FasterSkier’s American Birkebeiner coverage is made possible through the generous support of New Moon Ski & Bike in Hayward, Wisconsin. While you are at the Birkie be sure to visit New Moon Ski & Bike for all your local expertise.
In this quick-hit Nordic Nation episode, we speak with five-time American Birkebeiner winner Caitlin Gregg from her home in Minneapolis. Lucky for some, Gregg will not be starting Saturday’s race as she, along with her husband Brian Gregg – who remains a men’s race favorite – are new parents as of Feb. 5. We get the low down on strategy and conditions from Caitlin.
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Caitlin Gregg (501) winning her fifth American Birkebeiner on Saturday in Hayward, Wisconsin, while skiing alongside her husband Brian Gregg (13), who placed 22nd in the elite men’s skate race. (Photo: ABSF/James Netz)
In the second half, we chat with Craftsbury Green Racing Project’s Akeo Maifeld-Carucci. At twenty-six, Akeo – we are going with first names here – has podiumed three times this season on the SuperTour. He’ll be starting his second Birkie tomorrow. Akeo provides some insight into his own race strategy, how not to lose a water bottle, and keeping the mind clear and sensible when you break a pole. 
Simi Hamilton (left) Akeo Maifeld-Carucci (right) “logging” hours on the southeast shoulder of Mt. Jefferson in Oregon.
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