WorloppetMagazine 2013
Transcription
WorloppetMagazine 2013
WORLDLOPPET WORLDLOPPET WORLDLOPPET What is it ? All information about the organisation THE WORLD OF MARATHON SKIING 2 0 1 6 THE NEW RACES The reviews after the first season Tatjana MANNIMA Peter NOVAK Winner of the overall FIS MC 2014/2015 From the Indian heat to the Ski Tracks of the World WORLDLOPPET RACE CALENDAR 2016 Foto: Magnus Östh ADVENTURE FOREWORD Dear Worldloppet Friends, Winter is now again “on our front door”. With the first races in Argentina, Australia and New Zealand already on the way, we are now waiting for the winter in the “northern part” of the world. Worldloppet is going to be more and more “the voice of marathon skiing”, not only speaking for the 20 races associated to Worldloppet but also for many other races and Worldloppet friends. The new FIS Worldloppet Cup already includes two races which are not part of the family, La Foulee Blanche and the Ugra Ski Marathon. The door is still open for other interested races to join the cup. For the cup, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU / Eurovision) will offer once again to more than 250associated TV stations a professionally produced 26 minutes highlight programme of the respective FIS Worldloppet Cup race on race day evening. Last winter, ALL RACES have been carried out successfully, even if many organizers could only save the race by facing enormous costs. Not to forget here is the fantastic work of thousands and thousands of volunteers without whom this challenge would not have been handable. New in the Worldloppet Family is, that from now on, all MAIN RACES are able to assign FIS POINTS to the top athletes. This is a huge step forward and a clear sign of a good and sincere cooperation between the International Ski Federation (FIS) and the Worldloppet Federation. Worldloppet will commence, using the “Summer Races” as a kick-off, with a new offering to cross country ski fans all around the globe, broadcasting a 26min highlight programme on www.worldloppet.com at 20h00 CET on race day. This shall give all skiers the possibility to see the best images of the race already on the same day. The film will thereafter be available for download on www.worldloppet.com. More information on this new offering can be found on the Worldloppet web page in due time. Best regards and greetings to you all. See you on the tracks !!! Angelo Corradini Worldloppet Secretary General WORLDLOPPET 3 SAVE THE DATES ! st FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 1 , 2016 This year, you’re about to live the most incredible USA-CANADA journey! 3 major XC-Ski Events in 2 cities within 11 days! Ski the Birkie - the Greatest Show on Snow! NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST CROSS-COUNTRY SKI-MARATHON From Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin in the heart of the north woods BIRKIE 2016 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 2 0 1 6 Register Now! www.Birkie.com FEBRUARY 26 to 28 2016 TAKE PART IN THE LARGEST CROSS-COUNTRY SKI RACE IN CANADA www.gatineauloppet.com FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY THE FIS WORLD CUP CROSS-COUNTRY SEASON WILL st, 2016 CULMINATE IN 1 H NORTH AMERICA! MARC U A E N I T GA www.skitourcanada.com 1st stop of the 8 race Ski Tour Canada 2016: Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau for a sprint event (F)! TABLE OF CONTENT 46 ADVENTURE 23 FIS MARATHON CUP 2014/2015 FROM THE INDIAN HEART TO THE SKI TRACKS SEASON REVIEW WORLDLOPPET MAGAZINE General informations Foreword by Angelo Corradini..................................03 What is Worldloppet..................................................08 The Worldoppet passport.........................................18 FIS Marathon Cup 2014/2015................................23 Interview with Tatjana Mannima................................32 Which Race to go? The season overview...............37 Interview with Petr Novak..........................................50 Dates, numbers and winners Worldloppet Calendar................................................10 Sold Passports..........................................................19 Worldloppet Masters 2015.......................................20 12 A FAMILY AFFAIR A JAPANESE FAMILY ON TRACKS Magazin A family affair.............................................................12 USA global Skier........................................................26 From the indian heart to the ski tracks......................46 The 4 new Races - Seasonreview Merino Muster............................................................16 Fossavatn...................................................................29 Vasaloppet China......................................................34 Ushuaia Loppet......................................................53 r WORLDLOPPET 5 MOMENTS WHAT IS WORLDLOPPET WHAT IS WORLD 8 WORLDLOPPET LOPPET? W Wordloppet's strategy: ☞ ☞ orldloppet The World of Marathon Skiing Worldloppet is an international sports federation of cross-country skiing marathons. The federation was founded in 1978 in Uppsala, Sweden. The aim of Worldloppet is to promote the sport of cross-country skiing through the various ski races around the world. Worldloppet members: Only one, meaning normally the best race, from a country can be a member of Worldloppet. The youngest member is the Demino Ski Marathon which takes place Rybinsk, Russia, which was admitted to Worldloppet during the Annual General Meeting in Tartu (EST) in June 2012. Worldloppet currently unites 16 races from Europe, America, Asia and Australia. Europe: Jizerská padesátka (CZE), Dolomitenlauf (AUT), Marcialonga (ITA), König Ludwig Lauf (GER), Tartu Maraton (EST), La Transjurassienne (FRA), Finlandia-hiihto (FIN), Vasaloppet (SWE), Engadin Skimarathon (SUI), Birkebeinerrennet (NOR), Bieg Piastow (POL), Demino Ski Marathon (RUS), Fossavatn Ski Marathon (ISL) America: American Birkebeiner (USA), Gatineau Loppet (CAN) Marchablanca / Ushuaialoppet (ARG) Asia: Sapporo International Ski Marathon (JPN), Vasaloppet China (CHN) Australia: Kangaroo Hoppet (AUS), Merino Muster (NZL) ☞ ☞ High quality ski races around the World. Only one, meaning normally the best race from a country can be a member of Worldloppet. Regularity and continuity. Each race, having its own history, traditions and programme, is held usually at the same time every year. After completing 10 different Worldloppet races, at least one of them overseas, a skier can apply for the Worldloppet Master title. Races for everybody. Races different by length, technique, landscape and target group attract over 100.000 participants every year. Participation of elite skiers. The FIS Marathon Cup, consisting of around 10 Worldloppet races, is a Worldloppet series for top skiers. Worldloppet authority: The highest authority of the Worldloppet Ski Federation is the Annual General Meeting. The management of the organization is delegated to the Worldloppet Secretary General, who is elected for the term of four years. The Worldloppet Executive Committee, consisting of one representative of Scandinavia, Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Overseas (Asia, North America and Australia), is established as support for the Worldloppet Secretary General. Worldloppet Executive Committee: Juha Viljamaa – Finlandia Hiihto Annette Lamy-Chappuis – La Transjurassienne Dennis Kruse – American Birkebeiner Kinga Jaworek - Bieg Piastow Angelo Corradini was elected Worldloppet Secretary General in 2008. He was reelected in 2012. Since 2008, the race of Marcialonga is responsible for the Worldloppet administration. WORLDLOPPET 9 WORLDLOPPET RACES 2015/2016 22/08/15 04/01/16 10/01/16 17/01/16 23/01/16 24/01/16 31/01/16 06/02/16 07/02/16 07/02/16 13/02/16 14/02/16 14/02/16 14/02/16 20/02/16 20/02/16 21/02/16 27/02/16 27/02/16 28/02/16 28/02/16 28/02/16 29/02/16 05/03/16 06/03/16 12/03/16 13/03/16 18/03/16 19/03/16 30/04/16 13/08/16 27/08/16 03/09/16 10 WORLDLOPPET RACES R AC 2015/1 E 6 (Valid for recog nition as KANGAROO HOPPET: Main VASALOPPET CHINA: Main JIZERSKÁ PADESATKA: Main AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER: Open Track DOLOMITENLAUF: CL DOLOMITENLAUF: Main MARCIALONGA: Main KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF: FT KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF: Main SAPPORO INT. SKI MARATHON: Main LA TRANSJURASSIENNE : La Tranju’Classic LA TRANSJURASSIENNE: La Tranju’Marathon LA TRANSJURASSIENNE: Main TARTU MARATON: Open Track AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER: Classic AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER: Main TARTU MARATON: Main FINLANDIA-HIIHTO: Main GATINEAU LOPPET: CT FINLANDIA- HIIHTO_ FT GATINEAU LOPPET: Main VASALOPPET: Oppet Spar sun VASALOPPET: Oppet Spar mon BIEG PIASTOW: Main VASALOPPET: Main DEMINO SKI MARATHON: Main ENGADIN SKIMARATHON: Main BIRKEBEINERRENNET: Fredags Birken BIRKEBEINERRENNET: Main FOSSAVATNSGANGAN: Main USHUAIALOPPET: Main KANGAROO HOPPET: Main MERINO MUSTER: Main YELLOW * - a Wo rldlop pet G old 50 KM 50 KM 50 KM 50 KM 42 KM 60 KM 70 KM 50 KM 50 KM 50 KM 56 KM 48 KM 68 KM 63 KM 54 KM 50 KM 63 KM 50 KM 51 KM 50 KM 51 KM 90 KM 90 KM 54 KM 90 KM 50 KM 42 KM 54 KM 54 KM 50 KM 50 KM 42 KM 42 KM H T MAIN TEC LOPPE KM D AT E WORLD FT CT CT CT CT FT CT FT CT FT CT FT FT CT CT FT CT CT CT FT FT CT CT CT CT FT FT CT CT CT FT FT FT FIS Marathon Cup 2014/2015 race For women only Mast er) COU NTRY