world loppet

WORLDLOPPET
WORLDLOPPET
What is it ?
All information about the
organisation
STEPHANIE SANTER
Skiing for a good cause
Are you also
„PRO SNOW“?
FIS MARATHON CUP
Interview
Riita-Liisa Roponen
Tom Reichelt
FOUR NEW RACE TO GO
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
WORLDLOPPET RACE CALENDAR 2015
Marcialonga / Italy
WORLDLOPPET
THE WORLD OF MARATHON SKIING 2 0 1 5
FOREWORD
Dear Ski Friends
On behalf of the Worldloppet Ski Federation, the association of the biggest, most important and most
beautiful cross country ski races in the world, I am very delighted to give you my best greetings and welcome you to the next Worldloppet ski season.
Some years ago I wrote that a dream for every “popular” cross country skier in the world is to take part,
at least once in life, in every single Worldloppet member race. This dream is now realty for more than
5000 Worldloppet Masters and still in the “Dreambook” of additional 11.000 and more new passport
holders.
This enormous number of cross country ski enthusiasts is waiting eagerly for the next Winter to come.
However, they do not need to wait much longer as the ski season has already started in the Southern
Hemisphere with the traditional Kangaroo Loppet up front.
The last winter was not a very good one for the most races in Europe. Some had to be cancelled, some
could “survive” only thanks to the the big enthusiasm of the organizers and all the voluntary helpers! We
all really hope that next season will be a better one, praised with enough snow, minus temperatures and
sunshine.
The Worldloppet Congress, the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in June in Riva del Garda (ITA) approved the request to include 4 new “Associate” Members. With it, our family became the real “world
voice of cross country skiing”! The “smaller” Associate Members will probably never rise to the level to
be considered “full” members and to fulfil the minimum requirements, but Worldloppet strongly believes
that the new races will bring a lot of enthusiasm and new swing into our family.
The “Associate Member” races are full empowered to stamp Worldloppet passports and are all valid for
Silver and Gold medals. However, there is no obligation to take part in these races for the Worldloppet
Global Master.
With these four new destinations in the Worldloppet calendar, I am sure that Worldloppet skiers will continue to travel around the world to participate in wonderful cross country ski races and by doing so helping international friendship grow and the world to be a more peaceful place.
See you next winter on the courses!
Follow us on-line on www.worldloppet.com
Angelo Corradini
Worldloppet Secretary General
WORLDLOPPET
3
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TABLE OF CONTENT
40
STEPHANIE SANTER
SKIING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
22
INTERVIEWS
WORLDLOPPET MAGAZINE
RIITA-LIISA ROPONEN
34
INTERVIEWS
TOM REICHELT
General informations
Foreword by Angelo Corradini..................................03
What is Worldloppet..................................................08
The Worldoppet passport.........................................12
Worldloppet-Iranian WL-Passport Holder...............14
Interview with Riita-Liisa Roponen............................22
Which Race to go? The season overview...............25
Interview with Tom Reichelt.......................................34
Four new races to go................................................37
Skiing for a good cause.............................................40
Are you also „PRO SNOW“ ?...................................43
Dates, numbers and winners
Worldloppet Calendar................................................10
Sold Passports..........................................................13
Worldloppet Masters 2014.......................................18
FIS Marathon Cup 2013/2014.................................20
37
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
FOUR NEW RACES TO GO
Imprint:
WORLDLOPPET SKI FED.
Stalimen 4, Stadio Del Salto
I-38037 Predazzo (Tn), Italy
Phone: +39.0462.501110
Fax: +39.0462.501120
Secretary General:
Angelo Corradini
E-Mail: Info@Worldloppet.com
Web: www.worldloppet.com
copyright belong to: Worldloppet Ski Federation
designed by: König Ludwig Lauf/Marc Schauberger
MOMENTS
WHAT IS WORLDLOPPET
WHAT IS
WORLD
8
WORLDLOPPET
LOPPET?
W
Wordloppet's strategy:
☞
☞
orldloppet The World of Marathon Skiing
Worldloppet is an international sports federation of cross-country skiing marathons.
The federation was founded in 1978 in Uppsala, Sweden. The aim of Worldloppet is to promote the sport of
cross-country skiing through the various ski races
around the world.
Worldloppet members:
Only one, meaning normally the best race, from a country can be a member of Worldloppet. The youngest
member is the Demino Ski Marathon which takes place
Rybinsk, Russia, which was admitted to Worldloppet
during the Annual General Meeting in Tartu (EST) in
June 2012. Worldloppet currently unites 16 races from
Europe, America, Asia and Australia.
