The U.S. Cross-Country Ski Team relies on a $1 million mobile workshop, nicknamed “Yolanda,” to maintain equipment during competitions. The custom-built facility, constructed on a bus chassis, allows technicians to perform essential ski preparation work trackside.
Maintaining optimal ski performance requires meticulous attention to waxing and structural preparation, tailored to daily conditions. Eli Brown, a technician with the team, focuses on these crucial, often unseen, elements that directly impact athlete performance. “What does it really take to make skis fast at the Olympics?” FasterSkier recently asked, highlighting the complex role of these technicians.
Yolanda houses specialized tools and materials, enabling the team to adapt to varying snow temperatures and conditions. The investment in the mobile workshop reflects the growing emphasis on technological advantages in cross-country skiing. The first iteration of the wax truck appeared in 2017, costing approximately $800,000.
Tim Baucom, a long-time wax technician for the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, recently transitioned to a new role, underscoring the specialized nature of the position and the ongoing need for expertise in ski preparation. His work was described as integral to the team’s success at World Cups, World Championships, and the Olympics, with his “meticulous attention to detail” being a key factor.
The team’s reliance on Yolanda and its technicians is particularly evident on race mornings, before competition begins. Technicians like Brown are already analyzing conditions and making critical decisions about ski preparation, choices that won’t be reflected in the final race results but are vital to athlete success.
