Nordic Racers Ski Club:
The Leading Edge,
January 2005

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In This Issue:
XC Racing | Club & Other Events | Hollyburn Hot Chocolate | Learn to Loppet | Upcoming Loppets and Trips | Tuesday Night Races | Community Bulletins | Methow Valley | Vasaloppet 2004 | Loppet Schedule | Buy and Sell

The Changing Face of XC Racing

Test your XC racing knowledge!

When did skate skiing first appear on the World Cup Circuit?

When did skate skiing first appear in the Olympics?

When did the freestyle sprints first appear in the Olympics?

What format now comprises 40% of World Cup Races?

What kind of start will be used in 5 out of 6 of the 2006 Olympic races?

If you answered: 1981, Calgary 88, Salt Lake 2002, Sprint races, Mass start, you are a skiing demi-god!

The sport of XC ski racing is changing!

Having more spectator and TV friendly race formats (skiers do multiple loops; therefore, spectators see them more often) will require that the stadium start and finish area will need to be much larger than in the past and the trails significantly wider.

These new race formats are having an immediate impact on two of the more popular ski areas in BC. At the Sovereign Lake ski area near Vernon, BC some of the trails are now considerably wider. The new nine metre wide trails can accommodate four skate skiers skiing side-by-side.

Next year, the Canmore Nordic Centre is slated to build a bigger stadium and widen the trails. It is quite astounding that the site of the 1988 Olympics is now unsuitable for hosting Olympic races. The Canmore Nordic Centre has received $17 million to expand the stadium and widen the trails so that it will be able to host future World Cup races.

So what are these new exciting race formats?

Besides the free technique sprint races, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has introduced classic sprint races, sprint relays, and continuous pursuit.

Classic sprint races are exactly like the current sprint races but performed only in classic technique and not skate technique. Sprint Relays (sometimes referred to as Team Relays) are relays with two-person teams and each person must ski three times. Continuous Pursuit (a.k.a. skiathlon or pursuit without break) begins with a mass start classic race with skiers finishing the first loop, then switching skis and poles, and then proceeding to ski the course again with the skate technique.

You will be able to see some of these new formats at the 2010 Winter Olympics. In fact, here is the list of what race formats you will be seeing at the 2010 Games:

• Interval Start (classic)
• Mass Start (free)
• Sprint (classic)
• Continuous Pursuit (both)
• Sprint Relay (free)
• Relay (both)

The face of cross country ski racing is changing, and changing fast!

-Tony Chin-

Club and Other Events

Events and activities sanctioned by the Nordic Racers are indicated by an *

Hollyburn Hot Chocolate*

Every Wednesday evening (starting January 5th) throughout the ski season, drop by Hollyburn Lodge between 7:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. and pick up a ticket for one free hot chocolate from a Nordic Racer host. If you'd like to be a host, please contact Dominique Barabé. This involves about 45 minutes "work" (for two hosts per night) sitting by the fire.

Note: this is a club benefit that is for current and paid-up Nordic Racer club members only.

Learn to Loppet*

Learn to Loppet, the Nordic Racers adult ski program, is starting in January 2005. With a restructured program this winter, our offerings are:

• Learn to Loppet - Classic (January)
• Learn to Loppet - Skate (February)
• Learn to Loppet Advanced - Classic (January)
• Learn to Loppet Advanced - Skate (February)

Full program information is on the club website. To avoid disappointment register early for these clinics.

Mountain Magic Loppet

Fantastic scenery and challenging terrain await those who sign up for the Mountain Magic Loppet. Participants ski from Lake Louise to Banff on January 22nd, 2005. The 65 km distance is only open to 20 teams of six and 40 individual participants.

For more information check out www.mountainmagic.com/loppet

Overlander Ski Marathon

The 2nd annual Spoke 'N Motion / Overlander Ski Marathon will be held on Sunday, January 23rd, 2005, at the Overlander Ski Club's trails near Kamloops, BC. You can choose three distances: 50, 30, or 10 km, and there is now a new youth category for skiers 14-17 years old. The course has been modified to take advantage of the new stadium and some brand new trails.

The marathon is part of the brand new Salomon Marathon Cup Series, a 10-race series that links some of Canada's most reputable ski marathons.

Full details are available at www.overlanderskiclub.com. Register early for a lower entry fee!

Cariboo Marathon*

The Nordic Racer Cariboo Marathon trip is scheduled for Friday, February 4th to Sunday, February 6th, 2005.