Europe:
Jizerská padesátka (CZE), Dolomitenlauf (AUT), Marcialonga (ITA), König Ludwig Lauf (GER), Tartu Maraton (EST), La Transjurassienne (FRA), Finlandia-hiihto
(FIN), Vasaloppet (SWE), Engadin Skimarathon (SUI),
Birkebeinerrennet (NOR), Bieg Piastow (POL),
Demino Ski Marathon (RUS), Fossavatn Ski
Marathon (ISL)
America:
American Birkebeiner (USA), Gatineau Loppet (CAN)
Marchablanca / Ushuaialoppet (ARG)
Asia:
Sapporo International Ski Marathon (JPN), Vasaloppet China (CHN)
Australia:
Kangaroo Hoppet (AUS), Merino Muster (NZL)
☞
☞
High quality ski races around the World. Only one,
meaning normally the best race from a country
can be a member of Worldloppet.
Regularity and continuity. Each race, having its
own history, traditions and programme, is held
usually at the same time every year.
After completing 10 different Worldloppet races,
at least one of them overseas, a skier can apply
for the Worldloppet Master title.
Races for everybody. Races different by length,
technique, landscape and target group attract
over 100.000 participants every year.
Participation of elite skiers. The FIS Marathon
Cup, consisting of around 10 Worldloppet races,
is a Worldloppet series for top skiers.
Worldloppet authority:
The highest authority of the Worldloppet Ski Federation
is the Annual General Meeting.
The management of the organization is delegated to
the Worldloppet Secretary General, who is elected for
the term of four years.
The Worldloppet Executive Committee, consisting of
one representative of Scandinavia, Central Europe,
Eastern Europe and Overseas (Asia, North America and
Australia), is established as support for the Worldloppet
Secretary General.
Worldloppet Executive Committee:
Juha Viljamaa – Finlandia Hiihto
Annette Lamy-Chappuis – La Transjurassienne
Dennis Kruse – American Birkebeiner
Kinga Jaworek - Bieg Piastow
Angelo Corradini was elected Worldloppet Secretary
General in 2008. He was reelected in 2012. Since
2008, the race of Marcialonga is responsible for the
Worldloppet administration.
WORLDLOPPET
9
WORLDLOPPET MAIN RACES 2014/2015
22/08/14
02/01/15
11/01/15
17/01/15
18/01/15
25/01/15
31/01/15
01/02/15
01/02/15
07/02/15
08/02/15
08/02/15
08/02/15
14/02/15
15/02/15
15/02/15
21/02/15
21/02/15
21/02/15
22/02/15
28/02/15
01/03/15
02/03/15
08/03/15
08/03/15
14/03/15
20/03/15
21/03/15
02/05/15
15/08/15
16/08/15
22/08/15
10
WORLDLOPPET
RACES
R AC
2 0 1 5 (Vali
d for
E
KANGAROO HOPPET
VASALOPPET CHINA
JIZERSKÁ PADESATKA
DOLOMITENLAUF: Classic Race
DOLOMITENLAUF
MARCIALONGA
KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF
KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF
SAPPORO INT. SKI MARATHON
LA TRANSJURASSIENNE
LA TRANSJURASSIENNE *
LA TRANSJURASSIENNE
TARTU MARATON: Open Track
GATINEAU LOPPET
GATINEAU LOPPET
TARTU MARATON
AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER
AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER
FINLANDIA- HIIHTO
FINLANDIA- HIIHTO
BIEG PIASTOW
VASALOPPET: Oppet Spar
VASALOPPET: Oppet Spar
VASALOPPET
ENGADIN SKIMARATHON
DEMINO SKI MARATHON
BIRKEBEINERRENNET: FredagsBirken
BIRKEBEINERRENNET
FOSSAVATN SKIMARATHON
MERINO MUSTER
USHUAIALOPPET
KANGAROO HOPPET
YELLOW * -
recog
nition
as
