U.S. Ski Team's Erik Schlopy and TJ Lanning sign with Nordica for skis and boots

U.S. Ski Team’s Erik Schlopy and TJ Lanning sign with Nordica for skis and boots{mosimage}Erik Schlopy has signed a two-year agreement with Nordica USA that commits him to competing on Nordica skis and boots in the 2005 World Championships in Bormio, Italy, and the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy. Schlopy has competed in Nordica boots during the past two seasons and is looking forward to skiing on the complete package of Nordica World Cup racing products.

‘Erik’s decision to switch to Nordica skis is a tremendous vote of confidence in our product offering’ states Andy Knittle, CEO of Nordica USA. ‘We have tremendous respect for Erik and his dedication to ski racing. We look forward to helping him achieve his world championship and Olympic aspirations over the coming seasons.’

Schlopy said he was “very excited about this new partnership with Nordica and happy to have the opportunity of competing with skis and boots from the same company. I will work very hard to make this a successful two seasons, and I am looking forward to skiing fast on Nordica products.’

Erik Schlopy has a number of international ski racing accomplishments to his credit. He won the giant slalom bronze medal at the 2003 world championships in St. Moritz and holds six national titles.

Schlopy has two career podium finishes on the World Cup and finished the 2001 season ranked third in the overall World Cup giant slalom standings. Last season, he seemed poised for an excellent performance when he tore his ACL in a crash at Park City.

Nordica also announced that USST B Team member TJ Lanning will be joining Schlopy on Nordica skis next season. Lanning signed a contract in June.

‘Both Erik and TJ made their decision based on the fact that Nordica has competitive products in all four disciplines,” said Nordica’s racing and promotions manager Willy Booker. “We feel that we now have one of the best up-and-coming athletes as well as one of the best overall athletes on the U.S. Ski Team representing Nordica boots and skis.’ Both athletes are expected to help continue product development for the Nordica racing department.