is what you need to do. Figure out where you're losing time and fix the problem.
6. If someone was interested in racing in Europe what race would you recommend?
Racing every race possible in the the USA to start the season to get fit then get after it in Europe. Even the mid-week training races in Europe are awesome. For sure everyone should try and do as much racing in Europe as possible. It's surprisingly easy to add a race or two during a Euro ski vacation.
7. Have you had your son on skins yet? (his age)
Not quite, he's 14 mos. and loves to ride in the ski chariot. Next winter he'll be all over it.
