CANADIAN MASTERS' CROSS COUNTRY SKI ASSOCIATION

JANUARY 2002 NEWSLETTER

Hi Masters 

I hope all of you have had a happy holiday season, ate lot's of Christmas goodies, received all the ski items and accessories you were wishing for and are now ready to get back into the serious (for some) training mode! 

Hopefully there are good ski conditions all across the country by now, as it was certainly a late start in most areas this fall. Too bad there isn't an exact date each November when the snow would start, stay with us all winter, then stop suddenly early April.  Alas, dreams of a perfect cross country ski world! 

As I write this (mid-december) an update on entries just arrived from Sepp Schelbert (WMA in Switzerland). We are now at 300, a very good number for this early, with the deadline set for January 21st (postmarked),  next month will a hectic one, with entries rolling in every day. 

Those of you who have not made up your minds to participate at the MWC2002 as yet still have a little time left, remember there will not be another event such as this in Canada until 2009 (at the earliest)! 

I wish you all a happy and healthy season of Cross Country Skiing. 

                                                     Jack

SOMETHING NEW IN MASTERS SKIING   

A development in Masters Skiing is the creation of the X-C.COM Racing Team. The racing team was created to provide support to senior skiers who are not part of the National development system. Initiated by www.skifaster.net and the Foothills Nordic Ski Club, the team became a reality through the financial sponsorship of http://x-c.com with supporting equipment sponsorship from Peltonen, Exel, Sinisalo, Sierra Designs, Adidas Eyewear, Vauhti, Start, Nutra Research Int'l, Camelbak, Red Creek, Rideau Pharmacy, and Wigwam socks. X-C.com is also the hosting web server for the Canadian Masters Ski Association.

What's all this got to do with Master skiers?  The team will begin year-round web based coaching services to Master skiers starting in April 2002. Team members and coaches along with other senior National level skiers will provide coaching services.

Team Manager Robert Hogg says, "We were looking for a way to both support the team on a sustainable basis, and provide a flexible form of employment for full time cross country racers".

Team Technical Director, and co-founder of SkiFaster, Mike Cavaliere adds "Bringing the expertise from the staff of Foothills and SkiFaster together with Nationally ranked athletes, will allow us to provide Master skiers with state of the art training advice and information. The goal is to both support competitive senior racers, and increase the level of expertise and training information available to the Canadian skiing community".

While the coaching services are not available yet, the team will have them up and running for year two. Included in the package will be an optional early season snow camp in November 2002.

Phil Villeneuve, X-C.com's first racing team member says, "I think it will be a great opportunity for Master skiers to be both mentored by some of Canada's best skiers, and also give them a sense of supporting our sport's development. It's an opportunity we are all really excited about".  To reserve your training spot check out the team website <http://x-c.com> and sign up for the team's communications including Phil's Journal and race reports from team members.

MASTERS WORLD CUP 2002 

By the time you receive the newsletter this premier event will only be about a month away, so those of you still sitting on the fence, the deadline for entries as mentioned earlier, is January 21st! Don't miss your opportunity to participate in a Cross Country Ski event that you will remember for a lifetime.

On December 13th the Mayor of Quebec City, other dignitaries and members of the Organizing Committee held a press conference at the Hotel Chateau Laurier to make the formal announcement of Masters World Cup 2002.

I am very confidant that all who are involved with MWC2002 will make it a truly successful event, one that Quebec, and Masters from all across Canada will be extremely proud of.

During the past few months I have been in constant contact with the organizing committee and things are progressing according to schedule. I must also commend the MWC office for an outstanding job. Anytime I have requested information from this office, the ultra-efficient Jacqueline has provided it immediately ( a compliment I cannot bestow on a few previous MWC locations)!  I'm certain that all are being equally treated to this same high degree of efficiency. Great going folks!

All those reading this newsletter should have forms and information required to enter this years MWC. If somehow you have been missed with the mailing of this literature, please contact me and I will get it to you in time for registration. 

SOME NOTES ON THE WMC IN QUEBEC

Canadian "Nationals" awards(for all Masters, spouses, friends)

 As I noted in the fall newsletter, our medal presentation and social (for the first two races) will take place  8PM  on February 28th at the YMCA.