a Wo
rldlop
pet G
old
50 KM
50 KM
50 KM
42 KM
60 KM
70 KM
50 KM
50 KM
50 KM
56 KM
48 KM
68 KM
63 KM
55 KM
51 KM
63 KM
54 KM
50 KM
50 KM
50 KM
50 KM
90 KM
90 KM
90 KM
42 KM
50 KM
54 KM
54 KM
50 KM
42 KM
50 KM
50 KM
FIS Marathon Cup 2014/2015 race
For women only
H
T MAIN
TEC
LOPPE
KM
D AT
E
WORLD
FT
CT
CT
CT
FT
CT
FT
CT
FT
CT
FT
FT
FT
CT
FT
CT
CT
FT
CT
FT
CT
CT
CT
CT
FT
FT
CT
CT
CT
FT
CT
CT
Mast
er)
COU
NTRY
AUS
CHN
CZE
AUT
AUT
ITA
GER
GER
JPN
FRA
FRA
FRA
EST
CAN
CAN
EST
USA
USA
FIN
FIN
POL
SWE
SWE
SWE
SUI
RUS
NOR
NOR
ISL
NZL
ARG
AUS
WORLDLOPPET SHORT RACES 2014/2015
KANGAROO HOPPET: Austr. Birke
VASALOPPET CHINA
JIZERSKÁ PADESATKA: Bedrichskova
JIZERSKÁ PADESATKA: Jizerska 25
DOLOMITENLAUF: Classic Race
DOLOMITENLAUF: Lienz Lauf
AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER: Open Track
MARCIALONGA: Lavazèloppet
MARCIALONGA: Light
KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF: short
KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF: short
SAPPORO INT. SKI MARATHON: short
LA TRANSJURASSIENNE: Transju
LA TRANSJURASSIENNE: Transju
TARTU MARATON: Open Track
GATINEAU LOPPET
GATINEAU LOPPET
TARTU MARATON
AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER: Korteloppet
FINLANDIA- HIIHTO
FINLANDIA- HIIHTO
VASALOPPET: Kortvasan
VASALOPPET: TjejVasan *
BIEG PIASTOW
BIEG PIASTOW
ENGADIN SKIMARATHON: Frauenlauf*
VASALOPPET: HalvVasan
ENGADIN SKIMARATHON: Halbmarathon
BIRKEBEINERRENNET: Inga Laami *
BIRKEBEINERRENNET: HalvBirken
DEMINO SKI MARATHON
FOSSAVATN SKIMARATHON: Short
FOSSAVATN SKIMARATHON: Short
SNOW RAKE
MARCHABLANCA
KANGAROO HOPPET: Austr. Birke
21 KM
25 KM
30 KM
25 KM
20 KM
25 KM
25 KM
22 KM
45 KM
23 KM
23 KM
25 KM
25 KM
25 KM
31 KM
27 KM
27 KM
31 KM
23 KM
32 KM
20 KM
30 KM
30 KM
25 KM
30 KM
42 KM
45 KM
21 KM
30 KM
28 KM
50 KM
25 KM
25 KM
21 KM
21 KM
21 KM
FT
CT
FT
CT
CT
FT
FT
CT
CT
FT
CT
FT
CT
FT
FT
CT
FT
CT
CT
CT
FT
CT
CT
CT
FT
FT
CT
FT
CT
CT
CT
FT
CT
FT
CT
FT
Y
NTR
E
C
A
R
ter)
CO U
DATE
23/08/14
02/01/15
09/01/15
10/01/15
17/01/15
18/01/15
18/01/15
22/01/15
25/01/15
31/01/15
01/02/15
01/02/15
07/02/15
08/02/15
09/02/15
14/02/15
15/02/15
16/02/15
21/02/15
21/02/15
22/02/15
27/02/15
28/02/15
01/03/15
01/03/15
01/03/15
03/03/15
08/03/15
14/03/15
15/03/15
15/03/15
30/04/15
02/05/15
15/08/15
16/08/15
22/08/15
C
KM
LO
WORLD
T RA
R
O
H
S
PPET
H
TEC
lid
(Va
5
1
0
2
ES as
ilver M
S
t
e
lopp
World
a
s
ion a
ognit
c
e
r
r
fo
AUS
CHN
CZE
CZE
AUT
AUT
USA
ITA
ITA
GER
GER
JPN
FRA
FRA
EST
CAN
CAN
EST
USA
FIN
FIN
SWE
SWE
POL
POL
SUI
SWE
SUI
NOR
NOR
RUS
ISL
ISL
NZL
ARG
AUS
THE WORLDLOPPET PASSPORT THE WORLDLOPPET PASSPORT
AND THE WORLDLOPPET MEDAL
C
ompleting of a Worldloppet (WL) race is
a remarkable achievement and worth of
recording! Worldloppet Passport (WL
Passport) is a personal document, in which
every completed WL race should be registered.
The official WL Passport contains a special page
for each event in the Worldloppet series. After
completing of a WL race, the skier should ask
for the official stamp of this event at the race office. A stamp in the WL Passport is the evidence
of the completed race. Collecting of WL stamps
is an additional motivation to practice crosscountry skiing and to travel to WL countries.