AUS CHN CZE USA AUT AUT ITA GER GER JPN FRA FRA FRA EST USA USA EST FIN CAN FIN CAN SWE SWE POL SWE RUS SUI NOR NOR ISL ARG AUS NZL 21 KM 25 KM 30 KM 25 KM 20 KM 25 KM 22 KM 45 KM 25 KM 25 KM 25 KM 25 KM 25 KM 31 KM 23 KM 23 KM 31 KM 30 KM 32 KM 27 KM 30 KM 20 KM 27 KM 45 KM 25 KM 28 KM 17 KM 30 KM 28 KM 25 KM 21 KM 25 KM 25 KM 21 KM 21 KM 21 KM FT CT FT CT CT FT CT CT FT CT FT CT FT FT FT CT CT CT CT CT CT FT FT CT CT FT FT CT CT CT FT FT CT FT FT FT Y NTR KANGAROO HOPPET: Australian Birkebeiner VASALOPPET CHINA: Short JIZERSKÁ PADESATKA: Bedrichskova JIZERSKÁ PADESATKA: Jizerska 25 DOLOMITENLAUF: Classic Race DOLOMITENLAUF: Lienz Lauf MARCIALONGA: Lavazèloppet MARCIALONGA: Light KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF: Short FT KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF: Short CT SAPPORO INT. SKI MARATHON: Short FT LA TRANSJURASSIENNE: La Trans 25CT LA TRANSJURASSIENNE: La Trans 25FT TARTU MARATON: Open Track AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER: Korteloppet AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER: Korteloppet CT TARTU MARATON: Short VASALOPPET: Kortvasan FINLANDIA- HIIHTO: Short GATINEAU LOPPET: Short CT VASALOPPET: TjejVasan * FINLANDIA- HIIHTO: Short GATINEAU LOPPET: Short FT VASALOPPET: HalvVasan BIEG PIASTOW: Short CT BIEG PIASTOW: Short FT ENGADIN SKIMARATHON: Frauenlauf* BIRKEBEINERRENNET: Inga Laami * BIRKEBEINERRENNET: HalvBirken DEMINO SKI MARATHON: Short ENGADIN SKIMARATHON: Halbmarathon FOSSAVATN SKIMARATHON: Short FT FOSSAVATN SKIMARATHON: Short CT USHUAIALOPPET: Marchablanca KANGAROO HOPPET: Australian Birkebeiner MERINO MUSTER: Snow Rake CO U E C A R H TEC DATE 22/08/15 04/01/16 08/01/16 09/01/16 23/01/16 24/01/16 28/01/16 31/01/16 06/02/16 07/02/16 07/02/16 13/02/16 14/02/16 14/02/16 20/02/16 20/02/16 21/02/16 26/02/16 27/02/16 27/02/16 27/02/16 28/02/16 27/02/16 01/03/16 04/03/16 06/03/16 06/03/16 12/03/16 13/03/16 13/03/16 13/03/16 28/04/16 30/04/16 28/08/16 27/08/16 03/09/16 ET S KM OPP L D L R WO ACE R T R O SH lid (Va 6 1 / 5 201 ter) r Mas e v il S pet rldlop o W as a nition g o c for re AUS CHN CZE CZE AUT AUT ITA ITA GER GER JPN FRA FRA EST USA USA EST SWE FIN CAN SWE FIN CAN SWE POL POL SUI NOR NOR RUS SUI ISL ISL ARG AUS NZL WORLDLOPPET >> IA FAMILY AFFAIR A FAMILY AFFAIR 2014 It's almost three o'clock, the Worldloppet Master reception at the Engadin Skimarathon is in full swing. One moment I am talking to an American, the next to an Italian and then suddenly I am facing a Japanese family – father, mother and son. Don't think that only daddy is putting on his skis while mum and son are cheering him on on the famous uphill at St.Moritz! Oh no...this is a family affair!!! ...and a good example of how Worldloppet and long distance skiing can be enjoyed by the whole family! „I was born in Tokyo in 1958. It's a big city and 12 WORLDLOPPET you cannot find any snow there during the winter. However, I started skiing in 1985 when I was 26 years old and was enjoying local, Japanese ski races at that time. It wasn't until 1994 that I went overseas to participate in one of theWorldloppet races.“ tells Minoru, the father. „It was my university teacher, Prof. Imamura, who got me introduced to Worldloppet and its races. He loved Finland, but my first race was then the KönigLudwig-Lauf in Germany.“ So much so good – sounds pretty much like many Worldloppet stories so far doesn't it? Don't worry, it gets better! „After my race, I went Two years later, their son was born. His name: into the office of the König-Ludwig-Lauf and got Suomi, after his father's love for Finland! Surely my first passport. If I didn't already had the this „happening“ also played a vital part in the „Worldloppet bug“ before – it was there at the non participation of Tomoko in any races for latest I caught it!“ admits the owner of now 12 some time. But Minoru continued to ski – pass- Worldloppet passports. port after passport got filled. However, since „My wife is a good alpine skier, however, she 2001, the little family mostly travelled together to only started cross country skiing one month be- the races – Suomi first on the arm of his mother, fore our marriage wich was in 1997. For our honeymoon we decided to go to Switzerland and the Engadin Skimarathon should be our honeymoon race.“ continues Minoru the family story. „We skied the whole Engadin Ski Marathon together, but at that time it was only her 3rd time on cross country skis for her! I was very happy to share this wonderful experience of long distance skiing with her, but she was very later with skis on his feet and next to the race tired and pretty exhausted after the race. Many track cheered for his father. He got his first skis times she wanted to give up as the way was so when he was two – no surprise surely. During long (yes, 42km can get veeeeery long!) but I en- winter times, when the whole family went to couraged her to keep going and cheered her up. Sapporo many times, he got onto his skis with In the end, after we slowly skied our way to S- them and enjoyed this way of moving around. Chanf, we finished together in 4h49min59s. Of Travelling to many Worldloppet races and seeing course I wanted to get her a Worldloppet pass- his father competing got Suomi interested in port, but she didn't want to hear any of this. I long distance skiing as well – he wanted to fol- guess after such an exhausting first experience, low his father in his footsteps! it was too early to get her interested in yet anot- „ I checked every Worldloppet ski race regulation her such race....she didn't enter any long dis- for an age limit to enter the short (silver) race. We tance race for a long time thereafter!“ decided that Suomi's first race should be Ji- remembers the multiple Worldloppet Master. zerska Padesatka. This was in 2009 when he WORLDLOPPET 13 was 9 years old!“ tells a proud Minoru. „He finished the 25km short race together with his mother. After the race, he bought his first Worldloppet passport and got his first Worldlop- 2015 One year later, it is clear: They made it! With the Merino Muster having become an WL Associate Race, the way was cleaned of all obstacles. Suomi is now the youngest Worldloppet Silver Master and the whole family are now preparing the next challenge – becomming a Gold Master! With Suomi and his mother having bought a Worldloppet passport in 2009, a new ski team was created which is comprised of the three members of the Matsuyama famliy as well as no other than Hannes Larsson, the incarnation of Mister Worldloppet Master! What two distingtive examples of Worldloppet skiing can be found in this little team and what great example this whole team shows to others who are not yet sure how to bring together their passion for long distance skiing and the rest of the family! pet stamp!! He also finished the short races of Finlandia Hiihto and Bieg Piastow in 2010, Kort Vasan and Tartu Marston in 2011, Dolomitenlauf in 2012, Kangaroo Hoppet in 2013 and the American Birkebeiner Open as well as the Engadin Skimarathon in 2014. He now has 9 stamps in his passport missing only one for a silver master. The same goes for Tomoko as she bought her passport at the same time as him, encouraged by the example of Suomi.“ explains Minoru further. One stamp to go! But where to go for this one stamp? „We have plans to go to New Zealand and the Merino Muster if the race will be inlcuded to Worldloppet as an Associate Member by the Annual General Meeting in June!“ 14 WORLDLOPPET Cross country skiing, long distance racing and travelling the world, meeting new people and learning about new cultures – the Worldloppet experince is something for the whole family! MERINO MUSTER MERINO MUSTER ONE YEAR WITH WORLDLOPPET F ollowing the elation at our election to as- teers for the support roles so vital to our sociate membership of the Worldloppet success. Ski Federation In Riva del Garda we retur- The response from our community took us by ned home to New Zealand to start the work of surprise. establishing our new status as associate members. Our local authority (QLDC) funded a package of Our first job was to apply for funds to address race presence items that included signage and our need to improve our race presence. a finish tower. Our local tourist authority led dis- Second priority was to establish much stronger cussions with the community that host the Kan- links to our local community as our race location garoo Hoppet in Australia to develop joint is up in the hills well above the population base approaches and improve cooperation for inco- we need to provide local ski racers and volun- ming Worldloppet skiers. 