It’s tradition for the girls to come back up the mountain and cheer on the boys in the last stage of the Tour de Ski. We always get to race first, which must be truly horrible for them (sorry boys), because they have to sit and wait all day for their turn to completely flood their bodies with lactic acid. They get to watch us do it, see everyone collapse across the finish line, and they know what’s waiting for them. That said, I love getting to cheer until I lose my voice, letting my teammates know that we’re still up there and we’re still yelling for them.

“You mean there’s MORE of these gates?!?!?” (photo from Fiemme Ski World Cup)

The “flat section” at the top

Trying not to be awkward while cornering the gates

Feeling grateful the finish line wasn’t another 100 meters up the hill. Phew! (photo from Fiemme World Cup)

Thanks Ingvild and Heidi for the awesome cheering! (photo from Fiemme World Cup)

The Tour team and our adorable flag bearer after opening ceremonies!

My parents and puppy watching every race, usually starting at 5am! I’m so lucky!

Jumping for joy for my first podium of the season!

Course, shut down. (photo from Matt Whitcomb)

The final five – Sadie, Rosie, me Liz and Paddy hanging on for the full TDS!

I think my favorite moment was hearing Ingvild and Heidi screaming for me. Sportsmanship like that gives me goosebumps! (photo from Fiemme World Cup)

Liz’s birthday ski! Liz, Me, Cork and Sadie

The night sledding in Ramsau is AMAZING! Tommy, Sadie, Cork, me, Liz, Paddy and Jo.