2022 American Birkebeiner

For a half century, American cross-country skiing has been catalyzed by one touchstone event bringing together more skiers in one spot than all the other events combined – The American Birkebeiner. Taking place in the Wisconsin Northwoods every February, The “Birkie” bears its own lore and bends North American Nordic skiing culture with its gravity. This mythic race was the clear choice for elite gravel cyclist, Ted King’s, first ski race. Ted joined his coach, fellow competitor and UnTapped athlete gold-medalist Kikkan Randall at the start line just a few weeks ago.

The Birkie feels like a local’s race. From the welcoming town of Hayward (the local schools go on break so the expo can be held in the gymnasium and foyer) to the start line camaraderie and the finish across the lake, over the purpose-built International Bridge and up Main Street every one of the 9,000 racers is made to feel at home. The spectators along the rural Birkebeiner Trail are few of the ravenous World Cup fans and far more curious snowmobilers and local high school kids lending a familial rather than professional vibe.

All this make UnTapped and the Birkie an intuitive match – natural, rooted in a place and with a striking authenticity. Watch our film on how Ted and Kikkan took on the birkie and shop below for the exact products that fed the experience.

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