16 WORLDLOPPET The governing body for X-Country skiing in New series. More foreign skiers completed the Me- Zealand (Snowsports NZ) funded a study into rino Muster than locals for the first time. We the viability of the race and whether it could run have also finally built a relationship with our local and fund an FIS Marathon Cup in conjunction community beyond X-Country skiing. with a race in Australia. They have guided new market segmentation that we are developing. Local businesses are now offering support and Encouraging the large New Zealand multi-sport in this our second Worldloppet year International community to add a long distance ski race to entries are double last year and at this early their bucket list has been one of those stage conditions are looking very promising for segments. the Merino Muster on 15th August. This year we The 2014 Merino Muster (our first as an asso- will have flags flying at the road entrance from ciate Worldloppet Ski Federation member) was the Cardrona village as well as a full set of flags held at the Snow Farm in brilliant sunshine and at the Merino Muster stadium again with help superb snow conditions. The race presence from QLDC. It is the 21st birthday of the race. was stupendous and the local community totally Thank you Worldloppet for all the encourage- abuzz at the success and the excitement of ment and helpful guidance. being part of such a prestigious international WORLDLOPPET 17 THE WORLDLOPPET PASSPORT C ompleting of a Worldloppet (WL) race is a remarkable achievement and worth of recording! Worldloppet Passport (WL Passport) is a personal document, in which every completed WL race should be registered. The official WL Passport contains a special page for each event in the Worldloppet series. After completing of a WL race, the skier should ask for the official stamp of this event at the race office. A stamp in the WL Passport is the evidence of the completed race. Collecting of WL stamps is an additional motivation to practice crosscountry skiing and to travel to WL countries. Today there are more than 12000 WL passport holders from all over the world. Everyone can become a Worldloppet Master! Silver Master, if completed 10 WL short (click here to see the list of the valid Worldloppet short races!) races (possible to combine with main races). To apply for the title of a WL Master, WL Passport should be mailed to the WL General Secretariat, where the validity of all stamps will be checked, based on the result lists of the marked races. In order to be included in the current year's WL Masters' list, WL Passport should reach WL General Secretariat before April 1. WL Master diploma and a gold/silver-plated pin will be mailed to this WL Master and his/her name will be published in the WL Ski Race Yearbook. In addition, each WL Master has an opportunity to order a personal WL gold/silver-plated medal, by mailing the order form together with € 40.- to the WL General Secretariat. After completing WL races in 10 different countries, at least one of them on another Continent, the skier will be recognised as a Worldloppet Master (WL Master) - WL Gold Master, if completed 10 WL main races (click here to see the list of the valid Worldloppet main races!) and WL How to buy a Worldloppet Passport? The price of a WL Passport is € 30.-and Passports are available in every WL race office in 15 countries and in WL General Secretariat. WL Passport can also be ordered by e-mail or mail and paid either in cash, by Credit Card. 12 18 WORLDLOPPET Number of WL Passports and Master by country USA GERMANY RUSSIA FINLAND ITALY NORWAY SWITZERLAND SWEDEN ESTONIA FRANCE CANADA CZECH REPUBLIC JAPAN AUSTRALIA GREAT BRITAIN AUSTRIA SLOVENIA POLAND SPAIN SLOVAKIA LATVIA DENMARK NETHERLANDS BELGIUM ICELAND ISRAEL LUXEMBOURG NEW ZEALAND HUNGARY IRELAND BELARUS CHINA LIECHTENSTEIN ANDORRA LITHUANIA UKRAINE PORTUGAL ARGENTINA CHILE INDIA SAUDI ARABIA SOUTH AFRICA VENEZUELA CROATIA ECUADOR GHANA KAZAKHSTAN MALAYSIA MOLDAVIA ROMANIA UNKNOWN HOLDERS S RT O SP 49 S 3 PA 17 2033 1908 1685 1403 1329 RS E LD 47 HO 142 LS TE I T R 9 E T 13 AS 4 M S ER T AS 68 M 30 LE IP T UL 1 M 49 1596 283 587 229 14 395 458 27 304 54 8 1789 1293 1142 1152 1291 1095 815 641 1225 1029 722 709 461 434 409 345 259 222 192 172 160 96 87 83 46 36 33 33 20 16 13 12 9 9 8 8 7 5 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1060 873 542 626 333 338 321 303 216 158 139 124 88 65 67 67 39 33 4 22 19 12 10 12 8 9 7 8 6 4 3 1 1 2 2 363 274 298 387 239 177 214 91 147 79 100 58 76 82 45 34 60 29 24 21 15 1 25 17 3 4 4 245 217 256 321 196 119 115 63 90 50 73 44 63 27 27 10 1 2 9 3 4 4 3 1 1 1 1 3 4 6 22 5 4 13 16 8 8 2 14 19 11 27 13 18 10 35 11 20 9 9 9 2 1 3 1 9 14 12 7 5 1 1 2 1 2 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 25 34 26 1 1 27 14 2 1 52 60 3 1 57 ER LV 0 I S 14 1 WORLDLOPPET MASTERS 2015 WORLDLOPPET MASTERS 2015 NR.: 3900 3901 3908 3909 3910 3911 3912 3913 3914 3915 3916 3917 3918 3919 3920 3921 3922 3923 3924 3925 3926 3927 3928 3929 3930 3931 3932 3933 3934 3935 3936 3937 3938 3939 3940 3941 20 NAME VADLEJCH JAN VADLEJCH JAN ROSEN ULF KLINGEN LARS HÜMMLER UWE MORGENEIER K.-D. TIKHONOV VADIM WORSNOP GREGORY KRANZ JÜRGEN BIRYUKOV SERGEY BANG JANNE DASEK MIROSLAV PANFILOV YURY LARSSON LENNART LARSSON HANNES GOLDMANN MAXIMILIAN ERIKSSON AINA ERIKSSON SVEN-ERIK LEMINGER JAN LUCHKO IGOR SIMONOV ALEXANDER TOKMACHEV MIKHAIL MARÅK RUNE GEORG KOPPA AGU RUF JOSEF SCARTEZZINI MICHELE SPERANZA IVO COSTA ERIKA DA RIZ FABIO FANT ORVIANO MATSUYAMA TOMOKO MATSUYAMA SUOMI INNO KADI INNO AIN TORSTILA SAMI AVDYUSHKIN SERGEY WORLDLOPPET NATION ISR ISR SWE NOR GER GER RUS USA GER RUS DEN CZE RUS SWE FRA SUI SWE SWE CZE RUS RUS RUS NOR EST GER ITA ITA ITA ITA ITA JPN JPN EST EST FIN RUS NR.: 3942 3943 3944 3945 3946 3947 3948 3949 3950 3951 3952 3953 3954 3955 3956 3957 3958 3959 3960 3961 3962 3963 3964 3965 3966 3967 3968 3969 3970 3971 3972 3973 3974 3975 3976 3977 NAME CHITNEV ANDREY RANTANEN PERTTI J. KREEKMAN KALEV WIEZOREK K.-D. IAKOVENKO ALEXANDRE KOCHETOV VLADIMIR JOHNSEN OLAV MARTIN HERSETH JANNE SVINTSITSKI STANISLAV RAAP ILMAR KULU HEIKI BACHAUS ARNO BOROVOY IGOR PICH VALENTIN COOMBS JUSTIN SARDA' JOAQUIM MARTINEZ VALLS A. SEVCIK ROMAN NORDVANG TOR HELGE SINGH PREETAM NESENSOHN FRANK MIKA ZDENEK HELMINEN ERKKI CAVIET NANCY L. MÜLLER AXEL CAVANAUGH MICHAEL WONG JACQUES STANICEK PAVOL SÄILÄ MIRJA VEGGELAND TURID LARM RAILI L BIENIEWSKI AREK HOGGEN ELI BENTE NORBY INGEBJØRG DEBRAH KWASI ANDRONOV IGOR NATION RUS FIN EST GER RUS RUS NOR NOR RUS EST EST EST RUS SPA GBR SPA SPA SVK NOR IND GER CZE FIN NED GER USA CAN SVK FIN NOR FIN POL NOR NOR GHA RUS WORLDLOPPET MASTERS 2015 NR.: 3978 3979 3980 3981 3982 3983 3984 3985 3986 3987 3988 3989 3990 3991 3992 3993 3994 3995 3996 3997 3998 3999 4000 4001 4002 4003 4004 4005 4006 4007 4008 4009 4010 4011 4012 4013 NAME MC LEOD GRANT MONTGERMONT DANIEL KEYSER JEFFREY HEINRAND URMAS HILSKA ASTA HOLMSEN GEIR JENNINGS TIMOTHY DIRKSEN MICHAEL DIRKSEN MICHAEL PELTONEN LEENA FONTANIVE RICCARDO BYAR CHRISTIAN BLEAKLEY MICHAEL KREJZA LUBOS PARVELA KIMMO PARVELA ANJA GERECKE MARTIN ALEXANDER CRAIG MICHALICKA VLADIMIR SCHLEIDER JÜRGEN REALINI PIETRO DEREVYANKIN VITALY LAMY-CHAPPUIS A. VÄRTON ANDU VAGEL JAANUS BURKHARD JUERG BARANOV ANTALOY IAKHIN RINAT PETROFF BORIS ROESLER KAREN ANN KEDROV VLADIMIR SIMONS BRITT-MARIE ÄÄREMAA ERKKI KÜLAOTS URMET ROBERT PATRICK KOLOBANOVA LIUDMILA NATION CAN FRA USA EST FIN NOR USA GER GER FIN ITA USA USA CZE FIN FIN GER AUS CZE GER ITA RUS USA EST EST SUI RUS RUS FRA USA RUS FIN EST EST FRA RUS NR.: 4014 4015 4016 4017 4018 4019 4020 4021 4022 4023 4024 4025 4026 4027 4028 4029 4030 4031 4032 4033 4034 4035 4036 4037 4038 4039 4040 4041 4042 4043 4044 4045 4046 4047 4048 4049 NAME LARIN NIKOLAI HÄRKÖNEN ANTTI RODYGIN ALEXANDER SUNDQVIST ANN-CAKNÜSEL MARKUS SEVCIK ROMAN HÜMMLER UWE GOREV KIRILL SVIHUS KJELL KIRIYANOV JURY VALVE TEUVO TAMM NIKITA PETERSON EINAR VEERUS IVAR HANNI TARMO HALGAS LUBOS LIKSOR AIVO TOIVONEN JUHA HANNI TARMO KILK AIN TERENTIEV OLEG LATORRE VILALLONGA JAANUS ANDRES TEEARU KARL KOMPUS ANDRUS QUINN DONALD WIENER JAY SKRÅNING JORUN MARSHALL MICHELE MARJAKANGAS HEIKKI KOSTYNICH SERGEY BOUTERAON MICHEL SANCHEZ PUERTA EDUDASEK MIROSLAV BOUTERAON MICHEL HANSON CRAIG NATION RUS FIN RUS SWE SUI SVK GER RUS NOR RUS FIN RUS EST EST EST SVK EST FIN EST EST RUS SPA EST EST EST USA USA NOR GBR FIN RUS FRA AND CZE FRA USA WORLDLOPPET 21 WORLDLOPPET MASTERS 2015 NR.: NAME 4052 PETROV DMITRY 4050 4051 4053 4054 4055 4056 4057 4058 4059 4060 4061 4062 4063 4064 4065 4066 4067 4068 4069 4070 4071 4072 4073 4074 4075 4076 4077 4078 4079 4080 4081 4082 4083 4084 4085 4086 SALONEN HELENA SALONEN LARS KREEGIMETS JANIS MÄE IVO KALMO STIG KALMO STIG MCCARTHY BERNARD NATION 4089 RUS EST DEN DEN GBR CZE CAN EST USA BLUMENSTEIN HELMUT GER HANNILA MATTI FIN BAZHIN VLADIMIR IVANIN YURY OZOLINS AINARS PÖYRY JORMA HAABMA ALAR RUS RUS LAT FIN EST GLECHNER FRANZ AUT SKOGLUND JOHAN SWE AGESTAM LENNART SWE SREJBER MILAN KULIK MICHAL CHALAEV DMITRY AGESTAM MARIA NYGARD MARIT KARIN ODOKHOVSKIY V. SMOLYAKOVA IRINA IMPALMI FRANCO KRALOVA IVANA KRAL JOSEF SASAKI MUNEO KRALOVA IVANA KRAL JOSEF SEITZ THOMAS TELEPIN NIKOLAY EST SWE SREJBER MILAN BRUMBAUGH MIKE 4088 4086 SWE VARDJA VALLO NAME SWE KLEEN GUSTAV PALLISER ROBERT NR.: CZE CZE RUS SWE NOR RUS RUS ITA CZE CZE 4087 4090 4091 4092 4093 4094 4095 4096 4097 4099 4100 4101 4102 4103 4104 4105 4106 4107 4108 4109 4110 4111 4112 4113 4114 4115 4116 4117 4118 4119 JPN 4120 SUI 4123 CZE CZE 4121 4122 4124 SEITZ THOMAS HUBER THOMAS VIITAMÄKI JOUNI BÖCKL BERNHARD NATION SUI GER RUS FIN AUT HUBER THOMAS GER MOGARD MAURICE SWE HUBER THOMAS GER HUBER THOMAS GER ZAKHAROV DMITRY RUS TALAS JAN FERUGLIO LUIGINO SEVCIK ZDENKO TELYATNIKOV VLADIMIR MUFF FELIX BÖCKL BERNHARD SHELEKHIN ANATOLY KUDRIASHOV STANISLAV NORBERG BENGT SOOVIK JAN NIINIMÄKI TIMO JYLHÄ KARI JYLHÄ KARI MARTINOVIC JIRI PAVLENKOV OLEG CHURIKOV MAXIM CZE SUI SVK RUS SUI AUT RUS RUS SWE SWE FIN FIN FIN CZE RUS RUS RØNNING STEIN NOR BORISOV VALENTIN RUS GOEBEL RONICE KOSTYNICH SERGEY HOLAN MARTIN LEVSHCHANOV SERGEY RAJASAARI MATTI KASALA MARKKUS J. AUS RUS CZE RUS FIN FIN WRAGG JOHN CAN LEMINGER JAN CZE KHALIMULLIN YURI KARTSOV SERGEY RUS RUS FIS MARATHON CUP 2014/15 As usual, the FIS Marathon Cup season started also snow