Grand Champion awards for Vasa / Gran Travers two-day winners
Wed, Nov 11, 2009 - By Jim Datsko
The North American VASA introduces two-day stage racing to the midwest ski scene. In addition to the usual trophies for Saturday's VASA race, and Sunday's Hagerty Insurance Gran Travers race something new and exciting is planned for 2010. The racer with the best both-days combined time for these select races goes home with a new pair of racing skis from these award sponsors along with the trophy for winning:
- Cross Country Ski Shop GRAND CHAMPION - best combined time for 50km Freestyle & 16km Classic races wins trophy and top line racing skate skis sponsored by Grayling's Cross Country Ski Shop
- Cross Country Ski Headquarters RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION - best combined time for 27km Freestyle & 16km Classic races wins trophy and Salomon Equipe 9 racing skate skis sponsored by Cross Country Ski Headquarters of Higgins Lake - Roscommon
All skiers registering for the above described qualifying races are automatically entered for GC and Reserve GC at no extra charge. There are separate male and female categories but no separate age divisions for this award. Race weekend is Feb. 13-14, 2010. All races are held at Timber Ridge Resort, featuring well groomed VASA routes deep into the scenic Pere Marquette state forest, Traverse City, Michigan. Information and registration available at www.vasa.org, or call (231) 938-4400
The GC events will be reminiscent of the Tour de France yellow jersey rider having to defend his title each day. So Saturday's top-finishing VASA freestylers will also need to place at or near the top on Sunday's classic ski race if they are to stand a chance of becoming the VASA weekend GC or Reserve GC and earning a new pair of racing skate skis for their success.
If that isn't enough ski racing for you, arrive for your ski vacation a week early and do the sprints held the previous Sunday (day after the White Pine Stampede) downtown Traverse City on the snow covered streets in front of the crowd at the local warehouse district micro-brewery. If you still haven't satisfied your ski craving after the VASA race weekend, stay for the Valentine's Day Ski Tour (untimed fun event) on Sunday afternoon after all racing is completed. Wear your best red or pink outfit and enjoy this relaxed tour skiing with your sweetie or maybe locate one during this event featuring music, gourmet chocolates, refreshments, and warming bonfire.