2017 AXCS National Masters Championships: The Big City Preview

Wed, Jan  11, 2017 - By J.D. Downing

For the first time since 2005, masters (skiers 30 and over) from throughout the U.S. will return to the great state of Minnesota as the American Cross Country Skiers (AXCS) 2017 National Masters Championships takes place the weekend of February 4-5, 2017 at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis -- The site of the 2018 Masters World Cup just under one year later. AXCS will be crowning 18 National Champions in the various age categories and with men and women.

NM2017 racing will get started on Saturday, February 4, with 42km and 21km distance classic individual races run in conjunction with the 42km Hoigaard's Classic Marathon and 21km Puoli Loppet Classic events. Then on Sunday, February 5, the 21km Puoli Loppet Skate technique races take center stage to fill out the NM2017 bill for all NM categories.

Featuring courses that literally cross the city of Minneapolis, skiers will experience a generally gentle route with a mix of city parks, snowed-in paths, and — of course — a series of famous Minnesota frozen lakes.

"We are really excited about hosting the National Masters Championships this year. We look forward to seeing great age class competitions with skiers from across the country," says Loppet executive director, John Munger

AXCS National Director J.D. Downing also raves about the return of the National Masters to the Twin Cities. “AXCS brought both the very successful 2000 and 2005National Masters to the Twin Cities. The NM2017 will be a continuation of that tradition. It’s also a logical fit to have a kind of preview for the 2018 Masters World Cup to get skiers both in the upper Midwest and nationwide excited about what’s coming up in just over a year’s time!"

As usual, to take part in the NM2017 no special entry into the normal City of Lakes Loppet events will be required. All masters 30+ that are registered in the official daily race for your age/gender category will automatically be considered officially part of theNational Masters.

Host organizers Loppet Foundation offer extensive event information on the official City of Lakes Loppet website — www.loppet.org. Official AXCS NM2017 updates and information can also be found on xcskiworld.com — the home of masters XC skiing.