is guaranteed which makes it far more simple this season with the traditional long distance season for the organisers to prepare the race. Winter was opener La Sgambeda in Livigno, Italy, in mid-De- once again at the rendez-vous so that the racers cember. could enjoy a perfect winter wonderland atmo- Under a bit warmer conditions than most of the sphere. In this serrounding it was Toni Livers (SUI) times and this year happening on Friday, La Sgam- who secured the victory in front of Petr (CZE) and beda (42km FT) was won by Benoit Chauvet (FRA) Adrien Mougel (FRA). On the women's side, it was in front of Petr Novak (CZE) and Robin Duvillard Holly Brooks (USA), the woman from Alaska who (FRA) on the men's side, and by Riitta-Liisa Roponen had raced in the American National Team until last (FIN) on the women's side. The Finn won in front of year, who could show her strength. Aurelie Dabudyk Holly Brooks (USA) and Ekaterina Rudakova (BLR). (FRA) and Antonella Confortola (ITA) completed the Already the first race showed that a strong field of women's podium. racers had prepared for a long fight for the top spots A week later, the elite of long distance skiing gatheof the podium throughout the season. And it should red in Italy in order to participate in the traditional be between Chauvet and Novak that this year's FIS Marcialonga which runs from Val di Fasse to Val di Marathon Cup should be decided. On the women's Fiemme. Normally held over 70km in CT, this year's side, it looked so as if the American Brooks would edition saw some cruel weather challenging the orbe able to secure the cup, however, everyone who ganisers to the maximum. In the end, the race could bet on her had not made the deal without a well be held, however only over 57km. This did not known pal! change anything of the great atmosphere of this However, the second race of the season was, also special race. After a strong fight, it was Tor Asle Gjerlike the last years, the Dolomitenlauf (AUT) in mid- dalen (NOR) who in the end could win the race in January. This race is now, for a couple of years al- front of his compatriots Anders Aukland and Oystein ready, held in Obertilliach over 42km (FT). Up there, Pettersen. On the women's side, it was Katerina FIS MARATHON CUP SAISON >>2014/2015 Smutna (AUT), a former World Cup athlete who gian to come here and race this race. It's a really mostly competed in sprints, who showed everyone great!“ Audun Laugaland (NOR) became second else her backside. First to see it was Leila Kveli and Martti Himma (EST) third. On the women's side (NOR) who became second while Seraina Boner it was once again Tatjana Mannima (EST) who could (SUI) completed the podium. win the prestigious 63km CT race in her home coun- After a one week break the circuit reunited again in try. Antonella Confortola (ITA) and Triin Ojaste (EST) the French Jura for la Transjurassienne – not in ska- completed the podium. After Tartu Maraton, the FIS ting technique as it had been the case for many Marathon Cup track raced over the great ocean, to years, but in classic style, leaving from Les Rousses American and the American Birkebeiner (50km FT). instead of Lamoura. French winners on French soil? Surely the coldest place of this year's FIS Marathon Not exactly. As this race was held in classic techni- Cup, the „Birkie“ offered once again a very interes- que this time, it was the „old master“ Stanislav ting race in which Sergio Bonaldi (ITA), the winner of Rezac (CZE) who won this race in front of his com- the overall FIS Marathon Cup 2012/13 could claim patriot Petr Novak. Both Czechs went on without the victory in front of the two Frenchmen Christophe kick wax and it looked a long time as it would come Perrillat-Collomb and Benoit Chauvet. On the wo- to a finish sprint between these two. However, about men's side, it was Holly Brooks (USA) who could a kilometre from the finish, Rezac moved up a gear show her strength at home and who placed Aurelie and left a gasping Novak alone. Third became Jean- Dabudyk (FRA) and Tatjana Mannima (EST) to se- Marc Gaillard (FRA) who, in the finish, had no idea cond and third place. The red bib of the leader of the how he had managed to reach it as he suffered from overall FIS Marathon Cup should continue to switch cramps all the way through. On the women's side, owners as the circuit moved back to Europe and the it was Tatjana Mannima (EST) who set a sign with 50km CT Bieg Piastow (POL). Close to the border her victory. The FIS Marathon Cup overall winner of to the Czech Republic, Petr Novak felt at home on the season 2012/13 who had a bad accident right the course which is well known to him. Helped by at the beginning of the season 2013/14 and who such a feeling, he could win the race in front of Sta- could therefore not race much during this winter, nislav Rezac (CZE), reversing the order of the result showed that she was back and ready for some real of La Transjurassienne, and Benoit Chauvet (FRA). action. On the women's side, it was Tatjana Mannima (EST) Next stop on the list was Tartu Maraton. Normally who could show once again that the was the queen THE race to prepare the ultimate Vasaloppet, due to of the classic technique this season. She won in the change of date of the 90km long race (one week front of Klara Maravcova (CZE) and Aurelie Dabudyk later as on the original date, the FIS Nordic World (FRA). Next on the list was the Engadin Skimarathon Ski Championships were held in Falun, Sweden) ho- (SUI), traditionally the closing race of the FIS Mara- wever, it was not so practical anymore for most of thon Cup season – but not this year. There was still the challengers of the Swedish race. Therefore the one more race to go after the Swiss one. Known for door was open for new heroes – one of them with a its relatively flat profile and the wonderful scenery in known name: Eldar Roenning (NOR)! The Norwegian which it is set, this year's Engadin Skimarathon could not only win the race but was also absolutely could be won by Ilia Chernousov (RUS), the hus- taken by the experience: „I encourage every Norwe- band of Swiss ex-biathllete Selina Gasparin. Robin 24 WORLDLOPPET Duvillard (FRA) and Roman Furger (SUI) completed women's side, Ekaterina Rudakova (BLR) could the podium. On the women's side, every point gai- claim the victory in front of Aurelie Dabudyk (FRA) ned in this race was important for the overall. This and Antonella Confortola (ITA). With all races done it time, it was Anouk Faivre-Picon (FRA) who could was in the end Petr Novak (CZE) and Tatjana Mangain the victory for the second time after her win in nima (EST) who could win the overall FIS Marathon 2012. Riita-Liisa Roponen (FIN) and Caitlin Gregg Cup of the season 2014/15 – a long dream for (USA) got second and third. Novak which finally came true and a dream which Then there was a long gap. However, most athletes became true for already the second time for the Esstayed busy with national championships and other tonian mum Mannima. races until it was time to go to Khanty-Mansiisk After the season, some athletes have anounced their (RUS), for the last race of the season. Normally retirement, like Christophe Perrillat-Collomb, some known for it's Biathlon World Cup, the city is also only from World Cup racing. The latter ones, like host to the Ugra Ski Marathon, a 50km FT race. Due Eldar Roenning have however announced that they to warm weather and a lot of rain, the last race of would now focus on long distance racing. Knowing the season 2014/15 had to be shortened to 35km. this, one can enjoy the summer break before witnesThe first to cross the finish line after this distance sing an even harder fight for the overall FIS Marathon was Toni Livers (SUI) who was back from racing in Cup next season – which will then be called „FIS the Cross Country World Cup. Aliaksei Ivanou (BLR) Worldloppet Cup“. got second and Evgeniy Belov (RUS) third. On the WORLDLOPPET 25 ADVENTURE >> USA GLOBAL SKIER I SIMPLY LOVE THE OUTDOORS, ON FOOT „As a biologist and ecologist I simply love the „My job allows me to spend many hours outside outdoors, on foot or on skis! - But I am also a studying and monitoring western Colorado’s list-checker!“ open land in order to help preserve mountain A ecosystems.“ she explains. Having been a hiker brief self-description by Dawn Barton since childhood, this way of exploring the land Welles, the first US American woman to is natural to Barton Welles. Even though Colo- be recognised as „Worldloppet Global rado is best known for its downhill skiing, Nordic Skier“, but a description which includes all. It skiing does also exist – one should not forget was her love to the big and wide areas of un- that some of the most successful American spoiled nature which she could encounter from Nordic Combined athletes like Todd Lodwick her home since childhood, growing up in the and Johnny Spillane are coming from there. „ mountains of beautiful Colorado, which inspired Wishing to broaden my winter activities, I began her to become a biologist and ecologist. backcountry ski touring and going on hut trips 26 WORLDLOPPET sport athletes are made in summer!“ another one „Hard training – easy race!“ - showing both that training is needed if success is wanted. „Balancing work and family with training was probably the most difficult area and so I found myself training a OR SKIES lot at night after work or in storms in order to get in the training miles. I recently read a story about a women who had just completed her first long-distance hike who said its okay to dive into the deep end even if you are not a strong swimmer. If you want something enough, you’ll learn how to swim.