Today there are more than 12000 WL passport
holders from all over the world.
Everyone can become a Worldloppet Master!
Silver Master, if completed 10 WL short (click
here to see the list of the valid Worldloppet short
races!) races (possible to combine with main
races). To apply for the title of a WL Master, WL
Passport should be mailed to the WL General
Secretariat, where the validity of all stamps will
be checked, based on the result lists of the marked races. In order to be included in the current
year's WL Masters' list, WL Passport should
reach WL General Secretariat before April 1. WL
Master diploma and a gold/silver-plated pin will
be mailed to this WL Master and his/her name
will be published in the WL Ski Race Yearbook.
In addition, each WL Master has an opportunity
to order a personal WL gold/silver-plated medal,
by mailing the order form together with € 40.- to
the WL General Secretariat.
After completing WL races in 10 different countries, at least one of them on another Continent,
the skier will be recognised as a Worldloppet
Master (WL Master) - WL Gold Master, if completed 10 WL main races (click here to see the
list of the valid Worldloppet main races!) and WL
How to buy a Worldloppet Passport?
The price of a WL Passport is € 30.-and Passports are available in every WL race office in 15
countries and in WL General Secretariat. WL
Passport can also be ordered by e-mail or mail
and paid either in cash, by Credit Card.
12
WORLDLOPPET
Number of WL Passports and Master by country
S
RT
O
SP 27
S
5
PA 16
USA
GERMANY
RUSSIA
FINLAND
ITALY
NORWAY
SWITZERLAND
SWEDEN
ESTONIA
FRANCE
CANADA
JAPAN
CZECH REPUBLIC
AUSTRALIA
GREAT BRITAIN
AUSTRIA
SLOVENIA
POLAND
SPAIN
SLOVAKIA
LATVIA
DENMARK
NETHERLANDS
BELGIUM
LUXEMBOURG
ISRAEL
ICELAND
NEW ZEALAND
HUNGARY
BELARUS
IRELAND
ANDORRA
LITHUANIA
LIECHTENSTEIN
UKRAINE
PORTUGAL
ARGENTINA
CHILE
SAUDI ARABIA
SOUTH AFRICA
VENEZUELA
CHINA
CROATIA
ECUADOR
INDIA
KAZAKHSTAN
MALAYSIA
MOLDAVIA
ROMANIA
UNKNOWN HOLDERS
1946 1851 1550 1329 1295 1260 1198 978 737 694 677 424 418 391 328 248 220 171 167 158 88 84 79 46 33 31 20 20 13 11 10 8 8 6 6 5 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1
1
RS
E
LD 38
HO 136
1717 1552 1199 1091 1123 1073 1034 831 587 522 600 332 306 310 286 207 156 125 123 89 62 65 64 39 22 4 18 19 9 11 9 7 8 6 6 4 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1
5
LS
TE
I
T
R 6
E
T 91
AS 3
M
269 573 319 S
ER
T
AS 41
M 29
372 266 284 381 225 152 206 86 75 132 98 55 73 82 43 30 55 28 21 20 15 17 23 1 3 4 218 454 219 286 212 245 318 185 102 115 61 48 84 72 42 62 60 25 19 33 18 13 13 10 9 2 1 3 4 4 2 1 4 2 1 1
1
LE
IP
T
UL 8
M 45
26 53 46 53 25 23 25 24 32 25 4 13 21 15 7 8 14 9 7 10 8 2 2 1 3 2 ER
LV 6
I
S 12
12 8 19 6 3 4 6 9 3 1 6 5 14 11 7 5 1 1 2 2 1 WORLDLOPPET >> IRANIAN WL PASSPORT HOLDER
WORLDLOPPET -
IN SOUTH ARABIA
L
iving in Northern or Central Europe, most
resting family story to tell! Faisal is coming from
people have access to snow during winter
Saudi Arabia and is a passionate skier and
time, even though it means to travel for a
mountain lover.
couple of hours sometimes. However, how does
it go that someone from a country known for
WL: You are both living in S.A. - how come that
more sand, sun and heat than anything else be-
you got involved in cross country skiing?
comes a skier? Worldloppet spoke with Zeina
Zeina: We are both alpine skiers since childhood.
and Faisal Charara, who are living in Saudi Ara-
I first started skiing with my father, Sami Bey-
bia. To be fair, one has to add that Zeina is co-
doun, who represented Lebanon at the 1964
ming from Lebanon which possesses some fine
Olympic Games in Innsbruck in the slalom and
skiing resorts, however promoting only Alpine
downhill events. As a child, my parents took me
skiing. Apart from living in Saudi Arabia and
every winter to Kitzbuhel. And today, we ski with
being a passionate skier, she also had an inte-
our own children.
