10 Predictions for the 2014-2015 Cross Country World Cup

Watch out for doping, Swedish gold and Sophie Caldwell’s elbows

It’s a cycle that’s familiar to anyone who knows cross country skiing: prep all summer, wait for the weather to change, fine-tune the efforts, and then pack the bags for four months. With the U.S. Ski Team now prepping for the opening World Cup weekend in Ruka, Finland, it’s time to dust off the crystal ball and attempt to foresee the future of flying fast through fields, forests and Falun World Champs courses.

Sophie Caldwell strides in a Norwegian sprint. GEPA

10. Sophie Caldwell’s sharp elbows

The diminutive skier who cut her teeth in the Ivy League broke both of her elbows (at separate times) last summer while training. No matter; Sophie Caldwell broke out with the best-ever women’s Olympic finish in Sochi last year, and her rising star can’t be dimmed by a plaster cast from shoulder to wrist. Look for her to start off a touch slower, but to gain traction as the opportunity to put more elbow grease into events rises with longer racing and tougher days. Prediction: the Tour de Ski will be a new high for the Vermont icon.

We’ve seen better from Petter. GEPA

9. No thug

He may have been the most interesting skier to watch during the last decade, but Petter Northug has moved from compelling figure of unrivalled athleticism to entitled man-child incapable of metering out his own idiocy. When the skier was forced to go on an apology tour throughout Scandinavia after a drunk-driving incident last spring, his Audi S6 wasn’t the only thing left in ruins. Don’t expect much from the once proud ski king of Norway.

Simi Hamilton should land among top finishers again. GEPA

8. Simi-lar results

Simi Hamilton is among the more gifted athletes to find their way to the World Cup. The former Exum mountain guide had his pick of mountain sports professions before settling on nordic skiing. Taking home the first men’s World Cup win in 30 years during last season’s Tour de Ski was the realization of the Aspen native’s very large potential as a racer. Look for more from the adroit skier, especially in freestyle sprints.

These were happy Olympic tears, but Justyna Kowalczyk has recently been up front about her clinical depression. GEPA

7. Justyna time

When she announced her struggle with depression last spring, Polish World Cup Star Justyna Kowalczyk became a more likeable and more understandable skier. The classic specialist has a tendency to win by a huge margin. With the understanding of her biochemical challenges plainly stated, Justyna has the potential to focus on more consistency in her racing, which will likely translate to more dominant performances.

Repeat champ Kikkan Randall has reason to smile. GEPA

6. The Kikkan show

Amidst rumors that she’s taking a year off after World Championships to have a kid and that she has unfinished business after failing to take home a Sochi medal (as profiled in The Wall Street Journal) Kikkan Randall is the real deal when it comes to U.S. cross country superstars. The Alaskan sprinter, who’s been helping L.L. Bean design gear, among many other pursuits, has taken home more hardware than any other American.

Marit makes music on and off the racecourse. GEPA

5. Singing Marit’s Praises

It may be boring, but Marit Bjoergen is as consistent as Norwegian expectations. The “ski queen” of the last three seasons has won World Cup, World Championships and Olympic gold en route to becoming an icon deserving of popular music tributes in her home of Norway. Listen for the Marit theme music wherever international skiing happens.

Credit Doug Haney/U.S. Ski Team

4. Waxing Safely

With studies pointing to concerns over high fluorocarbon exposure, criticisms at the Davos World Cup (because of lack of respiration in the wax tents) and new environmental regulations set to hit Europe in 2015 for wax companies, look for an increase in external air and a better working environment to happen for World Cup waxers.

Emil Joensson. GEPA

3. Emil will return

Injury shortened Emil Joensson’s season last year, resulting in a consolation bronze medal for the previously indomitable sprinter. Look for the Swedish skier to take advantage of national momentum in the lead up to World Championships being held on his home soil.

GEPA

2. A doping scandal

It’s been a while. The scene is due. Expect someone to be popped this year.

GEPA

1. An epic World Championships

Falun, Sweden, is the type of site one hopes for in hosting the World Championships: the historic venue lies in a place with a profound ski culture and a professional organizing committee that’s progressive and well funded. Expect fantastic ski racing that will be determined by the strength of the competitors, not the nature of the conditions, courses or events.