UPDATED: Junior National Qualifiers for the Great Lakes Division are spread out through the Upper and Lower Peninsula of Michigan, and in Ohio this season.
One skier called it "a fast and somewhat scary 10k race at Boyne Highlands" but at least there was snow! The race was originally set to be classic, but there was not enough snow to set a track.
Snow confiditions may force a relocation of the race. Fortunately, it would be nearby.
The new date for the WinterSonnenwende fits nicely with the Michigan Cup schedule for a number of reasons. The only negative is that it won't count as a Junior Race as it conflicts with the Michigan High School Championships.
If you raced in the Nordic Fest Season Opener and are a member of a Michigan Cup team, you are now in first place in the individual standings. The VASA Ski Club leads the team standings.
UPDATED: The Michigan Cup Cross Country Ski Racing Series features 24 races this year, including the first race of the season in the entire USA.
Brick Wheels in Traverse City, Michigan will host the first cross country ski race of the 2011-2012 season in the entire USA on Saturday, October 22. The race will run on a short loop, snow courtesy of Zambonis from local ice rinks.
So where's the Michigan Cup schedule? Alas, Christmas, New Years, the US Senior National Championships and a host of other issues have caused scheduling conflicts that have kept the Michigan Cup calendar in flux.
Eli Brown has proposed a Michigan Cup race in October using Zamboni snow to make a short 15-20 second course in Traverse City. Eli wants to get a confirmation early so he could use that in promoting the event to sponsors, nationally, etc.
The Vasa Ski Club has ended the 4-year dynasty held by the Cross Country Ski Headquarters by winning the Michigan Cup 31,523.8 to 27,674.0 points.
UPDATED: Wax recommendations from Toko, Fast Wax and Swix (Solda coming soon?) for this weekend's races: REI Frosty Freestyle Finale and the Michigan Cup Relays.
The Vasa Ski Club has a commanding lead over the Cross Country Ski Headquarters in the Michigan Cup Team Standings. But third place is still up for grabs.
CXC Jr. Cup / Midwest Division - Classic Sprint
Cable, WI - American Birkebeiner Trailhead
CXC Jr. Cup / Midwest Division - Freestyle Individual Start
Cable, WI - American Birkebeiner Trailhead
Forbush Corner Time Trial
Forbush Corner, 4971 W Co Rd 612, Frederic, MI 49733