At 50 km, the Cariboo Marathon is the longest classic-technique loppet in BC (there are 20 and 30 km options for those who don't wish to ski as far). Accommodations are at The Hills Health Ranch, located just outside the town of 100 Mile House, and we've booked six cabins for club members.

The cost for two nights' accommodation (Friday and Saturday) is $65. Register online to save your spot.

Note: Fees are non-refundable. For more info contact Jamie Stirling at stirling@hayco.com.

Nickel Plate Loppet*

The Nickel Plate Loppet trip is scheduled for Saturday, February 12th and Sunday, February 13th, but we need an organizer! If you can help, drop an e-mail to info@nordicracers.bc.ca.

The Nordic Racers stay at Apex Resort near Penticton, BC. The area is consistently dry, which makes for straightforward waxing for the classic-technique loppet.

Manning Park Bus Trip*

Want a change of scenery? Then spend Sunday, February 20th at Manning Park!

The price is $39 (including tax), and covers the bus ride to and from Manning Park, trail ticket, six hours at Manning, and some treats on the ride back. This is a 20% discount off the regular price, and is available only to current Nordic Racers members.

We'll be taking the Sigge's bus, with pickups at Sigge's in Kitsilano, at Boundary / Broadway, and at 152A St. / 102A Ave. in Guildford.

To book your seat, visit Sigge's at 2077 West 4th Ave. in Vancouver or phone them at 604-731-8818 with your credit card number by February 17th. Ask for the Nordic Racers rate, and note that your name will be checked against the current membership list. The buses fill up quickly, so the earlier you reserve your seat the better!

Craving Snow? - West Kootenay Powder Tour

The Vancouver Skiers are organizing a new trip this year, including three and a half days of skiing at three cross-country ski systems in the West Kootenays.

Experience some of the finest dry powder in BC with a backdrop of gorgeous peaks near picturesque communities. The bus will leave February 16th at 10:00 a.m. for an eight hour drive (bring your dinner) and return on Sunday evening.

En-route, host Andrew Pape-Salmon will show an instructional ski video and be available at the beginning of each day for waxing and technique instruction.

Participants will ski at the Black Jack ski club facilities near Rossland, the Castlegar ski club trails near Nancy Greene Provincial Park and the Nelson Nordic ski club trails.

On the evening of the Nelson ski day, the bus heads north to Ainsworth Hot Springs for a soothing soak, exploration of their caves and optional dinner.

For more info please contact Andrew at andrewps@island.net or telephone 250-592-7017.

Cost: $220, includes bus, and accommodation in Trail with four per room (single and double rates also available).

Mount Washington Trip*

Book your accommodations for the Vancouver Island Loppet (Friday, March 11th and Saturday, March 12th - the loppet is on Sunday), by registering online at Sporg. The price is $65 for two nights, in housing right across the street from the downhill ski area, with easy access to the cross-country trails. The Vancouver Island Loppet is a free-technique race, held on Mount Washington.

For further information, contact Tony Chin. Note: Fees are non-refundable.

Tuesday Night Races Need You!

Are you a cross country skiing enthusiast but not into racing during the winter months? If so, then come out to Cypress Mountain on Tuesday evenings and be part of the sizzling action by helping officiate YOKO Poles' ever-popular Tuesday Night Race Series.

Volunteers are needed to help out with the timing and recording of race results. Not only is it a great way to meet your fellow spandex-clad cross country enthusiasts, but it's also an enjoyable way to gain some valuable timing experience in a fun and non-pressure environment. Where else can you cut your officiating teeth at races like the "Resolution Loppet", the "Dual Banger", or the "5 Second Fury"?

Check out race schedule and times at www.skiingbc.info/pages/nordic/tuesdaynight/ or contact Carolyn Daubeny to sign up as a volunteer official.

The Holly Burn Club Race*

The XC ski races in 2010 will be (1) traditional relay, (2) sprints, (3) sprint relay, (4) continuous pursuit, (5) mass start and (6) individual start. If you are like most skiers, you haven't even heard of some of these formats.

Over the next few years we want to give everybody the opportunity to experience these formats. As everyone knows, last year's Holly Burn Race was an exciting sprint race!

What will be the format for the Holly Burn 2005? Stay tuned! If you are interested in learning about these new race formats, then join the Holly Burn Race Committee as we tackle yet another exciting new race format.