Here's a good chance to meet and talk with Masters from all parts of our very large country. Make it a point at some time during the evening to take a little time away from your usual group of friends to mingle with someone you may have skied with (or against) in one of the races, it's always interesting to share information and hear different perspectives from others who have an interest in Cross Country Skiing!

The "Y" is located "next door" to the Armoury and Chateau Laurier Hotel. --see you there--

Annual general meeting  (Canadian Masters)

This meeting will be held on Monday, February 25th  at 6PM. Possibly at the Armoury (check Canadian Masters bulletin board)

I have gone over the schedule of events and this is the most feasible date and time available.

All members of our association are invited to attend.

Masters World Cup Banquet 

Will be held Wednesday evening 7:30 PM at the

Centre des Congres (Convention Center).

This building is located down-town Quebec between the Hilton and Radisson Hotels   

This is always a highlite of the weeks festivities and is included in your package. Come early and stay late as Thursday is a day off.

One, Two, Three races at MWC's 

At the WMA General Meeting this fall in Seefeld, it was agreed that Masters World Cup Organizing Committees would have the option to accept entrants wishing to ski in less than the three prescribed races, for a lesser fee.

(This option would be especially beneficial for the hosting country and it's members). However the decision came too late for the Quebec OC to put this format into effect.

It would have caused significant problems and countless hours of administrative work, going through more than 200 entry forms and having to reimburse those who had paid the total amount, but wanted to ski less than the three races.

In future this could be accepted by MWC. Organizing Committees who would have ample time in advance to decide actual costs, and more importantly, have this explained fully on the entry form itself.

My apologies to those of you who considered traveling great distances just to ski one race this year. 

MWC 2002 entrants please note.... 

When checking in at MWC headquarters in Quebec City and obtaining your race package (bib, pins, etc) you will also receive the list of races you have entered.

For those of you who have checked less than three races, I have listed you for three. The reason for this being...After skiing your selected race or races, and at the last moment you decide to ski another which was not originally checked on your entry, it would not be possible!  as you would not be on the start list. However if you only ski your original choice it is no problem for the statistician to enter "did not start" into the computer.

Thanks for your understanding                                       Jack

MWC Headquarters, Quebec City 

The Manege Militaire (armoury) is the place where most things (other than skiing) will be happening throughout this years Masters World Cup.

Later in the day after each race, result lists will be available to all participants at this site.

Award ceremonies will be held each evening. There will be the opportunity of purchasing excellent items and memento's associated with this event. All funds derived from the sale of these items goes toward offsetting the cost incurred by the organizing committee in hosting

MWC 2002. There is also a company assigned at each MWC to take photo's at various locations during each race, these photo's will be on display and all participants will have the opportunity to purchase any amount they desire.

A bulletin board will be located at the Armoury and will include all information pertaining to Canadian Masters.

Manege Militaire (armoury) --Location--

When entering Quebec City, locate "Grande Allee Est". This street is several kilometers long and will take you right into downtown Old Quebec. Look for the Chateau Laurier Hotel, "the armoury is just next door".   

Waxing

Several wax companies, technicians, will be set up at the stadium area. Those of you wanting an evening of relaxation can drop off your skis for the wax job of your choice (or theirs), your skis will be ready at this same location prior to race time the following day. Check with these people for rates pertaining to your personal requirements.

For the purists who do their own waxing. All major Hotels will have waxing areas available. Of course there are also wax buildings assigned to all Countries at the ski stadium, along with large military tents, change areas, washrooms, etc.

A variety of food and drink will also be available at the race site.

OTHER BUSINESS

Drugs, doping, in Cross Country Skiing ( Martys delight)

Going through the recent issues of skiTrax magazine there is no shortage of items, comments, relating to this very serious problem. Persons having been directly involved at a high level in our sport have known and spoken about this issue for some time, while some of us average ski enthusiasts hoped  " it wasn't so"!

But alas, the bubble has burst and we now have to face the fact,  "it is happening"!

"But not in the Masters"

At MWC 2001 in Mariazell this past season, eighteen (18) participants were randomly tested, I would like to report that none tested positive. WMA President Dieter Heckmann is very gratified by these results, but has stated that random testing will continue this year in Quebec, and for future Masters World Cups.   

Way to keep it clean Masters!

Ski Draw

I have been contacted by a few members asking if I have received their ski draw forms.

