Countdown to Bormio: Sprint, Relay, and the Medal Picture with Catie Friend

The Olympics are here—and skimo is finally on the biggest stage. Catie Friend is back on Skimo Gold to help us set the table for what you’re about to watch in Bormio: the Sprint (Feb 19) and the Mixed Relay (Feb 21).

We break down the formats in plain English (yes, including the transitions, the boot/binding chaos, and that “800m-lactic-acid-then-technical-downhill” feeling), and then we zoom out: this is just a taster of a much bigger sport. Whether you’re here for the head-to-head chaos or you’re the “skins up for coffee with friends” type, skimo has a lane for you.

From there, we get into the fun stuff: can France realistically take all three gold medals? Who’s hunting in the men’s sprint, why the women’s field is stacked, and why you absolutely can’t sleep on the Swiss—especially the next wave. We also talk Bormio specifics (course setup, altitude, atmosphere), what “professional” even means in a small but wildly elite sport, and what success looks like after the Games—from future Olympic inclusion to more disciplines, more nations, and more kids discovering uphill travel for the first time.

Let's go!

Special thanks to TrainingPeaks, DYNAFIT, POMOCA, REVANTA Creatine by NEURORESERVE (use code SKIMOGOLD), and CAMP for sponsoring Skimo Gold's Olympic Dispatch!

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Thanks to our sponsor CAMP

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