December 31, 2009 News Release

Much at stake during XC Championships in Anchorage

ANCHORAGE – The 2010 ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Championships, America’s premier Nordic event of the season, is coming to Kincaid Park. Headlined as the national championships, there are more than just a few titles on the line—these races will help determine the members of U.S. Olympic, World Junior Championships, FIS World U23 Championships and Junior Nordic Championships (JI Scandinavian Cup) teams for 2010.

Just over a month out from the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, all eyes are set on these races, which will close out a yearlong Olympic selection process. Athletes have been vying for top spots on the USSA National Ranking List (NRL) and the official ranking closes after the final day of racing (Jan. 8) at Kincaid. An athlete’s top four races over a one-year period are counted on the NRL. With four races over seven days, the championships could be a significant factor in determining the 2010 Olympic team.

In addition to being key Olympic selection races, the first three races of the 2010 ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Championships will also determine members of the World Junior Championships, U23 and Scandinavian Cup teams. These races provide a unique opportunity for the best 15-22 year-olds of the skiing world to compete together. The World Junior Championships are important competitions in the development of future World Cup contenders. The Scandinavian Cup is an excellent introductory international championship competition, bringing the best young athletes from the Scandinavian nations and the United States together for an effective development experience.

The World Junior and U23 Championships will be held Jan 24-31, 2010, in Hinterzarten, Germany. Team size could be as large as five men and five women (World Junior team) and six men and six women (U23 team). In addition, top U.S. athletes under the age of 17 are vying for spots on the 2010 Scandinavian Cup team. As many as six men and six women will represent the U.S. at races in Kuopio, Finland Jan. 29-31, 2010.

Racing in Anchorage for these spots begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2, with the freestyle sprints.

Race descriptions and other information is at http://www.anchoragenordicski.com/nationals10/

EDITOR’S NOTES:
** Media credential application forms are on-line at
http://www.anchoragenordicski.com/nationals10/press.htm
** Schedule details for all races, Jan. 2-8, are at
http://www.anchoragenordicski.com/nationals10/schedule.htm
** Media information will also be available at the Kincaid Chalet.