The following is a list of confirmation for those who have sent in their ski draw forms to-date.

If any of you have sent in the form and your name is not listed, please contact me.     Thanks for your support.

Bill Barry, Barbara Bertch, Judy Buchanan-Mappin, Donald Cormier, Margrit DeGraff, Serge Émond, Andre Fournier, Daniel Gallant, Daniel Girouard, Chantel Labbe, Bruce LeGrow, Jacqueline LeGrow, Robin MacKenzie, Michael Mappin, Judy May, Frank McNamara, Roland Michaud, Alf Parsons, Juanita Prebble, Mia Schorpion, Irvin Servold, Robert Shaver, Doug Sinclair, Daniel Talbot, Penny Taylor, Bob Taylor, Real Thibodeau, Barry Thompson, Raul Urtasun, Einar Vidal, Ed Wilkins, Ross Wilson, Paul Wright.

Masters World Cup 2003

January 30-February 8.  Seefeld Austria 

Most all of you involved in Cross Country Skiing have heard of Seefeld. This beautiful little Village has hosted the Nordic Disciplines of the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, the Nordic World Championships took place there in 1985, and the 1999 World Cup was also held there.

Last, but certainly not the least, they hosted the 1988 Masters World Cup, the largest Masters event

To-date with 1,480 participants! Making all other events listed in the first paragraph pale in comparison, when you think "total skier participation"! I can see no reason why that record number cannot be reached and perhaps surpassed in 2003. Make your plans early Canadian Masters, and join the World in Seefeld.

MWC 2003 will be unique in the fact that it is a joint effort. It is being organized by SC Monte Kaolino Hirschau, Germany, but held in Seefeld Austria! *guaranteed snow. Thomas Heckmann of Hirschau is President of the Organizing Committee and brings a great deal of knowledge and experience in Cross Country Skiing to this position. He has assembled a comparable staff to assist him in this venture.

The Village of Seefeld (pop. 2,800) is located on a plateau in the Alps between the Wettelstein Mountains and the Karwendel Range. The altitude is 1,200 metres above sea level.

The nearest airport is at Innsbruck (21 Kilometers), Munich is (150 Kilometers), Zurich (300 kilometers). There will be bus transport to Seefeld from Innsbruck and Munich, this will be the best way to travel. When air travel has been booked please notify the Organizing Committee of your flight number, arrival time, etc. so they can facilitate bus transport. 

In a brisk walk, one could go across the Village of Seefeld in 15-20 minutes, however in winter you can practically ski everywhere, there are 250 kilometers of trail system to satisfy any class of skier, from beginner to elite!

This will be a busy time of year in Seefeld so book early. There are a variety of Hotels, B + B's and apartments with varying price ranges. The Organizing Committee has obtained special rates for Masters so when booking please note you are a member of the Canadian Masters. 

Accommodations Seefeld 

Markus Tschoner

e-mail  <tschoner@seefeld.tirol.at>

Tel.      0043 5212 2313/2316

Fax.     0043 5212 3055 

There will be members of the MWC2003 Organizing Committe at Quebec so information can be obtained there. For those not attending MWC2002 requiring this information, please contact your National Director.

From a former National Director

The legacy I have been left with from my two years being National Director of the Canadian Masters in the mid 80's has been the memory of meeting new friends. This was a time when skating was coming on the scene and became a controversial issue. We conducted a survey of members on their opinion of skating in competition and opinion was divided evenly. I found older skiers didn't want skating and younger ones did. I felt skating was here to stay and we should have both diagonal and skating in competition.

I have now retired from the sport but hope both disciplines are still stages in Masters competitions.

                                                  Keith Brewis 

My Coach is my Buddy 

What, exactly, goes together to produce a fantastic ski racing experience? We all know about the importance of physical training, mental investment and technical preparations. Successful ski racers are independent souls. However, a good coach can make a big difference for your important races. There are many reasons I would recommend the support of a coach at the MWC in Quebec.

1.  I would discuss my level of training with them and             they would help me with planning my preparations;

2.  They know and possess the best waxes and can              correctly wax my skis on race day. This takes a ton of      pressure off me, even though I test and work with the       coach up to the last minute on getting the wax "right";

3   They can calm me down, help me implement my plan      or boost me up if I need it.

4.  They can help me debrief after a race in order to              make improvements to my next effort.

Don't feel silly about getting your coach to work hard for you. They enjoy it when you have a "peak", or at least enjoyable experience. Remember, however, the major decisions about how you put the whole day together are yours. May you reap the benefits and satisfaction of racing with your comrades in sport!