“ Surely an experience many have made already but in the 1990’s.“ tells the first American Global Skier. also something which can inspire others who are At that time, not many groomed trails for cross afraid to get involved as they might have never country skiing were available, but when it got more done sports before or can't ski. The Worldloppet widely practised, Dawn Barton Welles couldn't re- passport is another great motivation, enabling a sist it: „I tried it and loved it! Now it is my preferred racer to collect a stamp at each race and to re- winter activity.“ ceive a Master diploma once ten races (including When asked what she means by „being a list-che- one overseas) have been concluded! But World- cker“, she answers: „I love to set goals that have loppet and skiing Worldloppet races are not only multiple milestones, checking them off as I go. I about the passport, „ it is about becoming part of have climbed all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000’ peaks, something with a rich history and meeting passio- completed the eight marathon ski races in the Eu- nate peaceful people from around the world. I roloppet series, hiked around Mount Blanc, the especially appreciated that the Worldloppet organi- Haute Route and the 480-mile Colorado Trail zing committee built flexibility into the series by of- across Colorado. I am always curious about what fering a mix of race lengths and disciplines. Doing is around the next bend!“ One already sees there so has made it approachable to the athletes of all that she is not in for only short distances... levels.“ summarises the skier from Colorado. „For „I came into Nordic racing as a long-distant hiker, me, the idea to participate in Worldloppet race but without much experience in ski racing. My first came from a love of traveling in mountainous areas marathon took me six hours and my last, about and to see where my Nordic skis could take me. half that time. Along the way, I learned about nutri- I’ve skied toured across parts of Norway, Sweden, tion, training, pacing, clothing, and overcoming jet- and the Alps, but the quest for the coveted World- lag that helped me to greatly improve as an athlete. loppet pin by skiing ten races was a list-checkers I loved the challenge to improve with each race dream. The pin quest quickly turned into some- (and the reward of the post-race stamp in the thing much more! The Worldloppet races have passport book!)!“ given me the opportunity to learn about different But no pain – no gain! One does not compete in countries, cultures, languages, customs and his- such long races (and to improve every time!) wit- tory. I am a third generation American. Traveling to hout any preparation. One saying goes „Winter races in Europe gave me the opportunity to WORLDLOPPET 27 ADVENTURE >> USA GLOBAL SKIER glimpse into the life my grandparents had and places they were before immigrating in 1900 to the United States. Skiing the races and experiencing the Nordic cultures around the world has become a central part of my life. Once I became a Master skier, I didn’t want the experience to end so I was delighted to find that by skiing just six more races, I could become a Global Loppet skier.“ And once a Glogal Skier, she was happy to find out that there are now four more races and places to go to! „And next winter, I hope to start checking off the list of the America’s version of Worldloppet, the American Ski Marathon Odyssey series.“ To combine her passion for Nordic skiing and with her profession, she hopes to „help foster the growth of cross country skiing in the USA. I would also like to help Nordic skiing and the ski races be- challenging goals, skiing herself and enjoying it are come sustainable and lighter on the planet. the most important things. „As the hiker Elmer Downhill ski resorts are beginning to do things to Adams said in his 1939 memoir, Walking in the off-set their carbon footprints because of climate Clouds, 'The ideal mountain trail is one which has change and I think there is the opportunity for no end.' For me, the same applies to Nordic skiing. Nordic skiing to do the same.“ And besides these I hope I never run out of ground to ski across!“ 28 WORLDLOPPET FOSSAVATN ONE YEAR WITH WORLDLOPPET I A year has passed since the Worldloppet AGM in Riva del Garda, where Fossavatnsgangan and three other races were welcomed to the Worldloppet family. It is safe to say that this year has been an ongoing adven- t is almost fifteen years since the organizers of ture. Already before the application was accep- Fossavatnsgangan first started contemplating ted, the organizers felt increased interest from the idea of joining forces with similar ski events abroad. And then, immediately after the World- in other countries. The hope was, that being a loppet AGM, the interest boomed. The online part of an international series would strengthen registration was opened and the organizers sta- the race and help developing it further. Although red in disbelief as new names kept pouring in. the big dream was to join Worldloppet, it see- The previous record for registrations, 328 (total med to be way out of reach, as Fossavatnsgan- in all distances), was soon smashed. When re- gan was too small to meet the criteria for gistration was finally closed, the new record was qualification. It was, therefore, a pleasant sur- 772. For most Worldloppet races, 772 partici- prise to receive an offer to apply for an Associate pants would of course mean a catastrophic Membership of Worldloppet, and then eventually drop. But for Fossavatnsgangan, it was more to be accepted. than double the previous record. WORLDLOPPET 29 FOSSAVATN determined to stage a great race. Sadly, Mother Nature decided to make the task harder by offering very tough conditions on the day of the main race, but we also had beautiful days for the freestyle race and the family day. It was all like an extremely intensive course in event management, and we learned a lot from the race and the C months leading up to it. “ ross-country skiing is a small sport in Iceland, and usually does not receive much attention from the media. Daniel Jakobsson believes that better times are waiting around the corner: „I believe that joining the Worldloppet family has already done a world of good. Not only for the race and our community, but also for the sport of cross-country skiing. We now have an international event that gets noticed by the media, and thus by the general public. I‘m convinced that we will feel the positive effect in the near future, and that our sport will gain increased strength and popularity in Ice- T land. We are very happy with the way things have progressed this first year as a Worldloppet his increased exposure and interest did not only benefit the race itself. The small community of Isafjordur, the home of Fossavatnsgangan, was buzzing with life. Most guesthouses in the area were fully booked, restaurants and other services benefitted as well. Quick growth, however, never comes without some growing pains. Daniel Jakobsson, the chairman of Fossavatnsgangan, admits that the sudden growth of the race caused a few sleepless nights. “To suddenly be organizing a race more than twice as big as it had ever been before was a formidable challenge for everyone involved. But we have a group of hard working and dedicated volunteers, and everyone was 30 WORLDLOPPET Associate Member, and we are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with all the other Worldloppet races.“ IMPRESSION Photo: C. Fritz INTERVIEW >> Tatjana Mannima TATJANA FIS MARATHON CUP WINNER OVERALL 2014/2015 32 WORLDLOPPET WL: How is it to be a mother as well as an elite athlete? How do you combine both? And how is your daughter doing on skis? TM: Being a mother and an athlete is a very hard work. Especially when you go away for training MANNIMA and have to leave your child at home. But thanks to these days' technology we are able to chat (EST) every day using Skype. You need to have someone you can rely on to look after your child when you are away and constantly training and I am very lucky to have my mum and my sister WL: Tatjana, congratulations again to your overall victory this year! What does this success mean to you? You won the overall FIS Marathon Cup already in 2012/13 but had a very difficult season thereafter as you got injured already early on during a season and couldn't ski much as a result of it? TM: This years victory means a lot to me. I was very happy that I could win the overall FIS Marathon Cup for the second time. It was a lot harder this season than when I won it the first time. We, the girls, were fighting for every place and every point when we took the start. It was a very exciting fight until the last race. At the beginning of the season I only planned to race in Falun during the World Ski Championship: The 30km and a relay. But after my vitcory in the Tartu Marathon I decided to concentrate on long distance skiing again and on winning the overall FIS Marathon Cup for the second time in my career. WL: After your victory in 2012/13, did you see and feel any changes in your home country regarding the media attention and interest in your races and in your person? Did the overall victory help you getting new sponsors? TM: