BIOGRAPHY
While skiing remains his main focus, U.S. Ski Team athlete Tad Elliott continues to juggle flourishing careers as a cross country skier and mountain bike racer. After a strong summer on the bike, Elliott hopped onto his cross country skis for a breakthrough winter. He scored his first World Cup points, added a third U.S. title and took the win in the prestigious American Birkebeiner ski marathon. Elliott has competition in his blood. His dad Mike Elliott was a cross country skier for the U.S. Ski Team in the 60s and 70s skiing in three Olympic Games. The Colorado native is hot on his dad's heels, skiing out of relative obscurity and into first at the 2010 U.S. Championships 50k and second in the 15k freestyle to announce his arrival on the cross country scene. He bested that performance in 2011, earning his second U.S. title in the 30k freestyle and winning several SuperTour events, including the SuperTour Finals 6k hill climb in Sun Valley.
TAD SAYS
The key points of success for me last season were the incredible support I received from Salomon and Swix and the consistent and awesome coaching I received from Pete Vordenberg. Looking forward to the World Championship season some focal points are getting in the gym with our U.S. Ski Team strength coach and getting stronger.
FIRST TRACKS
Elliott credits his early start skiing to his dad, Mike. “He would go coach and try and tire my brother and I out for our mom. My brother Evan and I would absolutely terrorize the local center.”
OFF THE SNOW
Growing up in the mountain town of Durango, Elliott was exposed to both skiing and mountain biking. Today, when the snow is gone he’s on the bike riding for Durango’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Team where he has been one of the top U23 riders in America the past few years. Last summer in Sun Valley, Elliott scored a major finish coming in sixth overall in the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National cross country event. He says mountain biking helps “keep things fresh and fun for skiing.” He also likes to hang with his twin brother and swing a golf club occasionally.