                                                         Fiona McKenna

Masters Warm-ups, Suits 

The new warm-ups are now available so any of you wanting to really look smart at Quebec place your order soon. John Roberts has put a lot of time and effort into getting these, along with our Masters suits from Louis Garneau Company. There were 30 warm-ups in stock but they will go quickly.

Another supply of racing suits (60) is also available. Those of you not familiar with the design, cost, etc. check out the Masters web site for details and information.

I will again mention that all items are going a a great deal as John has provided these at cost price.

Warm-ups             Jacket         $ 125

                              Bib Pant      $ 115

Suit                        Top             $   75

                              Tights          $   50

All taxes and shipping charges are included in these prices. to order 

Wilson Mountain sports   <wmsll@telusplanet.net>

P.O. Box 194                       tel  (403) 522-3636

Lake Louise, AB                 fax  (403) 522-2178

T0L 1E0  

Provincial Activities

The following are some items from Provincial Directors on activities within their Provinces.

Alberta

A short note from Alberta

Well this year as opposed to last we had early snow in the middle of October throughout most of the Province. We packed the snow and skied on the trails in Edmonton for about ten days and then lost the snow to warm weather and rain. It was pretty much the same in the south and the mountains lasted a little longer before they had to take a break and rest and wait for the next snow. A lot of the Masters went on to the hills of B.C. called Silver Star resort and the trails at Sovereign Lake. We booked in the 3rd week of November and they were just starting to pack fresh snow at Sovereign and were skiing up the mountain at Silver Star after a break because of rainy wet weather. The Worlds in Quebec have created new interest in the Masters as there have been a lot of enquiries about membership along with a lot of new members in Alberta. Edmonton is hosting the Provincial x-c ski championships on February 1-2-3- at the Goldbar and Goldstick facilities in the east end of the city. We have been packing and grooming every little bit of snow we get and hope to put on a good show where Masters are included. We skied on the Birkiebeiner trails on the weekend recently and could host the races now as we skied on blue wax with the temperatures around -6 degrees. But as most are aware this is Chinook country and today it is -1 and winds gusting to 70 km per hour. We will probably have more than thirty Albertains in Quebec at the Worlds.

                                               Frank McNamara

British Columbia

BC Master skiers are excited about the coming World Masters Competition in Quebec. Many skiers I have spoken with are talking about it and I know a number who have already made arrangements for travel accommodations and who have registered. Most discussions are about which races to take on and whether to stay in town or farther afield.

A number of skiers have joined Masters as new members especially so they can go to the Worlds, so the word is out not just amongst established Master members but among acquaintances and friends as well. I welcome the new members to our ranks.  I expect to see a strong contingent from BC.

And the season is off with a bang here. At nearly every ski area it has snowed more than it has for three or four of the last winters. Every venue has had skiing at least since the beginning of December, at Silver Star they have been going steady since the end of October. In fact Silver Star hosted the "week of Nordic" in late November. There were three Continental Cup races. The Canadian and US National Teams were there in force and many other races participated. Each of the three races attracted a field of about 230 athletes. Results for the races are posted on the web at <http://ccbc.junction.net/toc.htm>

A very exciting set of sprint races was held one afternoon; it attracted about 200 entrants. The finals, held at night under lights, were seen by a large crowd of spectators who lined much of the course. You could see all the action from start to finish as the entire course of about a kilometer was in view. The biggest excitement in the finals occurred when one of a pair of sprinters passed the other on the single killer uphill on the course. And this happened in at least three of the pairings.

As in other seasons there is an extensive set of races planned by the various BC ski communities. It means that you can participate in a loppet each weekend from the beginning of January till the end of March somewhere in BC. Many weekends there is more than one event to choose from. Also a number of shorter races are scheduled around the province this season. The only drawback to the excellent local competition schedule is that it will attract some BC Masters to their local races instead of the World's.

                                             Dirk Tempelman-Kluit

New Brunswick

The skiing season 2000-2001 was very busy and very exciting for our executive and volunteers.