Since my overall victory in 2012/2013 I have received more attention from mass media back home and this made it definitely a lot easier to find sponsors. As we say: You have results - you get sponsors. to help me out. My daughter Ann-Marii really enjoys skiing and if I get some spare time we try to go skiing together. WL: You have skied for the Estonian National Team while pursuing your long distance racing career – will this be the same next season? Or will you focus entirely on the long distance circuit as there are neither World Championships nor Olympic Winter Games coming up next season? TM: There are no World Championships or Olympic Games this year so I will definitely concentrate 100% on long distance skiing Would be great to be able to win the overall FIS Marathon Cup for a third time! WL: How will you summer training look like? TM: I will stay at home in Otepää this year for summer training. We have great conditions here for training. In November we will go to Muonio in Finland for the first training on snow and then we will see how my form is and depending on that we will make firther plans. WL: Thank you very much for your time! All the very best for your preprarations for next season! See you next winter for another interesting FIS Marathon Cup season! WORLDLOPPET 33 VASALOPPET CHINA VASALOPPET CHINA ONE YEAR WITH WORLDLOPPET Vasaloppet China is carried out in cooperation with Vasaloppet Sweden and it started in 2003. Already that year Swedish ambassador Börje Ljunggren said in his opening speech; “A New Tradition is born!”. January 4, 2015 is now added into the 13th years history of Vasaloppet China as the first ever Wordloppet event in China. As an associated member of Wordloppet we were glad to welcome participants from all over the world, in groups as well as individuals. We are also very honored and glad to notice that we already this year were visited from seven other events in Worldloppet family. Coming into the Worldloppet family meant a lot for the local organizing committee: 34 WORLDLOPPET • As a result of the pre evaluation work we were recommended to set up our course of 50 km in maximum two laps. And with that support from Worldloppet we find the solution for that in cooperation with Jingyuetan Park, the area for the event. • To celebrate the first year of Worldloppet in China, it was decided that one of the biggest areas in the world for snow sculptures, should be created in the Vasaloppet China arena. • Travel agencies are now interested to organize groups coming for our event. SNOW WARRANTY – SNOW PRODUCTION The unique snow warranty of Vasaloppet China gave very well and fare conditions in the track. About 550.000 cubic meters of snow was produced to cover the 25 km track, start and finish area and also to be used for the tremendous snow sculpture park. The 13th edition of Vasaloppet China came up with a temperature at -16° C in the morning at the start and when the sun rose it became some degrees warmer, a perfect day for skiing! VASLOPPET CHINA VENUE - SNOW SCULPTURE PARK The ski arena is located in Jingyuetan Forest Park, a 100 square km big recreation aria in Changchun urban area. From this year the track was 25 km, means one lap for those who done short distance and two laps for the long distance, 50 km. Also a short track, about 1 km were available inside the arena for students, families and children. A huge snow sculpture park, reportedly the largest in the world, was created in the arena and overlapping was done on a replica of The Great Wall made in snow! Participants really seem to enjoy the snow sculptures since many comments were made as: “Enormous”, “have never experience a ski arena like this”, “extra ordinary” and so on. VASALOPPET CHINA ACCOMODATION Available travel packages, served by the organizers, include the 5-star Sheraton Hotel which participants really enjoyed. From the hotel it takes only 15 min by the shuttle buses. There are also many 3-4 star hotels available in the same area. CHINESE CULTURE This year’s participants took part in a lot of social activities during their stay: Opening Ceremony, New Year’s Eve Banquet, Government Welcome Banquet and also a Price Giving Banquet. All these included a touch of Chinese culture and entertainments. BEIJING EXPERIENCES The international participants, travelling to China from far away, almost all added some extra days in the capital city, Beijing. Here they were, from organizers side in cooperation with a domestic travel agency, served a menu to choose from with different sightseeing tours and experiences as: The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, “Birds Nest” the National Stadium from 2008 Olympics, Hutong tours, Beijing Duck dinner and so on. And of course they all also visited some of the famous markets for shopping. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Groups Becoming an associated member of Wordloppet opened up doors to find travel partners around the word who was interested to come with groups. Already for the first year we arranged China domestic programs in cooperation with travel partners from eight different countries and they will all come back for next year’s event. In addition we already signed contracts with several more travel partners for the future. Individuals We also put a lot of efforts to support individuals who want to travel to the Far East for XC skiing in Vasaloppet China. We assist on booking accommodations in Changchun and Beijing, domestic travelling, transfers, race registrations and so on, just contact us! WORLDLOPPET 35 „ „My winter destination www.ammergauer-alpen.com ALL WORLDLOPPET RACES WHICH RACE TO GO TO? THE SEASON OVERVIEW VASALOPPET CHINA When: Where: What: 50 km CT 04.01.2016 Changchun / China Gold Master races: Vasaloppet China, 50km CT Silver Master races: Vasaloppet China 25km CT Contact and registration: www.vasaloppetchina.com WORLDLOPPET 37 RACE OVERVIEW JIZERSKÁ PADESATKA When: Where: What: 50 km CT 10.01.2016 Bedrichov / Czech Republic Jizerská 50 50km CT (10.01.) Bedrichovska 30 30km FT (08.01.) Jizerská 25, 25km CT (09.01.) Contact and registration: www.jiz50.cz DOLOMITENLAUF When: Where: What: 60 km FT 24.01.2016 Lienz or Obertilliach / Austria Dolomiten Classic Race 42km CT (23.1.) Dolomiten Classic Race 20km CT (23.1.) Dolomitenlauf 60km FT (24.1.) Dolomitenlauf 25km FT (24.1.) Contact and registration: www.dolomitensport.at MARCIALONGA When: Where: What: Moena (Val di Fassa) Cavalese (Val di Fiemme) / Italy Marcialonga 70km CT (31.01.) Marcialonga Light 45km CT (31.01.) Lavazeloppet 22km CT (28.01.) Minimarcialonga (race for kids 6-12yrs.) Marcialonga Young (race for youth) Contact and registration: www.marcialonga.it 38 WORLDLOPPET KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF When: Where: What: 50 km CT 07.02.2016 Oberammergau / Germany König-Ludwig-Lauf 50km/25km FT (06.02.) König-Ludwig-Lauf 50km/25km CT (07.02.) MINI-KINI CHILDREN RACE 5km (06.02.) 21th World Championship of physicians and pharmacists Contact and registration: www.koenig-ludwig-lauf.com SAPPORO SKI MARTHON When: Where: What: 50 km FT 07.02.2016 Sapporo / Japan Sapporo International Ski Marathon 50km FT Sapporo International Ski Marathon 25km FT Contact and registration: www.shsf.jp/ski/index-e.html LA TRANSJURASIENNE When: Where: What: 76km / 57km FT 14.02.2016 Lamoura – Mouthe / France La Transjurassienne 76km/57km/25km FT (14.02.) La Transjurassienne 50km/25km CT (13.02.) Contact and registration: www.transjurassienne.com WORLDLOPPET 39 R A C E O V E RV I E W TARTU MARATON When: Where: What: Otepää - Elva / Estonia Open Track 63km FT (14.02.) Open Track 31km FT (14.02) Tartu Maraton 63km CT (21.02.) Tartu Maraton 31km CT (21.02.) Contact and registration: www.tartumaraton.ee GATINEAU LOPPET When: Where: What: Gatineau (Québec) / Canada Gatineau Loppet 51km/27km CT (27.02.) Gatineau Loppet 51km/27km FT (28.02.) Contact and registration: www.gatineauloppet.com AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER When: Where: What: Contact and registration: www.birkie.com 40 WORLDLOPPET Cable - Hayward / USA American Birkebeiner 54km CT (20.02.) American Birkebeiner 50km FT (20.02.) Korteloppet 23km CT & FT (20.02.) FINLANDIA HIIHTO When: Where: What: 50km CT 27.02.2016 Lahti-Hollola-Lahti / Finland Finlandia Hiihto 50km CT (27.02.) Finlandia Hiihto 50km FT (28.02.) Finlandia Hiihto 32km CT (27.02.) Finlandia Hiihto 20km FT (28.02.) Contact and registration: www.finlandiahiihto.fi VASALOPPET When: Where: What: 90km CT 06.03.2016 Sälen – Mora / Sweden Öppet spar 90km CT (28.