At the Worldloppet Annual General Meeting in Mora on June 13, 2008, the Polish race Bieg Piastόw was accepted as a new member in Worldloppet. This old race is well known amongst long distance skiers, in fact Bieg Piastόw has been a member of Euroloppet for many years. The race takes place in Jakuszyce near the small city of Szklarska Poręba in south-western Poland near the Czech border on the first week-end in March. On Saturday, skiers can choose between a 50 km classic race valid for the Gold Master and a 26 km classic race valid for the Silver Master. On Sunday there will be a 30 km freestyle race valid for the Silver Master.
Bieg Piastόw’s logo will now appear on Worldloppet letter headings and diplomas and a new page for Bieg Piastόw with Poland’s flag will be inserted in Worldloppet passports.
The previous extension of Worldloppet occurred in 2000 when Jizerská Padesátka became a member. There are now 15 races in the Worldloppet. The number of Gold races in the Worldloppet calendar now totals 24. The number of Silver races is 22, not counting two races reserved for ladies.
What about the Global Worldloppet Skier?
When this new prestigious recognition for those who have skied all Worldloppet events was adopted in 2007, the requirement was 14 races. From now on, beginning with the 2008-2009 season, it will be 15 races. Those who have participated in an event at all 14 “old†venues before Kangaroohoppet 2008 are entitled to the GWLS. If you are eligible, but haven’t yet sent in your application to the Worldloppet General Secretariat (race names, dates, times and placements in the 14 races), do it now. Those who have not completed the tour before the beginning of the 2008-2009 season must add Bieg Piastόw to the list of the lacking races.
Bieg Piastόw has traditionally been held on the first Saturday of March. If this schedule is kept, it will be held on the same week-end as Vasaloppet six years out of seven and the same week-end as Engadin one year out of seven. In 2009 it will be held on Saturday, March 7, the day before the Engadin Skimarathon. In 2010 they will add a free technique main race on the Sunday and the races will be held the same week-end as Vasaloppet. Of course, it is unknown if they will change this somewhat confusing schedule in the future. This race and Birkebeinerrennet are the only races that base their schedule on a certain Saturday of the month – all the other races use Sundays.
Source: Worldloppetskier.com
