Editor’s note: John Wood is a septuagenarian racer who lives in Eagle River, Alaska, outside of Anchorage. Four years ago he wrote a first-person Masters Mind piece for FasterSkier detailing his return from a full knee replacement to winning his age group at the American Birkebeiner classic race 18 months later. This article provides an update on what happened next, including competing at the 2019 Masters World Cup in Beitostølen, Norway, following a second knee...
Long-distance classic races on March 11 wrapped up the racing action for the 2011 World Masters. The week was filled with impressive race performances and thrilling finishes on the world-class trail system at Sovereign Lake Nordic Center, Silver Star, BC.
The 2010 Masters World Cup in Falun, Sweden (February 20-26) featured a number of top performances by a 74-skier strong USA contingent. On Sunday, February 21 Michigan’s ageless Milan Baic powered his way to a bronze medal in the always competitive M5 (50-54 years) category 30km freestyle. Even more impressive was Baic managed his first individual MWC medal over a very tough course in even tougher weather/snow conditions highlighted by temperatures in single digits, blustery...
Featuring the apt slogan of “Welcome to the Kingdom of Skiing” and an incredible “two for one” XC ski vacation, the 2010 Masters World Cup in Falun, Sweden next February is likely to be an irresistible draw for masters around the XC ski world. Recognized as the world’s largest wintersport traveling championship event, the Masters World Cup (MWC) provides over 1,000 adults 30 years and up a full week of racing and social events at...
After yesterday’s events, we will remember the cheers from the crowds who came to support their teams. The stadium looked like a beehive and created a great atmosphere. Despite Tuesday’s dull weather, snow conditions yesterday were surprisingly good. Relay racers claimed the supreme title of Masters Nordic Team World Champions. The show was impressive and the crowds enthusiastic throughout the day. In the F1 female category, the Russian team won Gold with the Italian team...
Classical Style Races: 30km, 15km and 10km A large crowd of people gathered to attend a very solemn prize giving ceremony on the village square, ending the first day of competitions. The youngest medalist was just 30 years old, the oldest was 89 and came from Finland. He raced the 15 km event in only 48’39’’! The sun from the first day turned into snow on the Vercors for the women’s classical events. The second...