&29.02.) Vasaloppet 90km CT (06.03.) KortVasan 30km CT (26.02) TjejVasan (for women only) 30km CT (27.02.) HalvVasan 45km CT (01.03.) Contact and registration: www.vasaloppet.se BIEG PIASTOW When: Where: What: 50km CT 05.03.2016 Sklarska Poreba / Poland Bieg Piastow 50km CT (04.03.) Bieg Piastow 25km CT (05.03.) Bieg Piastow 28km FT (06.03) Contact and registration: www.bieg-piastow.pl WORLDLOPPET 41 RACE OVERVIEW ENGADIN SKIMARATHON When: Where: What: Maloja - Schanf / Switzerland Engadin Skimarathon 42 km FT (13.03.) Engadin Halbmarathon 21 km FT (13.03.) Frauenlauf 17 km FT (06.03.) Contact and registration: www.engadin-skimarathon.ch BIRKEBEINER RENNET When: Where: What: Rena - Lillehammer / Norway FredagsBirken 54 km CT (18.03.) Birkebeinerrennet 54CT (19.03.) Contact and registration: www.birkebeiner.no DEMINO SKIMARATHON When: Where: What: Rybinsk - Demino / Russia Demino Ski Marathon 50 km FT (12.03.) Demino Ski Marathon 25km CT (13.03.) Contact and registration: www.marathon.demino.com 42 WORLDLOPPET FOSSAVATN SKIMARATHON When: Where: What: Isafjoerdur / Island Gold Master Races: Fossavatn Skimarathon 50km CT Silver Master Races: Fossavatn Skimarathon 25km CT Contact and registration: www.fossavatn.com USHUAIALOPPET When: Where: What: C Ushuaia / Argentinia Gold Master Races: Ushuaialoppet 50km FT Silver Master Races: Marchablanca 21km CT (20.08) Contact and registration: www.marchablanca.com KANGAROO HOPPET When: Where: What: Falls Creek / Australia Kangaroo Hoppet 42km FT (27.08.) Kangaroo Hoppet 21km FT (27.08.) Contact and registration: www.hoppet.com.au WORLDLOPPET 43 RACE OVERVIEW MERINOMUSTER When: Where: What: 50km CT 03.09.2016 Snowfarm (Wanaka) / New Zealand Gold Master Races: Merino Muster 42km FT Silver Master Races: Snow Rake 21km FT Contact and registration: www.merinomuster.com GUNNAR ZLÖBL >> Worldloppet Presscoordinator M About Gunnar Zlöbl: Journalism & Public Relations Student 23 years old, lives in Graz/Austria Former member of the styrian cross country team Austrian Soldier Working as a freelance journalist for different sports newspapers Experience in cross country media: • I worked as a chief editor for an Austrian cross country online newspaper. • I attended the roller ski festival in Norway, the "Blinkfestivalen", to live report from there. • I worked at the Worldcup races of Drammen and Holmenkollen • And during my exchange semester in Oslo I had numerous inter views with the world best xc-skiers. y name is Gunnar Zlöbl, I´m from Austria and I´m the new Worldloppet Press Officer. I am glad and proud to be chosen for this position and I´m sure to meet all the demands required for this task. As I´m a 23 years old journalism & public relations student who just arrived home from an exchange semester in Oslo/NOR, I know how the modern world of media works and because of my background as a professional youth skier I also know how to combine my media knowledge with sports, specially with cross country skiing. For us as the Worldloppet family it is all about combining professional sports with popular skiing, this can only be achieved with a well working communication flow, both internal and external. This is exactly the point which I want to focus on this winter. The challenge for us is to accomplish the jump from one generation of skiers to the next one. Social Media is the keyword! But it is not enough just to create an account on Facebook and only share links to new articles on your website. It is all about communication: Communication with sponsors, communication with authorities, communication between Worldloppet races and Worldloppet and - and that´s the most important part - communication with the participants. But also to provide a platform for skiers all over to world to communicate among popular skiers, elite skiers, among old and young, among Australians and Austrians (yes, still not the same). Worldloppet is connecting skiers from every part of the world and I am looking forward to communicate with each and every one of them! So see you at the ski trails! 44 WORLDLOPPET absolutely Made in Italy the World* under my Roller Skis by Crestani Sport High technology, reliability and tradition since 1973. by Crestani Sport Viale della Repubblica 31, 36066 Sandrigo (VI) ITALY tel. +39 0444 658579 [email protected] ADVENTURE FROM THE INDIAN HEART TO THE SKI TRACKS OF W e are in Amritsar, India. It's still hot although it's already late in the eve- ning. A shadow passes by the old Sikh temple. A shadow on skikes. On skikes??? This can't be true! Next the holy cow scurting 46 WORLDLOPPET the streets in hope to find something to eat starts to fly! Nobody in India would set out with skikes in the middle of a town which inhabits several million people! The shadow stops. Now it leans on the two having gotten over my surprise. „Nice to meet you.“ Yeah, finally I got my manners back! „But THE WORLD poles in its hands. I look around but still do not see any flying cows. Maybe I am sleeping and dreaming? Suddenly the shadow starts to talk. „I guess you would not have assumed to see someone on roller skis in India, right?“ says the shadow. I look around me but I don't see anybody else except for a holy cow which still is with its four feet on the ground, scrambling through the rubbish serrounding it. So it must be me the from where on earth did you get the idea to do ski races???“ It blurted out of my mouth … there we go, the moment my manners were back they were also already gone again. Interest and astonishment got the better of me. But the former shadow does not seem to mind. He loughs. „That`s a long story! Have you already eaten something for dinner? No? Perfect. Then have something at my house and I will tell you my story in the meantime. Do you ski yourself?“ he asks while already moving into the direction of his house, taking me by the arm. I do ski myself shadow is talking to. I turn back to the shadow only to not see it anymore. Maybe I have been dreaming after all? A movement in the shine of a lantern lets me turn to the right. There I see the shadow or better the person who must have been the shadow as this person, standing there in the light of the lantern with a bike helmet on his head, has two skiing poples in his hands and roller skis with big tires, the so-called „skikes“, on his feet. The shadow-now-person laughs. I must have looked very confused I thought by myself. I tryto pull myself together and manage to get a „Yeah?!?“ out of my mouth., You sound very sophisticated! I think embarressed. „Don't worry, you are not the first one who is confused when seeing me training. The people here are now used to this sight, but in the beginning they looked even more startled than you do now! By the way, I am Preetam and I love cross country skiing. I try to ski marathon races – and to do so I need to train.“ says the man on skikes, making a gesture with his hands, in which he still held the ski poles, up and down his body showing a big smile on his face. I also start to smile now, and not long after I find myself in a middle of a conversation about which technique I prefer and which place I love best for cross country skiing. Having arrived at the house, Reena , a passionate skier herself as I learn later one, stands on the veranda laughing. „Ah, I see he found someone with whom he can talk about skiing! Nice to meet you, I am Preetam´s wife. Come in. I hope he has not torpedoed you with all his questions around skiing, but he loves skiing more than anything. So he is always very happy when he meets someone who shares this passion – especially in India.“ she says smilingly. WORLDLOPPET 47 W e sit down at the table and Preetam rathon he had chosen for his first ever race over immediately starts with his story. this distance. „It was a nightmare...I thought I How he was just a normal VR sur- would die! Don't ask me how I did it, but I finis- geon at the University Hospital in Amritsar, who, hed this race! And after it, the first thought was: when he turned 50, had something most people If I survived this one, I can also do another one! would call a „mid-life crisis“. „I felt that I needed Maybe I couldn't think clearly at that time, but I to do something. I loved my life and my family was hooked up by this thought and soon after I but somehow something was missing. And so I had recovered from the race, I got back into trai- decided to run a marathon. Me, who, when he ning.“ But as it often is, one is getting better at was still a kid coudn't do much running because something and is enjoying it...an injury comes of health problems. 42Km is a looooong way. So along and burries all hopes to get even better. „I I had to start training because without any trai- couldn't run anymore. I tried everything but it ning, I knew that I would never make it!“ didn't work out. The doctor said I needed to He searched the internet for training trips and completely stop running for several months ot- guidance, found a lot but also a lot of nonsens, herwise it would never heal. I saw that I had no tried out stuff by himself and figured out more other choice than to do what he told me to do.“ and more what he needed in order to survive the But what do you do if you can't do what has 42km of Hamburg Marathon as this was the ma- given you so much satisfaction? First you go on 48 WORLDLOPPET holidays. A conference was set up to be in the Indian mountains, right in the middle of winter. „It was my childhood dream to go skiing! We booked a lesson and my wife and I got on our skis. Even though I fell quite often, I loved it. However, I really didn't see the point in going up the mountain with a lift only to then slide down on skis. As a person who loves endurance sport, this was not the right thing.“ After some more consulting the internet, Preetam found out that there was another sport involving skis which was far more of his taste: cross country skiing! „I watched a lot of videos of people doing cross country skiing and got really agitated. This was what I wanted to do! But nobody in India taught cross country skiing! ...but in Switzerland! With friends, family and colleagues around the world, Preetam ended up bying skis in Switzerland during a work trip and got to try them out on another trip to Switzerland as it was finally decided to travel to the Engadin valley to get some proper skiing lessons. „But being me, I coudn't withstand to inscribe myself to the 21km half marathon of the Engadin Skimarathon when I saw the advertisement. I just had to do it. My first every ski race and with it my first every Worldloppet race! I thought I will make it no matter what. After my first ski lesson I wasn't so sure anymore, even less my wife. But then the day came and after only a couple of days of my life on skis, I got on my skis and went for it. And I made it. I got second last before the cut off time! And my hunger for more was immediately there!