If you'd like to join the Holly Burn Race Committee, please e-mail Tony.

Community Bulletins

Adaptive Cross Country Ski Program

The Adaptive Cross Country Ski Program at Cypress Mountain is looking for participants and volunteers for the 2004/2005 ski season. Volunteers do not have to be certified instructors, just eager to share their skill or assistance with a person who wants to cross country ski and has a disability. Volunteer instruction will be provided.

The Adaptive Cross Country is a part of Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS). VASS facilitates skiing and snowboarding to people with disabilities across the Lower Mainland Mountains.

For more information please contact Carole Clubb at 604-904-1369.

Need a Place to Stay on the Island?

If you're headed to the Mt. Washington ski area then you may want to check out Courtenay's newest accommodations at the Shantz Haus Hostel.

The hostel is ideally located close to specialty shops, theatres, restaurants and museums, and is a quick 45-minute drive to the mountain. The address is 520 5th Street, Courtenay, BC. Telephone: 250-703-2060, or toll-free at 866-603-2060.

For more information check out www.shantzhostel.com

Cross Country Destination: Methow Valley, WA

Just south of the border in Washington's North Cascades mountain range lies the second largest cross country trail system in North America - Methow Valley. There are 200 km of groomed trails for all levels of skiers, surrounded by one million acres of unspoiled wilderness. Located near Winthrop, WA, the trail system is divided into three areas (Sun Mountain, Mazama, and Rendezvous) which are linked by the Methow community trail.

The Rendezvous ski area boasts a European-style hut system where skiers can enjoy a semi-backcountry experience on a groomed trail by skiing hut to hut. Each hut is fully equipped with kitchen utensils, a wood stove, fuel, and an outhouse.

Check out the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association website for more information at www.mvsta.com.

Cross Country Travelogue: Vasaloppet 2004

To many cross country skiers throughout the world, the Vasaloppet in central Sweden represents the ultimate long distance ski race. Held on the first Sunday of March every year, the 90 km course runs from Sälen near the Norwegian border, easterly towards the Baltic, finishing in the town of Mora. The Vasaloppet was the first of the World Loppet races, with the first one being run in 1922.

The field is limited to 16,000 skiers and is always full. The race attracts many of the World's best ski racers, from Olympic gold medallists to average skiers whose only aim is to finish the race. Competitors are given 12 hours to finish; however, many do not finish at all.

I was one of eight participants from the Vancouver-based Nordic Racers Ski Club who accepted an invitation from the Saxonia Ski Club of Dresden, Germany to join them in Sweden for the Vasaloppet. The 300-strong German contingent arrived in Rättvik with a Mercedes minivan and six enormous buses armed with prodigious quantities of beer and sausages. Their other secret weapon was an ex-German Olympic Team wax technician.

On the Friday before the big race all the Canadian and German skiers were summoned by the tour leader, Wilfried Priebs, for the handout of the race packages.

All the Canadians were initially in wave 10, so we were keen to find out how successful Wilfried had been. We were amazed at just how successful he had been. Our best skier, Jamie Stirling, was in Group 3; Silke and Peter Gumplinger in Group 4; Barton Pietras in Group 5, Jon Strom in Group 7 and David Neufeld in Group 9.

Sunday the 7th of March was race day and my alarm clock shattered the silence at 02h30, long before dawn. The hotel had put on a hearty breakfast of pickled herrings and other Scandinavian favourites at 03h00, and bleary-eyed racers chewed their breakfast in silence.

"With 27 km to go, it was back on the track, elevate the mind to higher plane and ignore my complaining body."

The start area was the most incredible sight. I estimated that it was more than a kilometre long with 30 or 40 lanes. After what seemed a stomach churning age, the gun finally went off. Group 5 got moving pretty quickly and I was soon double poling flat-out across the first kilometre or so of level terrain. All at once skiers started running into each other as we came to the bottom of the notorious herringbone hill. The hill is maybe 1500 to 2000 metres long with a vertical climb of 200 metres and virtually the entire hill had to be "herringboned".

Soon there were thousands of skiers fighting, pushing and shoving to get up the hill. Many skis were damaged and many poles broken. Course marshals stood at the side of the track, underneath signs proclaiming "staver" (poles), with fistfuls of spare ski poles. Obviously, broken poles are a regular occurrence!

