The 2003 — 2004 SuperTour Organizers introduce the “SuperTour Masters” as a new segment of the popular Nor/Am SuperTour Series. The NorAm Series have become the most significant top level competitions on the American continent in decades, and this is an invitation to the masters population to join these exciting events.
The masters events are scheduled as follows:Â
Soldier Hollow, Heber City, UT, Dec. 13-20
This is your chance to experience top level cross-country skiing at the 2002 Olympic venue.
• Dec. 13; 5/10km C wave start (by age group) in between elite sprint qualification and Finals with a season opening party during the Finals.
• Dec. 14; 10/15km F interval start (same race as elite skiers)
• Dec. 20; 5/10km F interval start (same as elite)
Presque Isle, ME, Dec. 29-30Â
The nation’s most progressive program and venue development is seen in the small community of Presque Isle in northern Maine. Their efforts and investment is quickly bringing this area onto the map of international cross-country and biathlon racing.
• 10/10km C (for age groups)
• Sprint F (with age group Finals)
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Telemark, WI, Jan. 17-25
Telemark, WI needs no further introduction to the Nordic community. The home of the American Birkebeiner and numerous international events is offering the following program for the Mid-West section of the Masters SuperTour:
• Jan. 17; Seeley Hills Classic. Mass-start on Birkie Trail (about 1,000 competitors)
• Jan. 24; 5/10km F interval start
• Jan. 25; 10/15km C mass-start (either with elite field or as separate mass-start)
The three series' will not be linked as a tour, but provide racing opportunities at top-flight competition venues in the western, central and eastern regions of the country. Besides offering good competition opportunities in the early part of the season, the goal of the SuperTour Masters events is to broaden the fields, increase racing exposure and bring the Nation’s cross-country skiing population together in a festival atmosphere.
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As competitions are different in nature, each organizer will develop their own protocol regarding logistics, age classes, scoring and awards. The masters results will be promoted along with the results from the main events as a second tear to the elite competitions. Although the SuperTour events are sanctioned by the USSA and FIS, association membership or licensing will not be required for participation in the masters classes.
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The SuperTour events currently range from 100 to 400 competitors, with a series prize purse of $100,000. The National events showcase our elite skiers around the Nation; they are among our most important development tools and serve as junior and senior team qualifiers. This strong national program is allowing more athletes to support their efforts in the sport for a longer time. The addition of a masters field will strengthen the competitions and allow the organizers to continue to increase the services provided to the top athletes. By participating in the events, master skiers finally have a way to directly affect development, our elite skiers, their performance, and the length of their careers.
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Check your regional racing calendar for Masters SuperTour events in your area and visit www.ussa.org for details on this exiting program.