“ Preetam remembers, still having to smile on his tremendous victory over himself – a second time after his first running a marathon in Hamburg some years back. I n the meantime, I also became a Worldloppet Silver Master. The first one from India! You can imagine what my next goal is, or?!“ Preetam asks me winking at me. I already picture him before my inner eye racing all the races which will give him the title of Worldloppet Gold Master. And who knows..maybe he will ski on becoming a Global Master. I am deeply impressed. Maybe it is because it is far after midnight when I leave his house, or maybe I am just so inspired by what he has told me during the last couple of hours, but I leave the house with the determination to get my running shoes out at once after I returned home and to inscribe myself for a ski race next winter. I have no idea how I will survive this race, but as I have learned from Preetam: If you really want something, you can do it. And if he achieved this, so will I! „Once I started with racing Worldloppet race, I met a lot of people and made many new friends. WORLDLOPPET 49 INTERVIEW >> Petr Novak PETR NOVAK (CZE) FIS MARATHON CUP WINNER OVERALL 2014/2015 50 WORLDLOPPET watched by the people then traditional races of the World Cup. In general I got back to long distance skiing beWL: Congratulations first of all to your victory in the overall FIS Marathon Cup! A success you cause I wanted to win the overall FIS Marathon Cup ☺ and because I like this type of racing…. tried to achieve already in the years before but it had never worked out before. What has been different this time? PN: Last season I was very close to the overall victory but in the end I preferred to participate in the Olympic Games in Sochi and the victory in overall ranking was lost. This season, I fully concentrated on the FIS Marathon Cup and on winning the overall. Finally I succeed and all the effort I had put in so far paid off and I really enjoyed the victory. WL: In 2014 you made the Czech Team for the Sochi Olympics, one season later you are back in long distance skiing. For an elite athlete, what is the difference between the World Cup circuit with Olympic Games and World Championships and the FIS Marathon Cup which includes some of the world's greatest popular cross country ski races? And why did you decide to get back to the latter one? PN: There are plenty of reasons why I concentrate myself on cross country long distance races: 1. Already for a few years now there is not a good and pleasant atmosphere between the Czech national team and me and I really do want to enjoy kiing and not to be stressed by it. 2. The Czech national team was not interested in me being part of the team. 3. Long distance competitions have still a better race atmosphere and they now start to be more WL: Private teams are not yet that natural and normal in cross country skiing as they are in cycling. You have created your own little team. How do you perceive the difficulties of finding sponsors and partners in order to be able to fully concentrate on training and to pursue the training itself which means following a rigid training plan? How do you manage both? PN: Our family team was created due to these very simple reasons. It is very hard to find strong partners who can cover all costs related to the preparation phase, the races as well as for the waxing service. I managed to find only smaller sponsors and due to the fact that most of the WORLDLOPPET 51 INTERVIEW >> Petr Novak costs I have to cover from my personal savings, costs and eventually also the athlete’s salary. Till we created a family team called Novak team. I this year I was depending on price money from have already prepared the training plan myself the races which I then used to cover all costs re- for several years and have now found the ideal lated to my profession and the competitions. combination of training patterns which suit me Let’s hope that this year's victory will bring me best. some interesting opportunities and offers. WL: With having won the overall FIS Marathon WL: After the season is before the season: What Cup now, do you think things will be easier now? are your goals for the winter 2015/16? The last Czech to have won it was Stanislav PN: Too hard to answer at the moment. For sure Rezac in 2012. How is long distance skiing seen I will concentrate myself on racing next season's in the Czech Republic and what kind of support Vasaloppet. The rest of the season is still a big is there for athletes? question mark. Maybe I will take part in all Ski PN: We will see during the next season. Cur- Classics races or I will try to confirm my victory rently I´m running negotiations with possible in the overall FIS Marathon Cup. sponsors and teams. It is possible that I will appear in some foreign team as well as in some WL: Thank you very much for your time! All the Czech team concentrating on Ski Classic races. best for the training season – enjoy the summer As I mentioned before, it is very hard to find and see you again next winter! some strong sponsors who would cover the 52 WORLDLOPPET USHUAIA LOPPET ONE YEAR WITH WORLDLOPPET A good omen, the snow began and began in a big way in the month of May in sout- hern Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego. As of July, the snow conditions have added up to be the best they have been in 15 years in the region making things that much easier for the Ushuaia Loppet Race Organization going into its first Worldloppet year. As part of the body of events that the Ushuaia Loppet is offering, the “Mes internacional de esquí de fondo” or “International Month of Cross Country Skiing” spans much of August. During that time, the traditional Marchablanca 21 KM will take place in classic technique on the 16th of August. The Marchablanca is competitive for the skiers at the front and a traditional family event for hundreds more skiers as well. The 42 KM freestyle Worldloppet member Ushuaia Loppet will take place on the 8th of August. Thanks to support from the provincial and federal Argentine tourism authorities, the Ushuaia Loppet’s Race Organization is making improvements to its structure and, ultimately, to its services to skiers. More grooming, especially during the month of August, is one of several improvements occurring in the region. WORLDLOPPET 53 USHUAIA LOPPET A s of July, entries to the Ushuaia Loppet consisted of skiers from eighteen countries. The event had also filled 75% of its 120 available spots. Registration remains open until August 6th. Visit www.ushuaialoppet.com for more information. Race CEO, Pablo Valcheff, states “these world class events promote the development of the local and regional economy and allow us to demonstrate the potential for nordic skiing in Argentina by inviting skiers from all over the world to come to Patagonia, participate in a Worldloppet race, and get their Worldloppet Passport stamped in the Earth’s southernmost city.” 54 WORLDLOPPET IMPRESSION Dear Worldloppet skiers and friends of Worldloppet, After four years working as Press and Media Manager with Wordloppet and long distance skiing around the world, it is time now for me to move on. It was a wonderful time – what else could it be when working in such a great sports environment. Like every Worldloppet skier, I could experience the different cultures and places in which the races are set and I had the pleasure to meet many of you at Worldloppet receptions, at the start or in the finish. The energy and enthusiasm which can be felt at every race is incredible and inspiring. For the four new races, Worldloppet has opened many doors and has produced a lot of energy. This had an enormous impact especially locally: The communities got more involved in the race and many tried out skiing for the first time. But also the other way round, the four new races have enriched the Worldloppet environment with their experiences, view on things and way of celebrating long distance skiing. Through the love to the same sport, understanding and respect are nurtured in the Worldloppet community – this is fantastic and cannot be valued highly enough. I hope this will continue in the future, therefore keep on skiing and spread the word! I will for sure. See you around the skiing tracks of this world! Photo: C. Fritz Best regards, Christina Fritz X-IUM, BORN TO WIN « Equipment development is based on constant interaction with Rossignol’s teams out in the field or in the factory. The improvements that we endorse together are those that will help me win tomorrow’s competitions. The X-IUM WORLD CUP series from Rossignol has been developed with the aim of offering supreme performance skis for a given type of snow ». Martin Fourcade, winner of the overall standings at the Biathlon World Cup for the fourth year running. X-IUM PREMIUM SKATE X-IUM SKATE ©KALICE / © Agence ZOOM ANOTHERBESTDAY MartinFourcade BANDOFHEROES
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