My initial nervousness had passed and I settled down to a long stretch of double poling, stopping only briefly at the first checkpoint at Smågen, 11 km from the start, for a cup of blåbärsop (blueberry soup). This soup is consumed in vast quantities during the race and is really quite pleasant, being more like a hot, thick juice than a soup. The usual alternatives of water, sport drink and bouillon were available at the check-points, that were spaced an average of 11 km apart.

At every check-point, times were automatically recorded from the ankle transmitter signals, and passed straight into the Vasaloppet website, where it was possible to keep track of the entire field in real time. It was a huge milestone to pass the halfway mark, but I was definitely slowing down. The snow conditions were becoming very soft and churned up and in some places there were no tracks left at all -- the 8000-odd skiers in front of me had seen to that! The downhill section out of Evertsberg was fine, but the climb to the Oxberg check-point, at the 62 km mark, was a real struggle. I loaded up with liquids again, but by now I was starting to feel really dehydrated and I had virtually no grip on the uphill sections. Nothing for it but to stop and re-wax my skis! It's always a reluctant decision to stop and re-wax because it normally takes a good 15 minutes and you see all those skiers you worked so hard to pass, now passing you.

With nearly 30 km to go, I knew that if I didn't do something about my skis, there was a good chance I wouldn't finish the race. So it was off with the skis and on with the universal klister that I had to apply with my bare hands.

With 27 km to go, it was back on the track, elevate the mind to a higher plane and ignore my complaining body. I was starting to get cramps in my thighs and by the time I reached the 80 km mark my toes had curled under and I couldn't straighten them. Eventually the spire of Mora Church came into view and I found a bit of energy to smarten up the technique, and quicken the pace for the final push to the finishing line.

Every skier that approached the finish line was announced over the P.A. system, and I remember hearing, "and now crossing the finishing line, Charles Hamfeldt from Canada, you are very welcome". My time was 8 hours, 23 minutes, 59 seconds, which put me 8,689th position. The winner was Norwegian Olympic gold medallist, Anders Aukland, who finished in a stunning time of 3 hours and 48 minutes (Avg. 23.7 km/h), the first Norwegian win in more than 30 years.

Would I do it again? I said no at the time, but looking back it was a wonderful experience and, in truth, yes I would do it again.

-Charles Hamfeldt, March 2004-

Loppet Schedule 2005

JANUARY

January 8-9: BC Cup #1, Vernon, BC (mass starts, sprints)

N.B.: Cancelled!
January 15: Reino Keski Salmi Loppet, Salmon Arm, BC (classic technique)

January 22: Mountain Magic Loppet, Lake Louise, AB (classic technique, except last leg of loppet)

N.B.: Cancelled!
January 23: Spoke Overlander Ski Marathon, Kamloops, BC (free technique)

January 29: Kelowna Apple Loppet, Kelowna, BC (classic technique)

N.B.: Cancelled!
January 29: Coast Cup #2, Coast Cup Series, Whistler, BC (interval start)

January 30: Coast Cup #3, Coast Cup Series, Pemberton, BC (sprints)

FEBRUARY

February 5: Cariboo Marathon, The Western Edge, 100 Mile House, BC (classic technique)

February 12: Nickel Plate Loppet, Penticton, BC (classic technique)

February 12: Canadian Birkebeiner, Edmonton, AB (classic technique)

February 12-13: Coast Cups #4 & 5, Coast Cup Series, Mt. Washington, BC (mass start, intervals)

February 13: Tips Up Cup Fun Race, Kelowna, BC

February 19-20: Keskinada World Loppet, Gatineau QC (classic and free)

February 20-26: Masters World Championship, Krasnogorsk, Russia

February 28-March 5: Canadian Masters Championships, Stephenville, NL

MARCH

March 5: Spud Valley Loppet, Pemberton, BC (classic technique)

March 5: Cascade Cup Marathon, Manning Park, BC (classic technique)

N.B.: Rescheduled!
March 6: Whistler Loppet, the Western Edge, Whistler, BC (free technique)

March 12: Sovereign Lake Loppet, The Western Edge, Vernon, BC

March 19: Coast Cup #6, Holly Burn Sprint Race, West Vancouver BC

Check out Cross Country BC's competition schedule for complete information at www.crosscountrybc.ca.

Buy and Sell

[See our separate buy and sell web page. Ad space in our newsletter and on our website is free for club members; contact Feng at 604-738-5695 or fengski@yahoo.ca for details.]