Seattle, WA — Following the successful launch of a comprehensive Nordic boot line to mark its 100th anniversary, Madshus, the world leader in Nordic ski design and manufacturing and the world’s oldest ski brand, introduces a full line of Nordic ski poles. Developed hand-in-hand with top athletes like Ole Einar Bjorndalen and working with materials ranging from 100 percent high modulus carbon to high-strength aluminum, the 13 new models offer innovative new concepts and constructions for a new standard of performance both on World Cup courses and around local trails.
On their race circuit debut, the Carbon Race 100 HM (suggested retail: $329) poles propelled Bjorndalen straight to the podium, with an astounding 28-second margin to win the Men’s 15km freestyle race. Such performance begins with the new WC Contour Race Strap, a revolution in comfort and control. Three-dimensional molding of the strap to the shape of the thumb and lateral side of the hand eliminates pressure points and allows free circulation. The strap is available in three sizes, with further customization from an adjustable-angle closure that changes the volume of the strap to accommodate different shaped hands.

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<b>Carbon 100HS:</b> The 100HS uses the Madshus Cork Race Handle with its straighter, tapered cork, and it features 100% high-strength carbon for added durability in day-to-day use. (Suggested retail: $244)
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<p><b>Race Performance Series</b></p>
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<b>Carbon Race 70:</b> With a shaft that’s 70% carbon fiber, the 3D-molded Contour Race Strap and 9mm Race Basket, the light, stiff Carbon Race 70 offers incredible weight and energy savings over long workouts. (Suggested retail: $149)
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<b>Carbon Race 40 and 40W:</b> Built for citizen racers and exercise enthusiasts, the men’s and women’s Carbon Race 40 poles offer the performance of a Cork Race Handle, 9mm Race Basket and 40% carbon composite shaft at an increased value. (Suggested retail: $89)
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<p><b>Nordic-X and Touring Series</b><br />
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<b>NX A7000:</b> A performance aluminum pole for skiing and training, the NX A7000 features a durable 7075 aluminum shaft that is double-tapered to add stiffness without weight. Accompanied by the Madshus Cork Touring Handle, Biathlon Strap and 9mm Race Basket. (Suggested retail: $64)
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<b>NX A6000 & A6000W:</b> The durability of high-strength aluminum with the wider Touring Basket and glove/mitten-friendly webbing wrist strap for the value-oriented recreational touring skier. Available for men and women. (Suggested retail: $39)
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<p><b>Junior Series</b></p>
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<b>Carbon Race JR:</b> Engineered with the Cork Race Handle, Contour Race Strap and a lightweight 40% carbon fiber shaft, the Carbon Race JR is ideal for the demands of junior racers, with performance for the podium and durability for everyday training. (Suggested retail: $99)
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<b>NX A6000 Jr Boys & Girls:</b> Sturdy aluminum poles designed specially for young kids discovering the joys of sliding on snow, with mitten-friendly webbing straps, 10mm Touring Baskets, 6061 aluminum shafts and kid-friendly graphics to match the boys’ and girls’ Butterfly and Hot Rod skis and boots. (Suggested retail: $29)
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<b>About Madshus</b><br />
Madshus, based in Biri, Norway, is a world leader in Nordic ski design and manufacturing and is the second largest brand of cross-country skiing worldwide. Madshus launched an innovative and successful boot program to mark the company’s 100th anniversary in 2006, and the boots were soon adopted by the world’s top cross-country skiers. Continuing to innovate, Madshus now launches a full line of ski poles, from Junior to World Cup Racing, to compete as a full supplier of cross-country skiing equipment. For more info on Madshus, visit <a href=http://www.madshus.com)
