VASA and AXCS Masters Nationals: The Race is On!

Tue, Feb  7, 2012 - By Pete LaPlaca

February 7, 2012-Traverse City, MI—The 36th Annual North American VASA and the AXCS Masters National Championships are scheduled for Feb. 11-12th. All races will be conducted at their full designated distances.  Due to the mild winter season and minimal snowfall, a second work bee was conducted this morning to work on thin spots around the course.  Dr. Jim Woodburne, Asst. Chief of Course reported that his team performed yeoman work and that the race courses will hold up very well for the weekend. “With colder temps and some snow predicted for the next five days, we expect to be in good shape by Saturday,” he reports.

The VASA Board Executive committee met at 5pm today and determined that the course has held up very well and will be ready to race on by this weekend.  Board President, Pete LaPlaca, commented that “approximately 30%” of our registered skiers are coming in from outside Michigan and we wanted to provide them with ample opportunity to make travel decisions.” The only major course change at this time is that the 50km races will be a two lap event. Other course modifications may be made as conditions dictate later this week. Race Director, Lisa Taylor, commented that “we really appreciate the outpouring of help from our skier and volunteer community over the past four days. Our groomers and others will continue to work on the course as the week progresses.”

Skiers can continue to monitor trail conditions on our website: www.vasa.org which will be updated at least once per day through race weekend. Online registration will remain open until 6 pm on Thursday Feb. 9th at either www.vasa.org or at www.swiftentry.com. Skiers can also register in person at Timber Ridge on Friday Feb. 10th from noon until 9pm and Saturday starting at 7 am.