Presque Isle, ME—The Nordic Heritage Center is busy readying for the arrival of the finest cross-country marathon skiers in the land. For the second year in a row, the northern Maine venue has been selected as the site of the TAMC International Spring Series. This year, the series will also feature the U.S. Cross-Country Skiing Distance National Championships. This year’s program will include not only the men’s and women’s marathon championship, but also the pursuit championships. The Northern Skiers Club of neighboring Caribou, Maine will again host a team sprint in conjunction with the championships.
Headlining the field will be Kris Freeman, hot off a 12th place finish at the FIS World Championships 50km. Other top men’s contenders include American Birkebeiner winner Zack Simons, Sun Valley ODT member Colin Rodgers and MWSC’s own David Chamberlain and Tom Keefe. The women’s field will feature CXC’s Laura Valaas and Caitlin Compton, as well as American Birkebeiner winner Kate Whitcomb and Canadian National Team member Dasha Gaizova.
With solid snow pack already in place, and more snow fall forecast in the coming days, the trails should be in tip top shape for the March 28th opening of the events. This year’s courses feature multiple passes through the Nordic Heritage stadium, offering spectators fantastic trailside viewing. For more information and a complete schedule, please visit the events page at www.nordicheritagecenter.org
