It was the 30th edition of the Cross-Country Masters World Cup for ladies and men, age groups 1-12, this is age 30 and above, in Falun, Sweden last week. Again, the competition for senior Cross-Country skiers from around the globe, took place in a well known ski resort. Each participant was allowed to compete in three individual competitions depending on the age category over 5, 10, 15, 30 and 45 km in the classical and / or free technique. Additionally, for each nation and age category there is a relay over 4 x 5 km. Among the organizers of well-known wintersport resorts, it has long been discussed that the Masters World Cup pays off not only for the organizers, but also for the competition venue itself. In addition to the close to 1000 participants from 25 skiing nations, coaches and supporting staff, staying an average of 10-12 days, must be added when drawing the balance.
Falun with its famous Lugnet-Cross-Country stadium and the varied, selective and not always easy slopes, offers ideal conditions for young and old. Although extremely cold temperatures during the first two days of MWC led to start delays, the active members, the FIS Technical Delegate Marita Schleich, and the Bureau members of the World Masters Association (WMA) praised the organization of the event.
The high level of performance of the best competitors was impressive and the outcome of the race was often decided only in the last meters of the race. It is well known that competitors have mass starts within their age categories. In certain age groups, it was not easy to finish in the top of the field due to the large number of participants as for example in the men’s category 6 (54-59-year-olds) and 7 (60-64-year-old).
The most successful nation that won the most medals was Russia, followed by Norway, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Germany and the US. Host Sweden had the most participants with 200 athletes, ahead of Russia with 180 active cross-country skiers.
The 30th Masters World Cup in Falun ended with a banquet that was appreciated by all participants.
In 2011, the Masters will meet again in the first week of March in Sovereign Lake, British Columbia/Kanada (www.mwc2011.com) and in 2012 in Oberwiesenthal, Germany (www.mwc2012.com).
Source: FIS