The Canadian Masters Championship proved to be a huge success and a great experience for everybody.

Masters are getting ready for the World Championships in Valcartier, Quebec by attending the snow camp in Charlo next weekend (Dec 15-16) with only one problem-no snow yet!

The club is working hard in preparation for the Junior selection races and Eastern Canadian Championships in January 5th, 7th and 9th, 2002.

Nor-Am cup to be held March 23-24th will see our first biathlon competition, all in anticipation of Canadian 2003 Winter Games.

December 9, 2001 marked the official opening of our new facilities for 2003 Canada Games.

Very disturbing - December 11, 2001 and still no snow!

For the lucky ones who do have snow, : "Enjoy"!

                                         Roger D. Levesque

Ontario

In Ontario we have the good fortune to have two executive members in charge of the Ontario Masters. Fiona McKenna has graciously volunteered to be membership chair and treasurer of the Ontario Masters. Jan VanderMeer has volunteered to help with the newsletters too.

North Bay Nordic will host an Ontario Masters Championship on Jan 26 and 27. All categories will be contested on 10 and 15 km trails.

A dry land training session for Masters was held in North Bay on Sept 23. Twelve Masters took part under the watchful eye of Larry Sinclair from Highland Nordic. Larry also conducted a one day session on Nov 3 in Duntroon and anticipates a two day camp at Duntroon on Dec 1 and 2.

Jan Vopalensky from the High Parks Nordic Ski club organized the annual High Park Ski Club's Toronto Nordic Ski Show on Nov 4. Many Masters benefited from equipment demos and key note speakers, e.g. Jack Sassville.

Linda Landry also helped promote Masters skiing in the Ottawa area at an annual Nordic ski show.

Tom Cook has been in close contact with Matthias Ahrens (Cerax Distributer for Canada) and is now the Cerax rep and is interested in doing promos of the wax.

On a sad note, some long time competitors have indicated cost of entry and time commitments are influencing their decision to attend the MWC in Quebec.      

                                                                                               Tom

Quebec 

Our board of directors held six regular meetings and dispatched six postal sendings. At December 7th 2001 we have nearly 250 members for 2001/2002 season of which one third are new members. By the way there are two American associations whose membership in one case is $35 US, and the other $70 US., compared to $30 Canadian for Quebec.

The Masters training camp always takes place at the beginning of December, at the Montmorency Forest. Held exclusively for the members, it has rolled to full mode for 11 years. It is the most appreciated service. A team of Physiotherapists, a medical service and 20 specialists in different fields ensure the correct operation of this camp. Several firms of ski take part at the ski show.

Our publishing (l'echo de Maitres) is published in November and June. It's financing is assured mainly by advertising incomes. Its survival rests on the collaboration of the members. A special edition will be given to all athletes who will participate at the Masters World Cup 2002. This edition will cover 15 articles of which some will be written in twelve languages.

Our internet site will break new ground. A menu "Ski Bazaar" made its appearance and you will have access soon to a new bank of photography. Articles written in english will be found under the button Echo des Maitres" which contains more than 130 articles.

AMSF have taken part in the organization of several competitions on dry land where its members take part in great numbers, such as the Mont Ste. Anne climbing, the Plains of Abraham cross-country race and the roller ski race on Laval University campus.

The members interested in ski competition can take part in the following competitions:

a. Regional races

b. Masters cup: supervised by Ski fond Quebec in collaboration with Geo pleine Air and l'AMSF;

c. Quebec 2002: all participants coming from Canada must be obligatorily members of Canadian Masters Association. AMSF members are automatically members of the Canadian association. 

AMSF Masters funds is available to Ski Fond Quebec affiliated clubs.

committee of three members use special evaluation criteria to determine the best candidate. This year the winning club is Skibec, they will receive $1000.

New initiatives for season 2001/2002

An evening paying homage to some of our members will take place Thursday on February 28, 2002 in Quebec.

We plan to organize a sprints ski race on the Plains of Abraham.

We also plan to organize a trip to the various Masters World Cups for Quebec Masters and all other Canadian Masters are welcome. The first destination will be Seefeld in March 2003. The interested Masters will have to contact <presidence@amsfski.com> before June 15, 2002. If the number justifies it, additional information will then be conveyed to the potential persons.

                                       Leon Simard/Jean-Yves Babin