January/February 2008 Features  |
Over 1,200 competitors from 23 nations have assembled in this rural community that has thoroughly embraced this international cross country ski competition. Residents and business people lined the streets of McCall as nation after nation strolled their top cross country skiers through town. At the end of procession was a complement of U.S. skiers some 660 strong, comprising a full 50 percent of the field that ranged in age from 30 to 90.
The parade wrapped around the Manchester Ice Arena and entered through the rear door, spilling into the venue where opening ceremonies followed attended by an estimated 1,000 people. The usual line-up of speeches, acknowledgements and welcomes were presented in English and repeated in German. Featured entertainment for the evening were Native American representatives of the Nez Perce nation who began with a Grand Entry followed by an assortment of other traditional songs and dances. The colorful regalia and intricate footwork impressed all. The McCall area has enjoyed a bountiful snowfall this winter. From early on there was little doubt that the Ponderosa State Park venue would have adequate snow cover and be in top shape for this major international event. What wasn’t expected, however, was a warm spell that swept across the region bringing temperatures well into the 40s. While it did not present any real threat to the trail base or the events in general, conditions were soft and slow on Friday afternoon. Sub-freezing overnight temperatures were predicted and, with an experienced grooming crew at the ready, the weather did not appear to be a major deal. The forecast also indicated possible precipitation, but it wasn’t clear if it would arrive in the form of snow or rain. None of the usually confident manufacturers’ wax tips were forthcoming, all suggesting to “wait until morning and see what has happened.” At 4:00 a.m. no precipitation had arrived, but by 7:00 a.m. three inches of heavy wet snow had fallen and temperatures hovered at or around the 32 degree mark. In as much as all of the first day’s events were classic technique, 30 km, 15 km or 10 km, racers were left scrambling. Klister, which had been the best bet previously, was now problematic. Many racers were seen roughing up their bases creating “hairies.” But Mother Nature wasn’t finished. Snow eventually let up, trails regroomed and events underway, only to see snowfall resume. Klister was stripped and double poling became the preferred mode of transportation. But after almost two years in the making, the show went on as planned. “We had a few opening night glitches,” said Erin Roper executive director of the organizing committee. “But overall, things went very well.” In the end the competitors prevailed and respectable times were turned in across the 21 men’s and women’s age classes. Competitors compete only against other skiers within the same five-year age class. There are no overall winners. Medal winners from the U.S. in Saturday’s long distance classic events: Adam Swank (M1-1st), Colin Mahood (M1-2nd), Rune Harkestsad (M3-1st), Dan Karig (M9-3rd), Gunnar Unneland (M10-2nd), Sven Wiik (M12-2nd), Mary Wellington (F1-1st), Melissa Lewis (F1-2nd), Tina Gini Larter (M3-3rd), Judith Rabinowitz (F4-3rd), Kate Ellis (F5-1st), Gabriele Andersen F7-1st), Anne Gini (F9-2nd), Barbara Lewis (F9-3rd).
Racing resumes on Sunday, March 2 with 30 km, 15 km and 10 km freestyle events. Complete results and additional information about the 2008 Masters World Cup can be found at www.mwc2008.com. Competitors by Nation
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