14
WORLDLOPPET
Faisal: I had to be a respectable skier before my
WL Master?
father-in-law would accept me in the family.
Zeina: It would be a wonderful accomplishment
Nordic skiing felt like a natural complement to ski
to stamp all the pages of our WL passport but
touring, my favorite sport.
until Faisal retires we will be limited to attending
WL: How did you prepare for the Engadin Ski-
only one or two races a year.
marathon?
WL: What advice would you give to others who
We had a wonderful coach, Anne-Marie Flam-
are also not living in a place with snow during
mersfeld, whom we know from our summers in
the winter? How can one get involved in cross
the Engadin. By correspondence, she organized
a rigorous training program of running, cycling
and swimming for us and
monitored our progress.
Our Pilates teacher in
Jeddah, Joy McNab, ensured we worked the correct muscle groups and
oversaw our overall development.
Anne-Marie
then introduced us to two
instructors Tomaso Melloni and Markus Schild,
who had five days to
teach us the skating style technique before the
country skiing? And why should someone get
Skimarathon. They were excellent, we enjoyed
involved in cross country skiing?
the week and thanks to them all, we completed
Overall: Be adventurous, break the mould! As
the race.
they say “the grass is always greener on the
WL: What will your next race be (what projects
other side”, we wish we could live near the Alps
do you have) and how many races do you plan
and be able to regularly ski in winter and hike
to do in the next winter season?
and climb in summer, but we are fortunate to be
We’ve already signed up for the 2015 Engadin
able to travel to unforgettable locations and pur-
Skimarathon (to improve our times). We would
sue our passion for the mountains.
like to participate in more races particularly the
WL: What is so fascinating about cross country
Vasalopett and La Transjurassienne. In the me-
skiing (and long distance skiing especially)?
antime we want to enjoy more cross-country ski-
It is an invigorating athletic sport among splendid
ing for leisure.
scenery and other than during races, never
WL: Do you have a goal until when you would
crowded. The challenge will be to choose the
like to finish the 10 races you need to become a
day to ski alpine and the day to ski Nordic.
WORLDLOPPET
15
WL: How did you get the idea of participating in
ing at the age of fifty.
the Engadin Skimarathon?
Another Saudi Arabian couple signed up for the
WL: Thank you very much for your
marathon, which inspired us to do the same.
and sharing your great story
WL: Why did you choose to start a WL passport
the best for the coming winter and your next
and what was the reason that you started long
races! Keep us updated
distance races?
doppet passport project is proceeding!
Zeina: When we signed up for the Engadin race it was to take up a personal
challenge, try a new sport and improve
our fitness.
Starting a WL passport
meant we could officially record our race
and has opened the possibility of more
races in the future.
WL: What do your friends in S.A. say
about your special hobby?
Faisal: They said they were impressed
(if you believe them). But my seven yearold daughter was not. She asked me
what was the point of racing if I knew
that I wouldn’t come first. I still haven’t
told her I finished 6,974th.
WL: Have you thought of being an inspiration for the people around you, in your
community and country?
Faisal: In addition to doing the race for
fun and personal achievement, Zeina
raced for a special cause and raised
$12,000 in donations towards Oum El
Nour, a drug prevention and rehabilitation Centre in Lebanon.
WL: Your age and your profession?
Faisal: Zeina is 45 years old. In addition
to being a full-time mother, she recently
completed a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy. My father always told me that
the first fifty years of my life are a gift, but
the next fifty have to be earned. So it
seemed a good idea to start Nordic ski16
WORLDLOPPET
time
with us! All
on how your Worl-
Before
Stanislaw
Rezac
Jerry Ahrlin
Cristian Zorzi
Image 2012
Science in Nutrition
During
After
Before, during, after sport.
www.enervitsport.com
Enervit official supplier:
WORLDLOPPET MASTERS 2014
WORLDLOPPET MASTERS 2014
Master 3535
Name
3770
LAKEEV MAXIM
3769
3771
3772
3773
3774
3775
3776
3777
3778
3779
3780
3781
3782
3783
3784
3785
3786
3787
3788
3789
3790
3791
3792
3793
3794
3795
3796
3797
3798
18
WIENER JAY
BLANKS MARIS
Nation
3799
VALES MARIO
GER
LAT
3801
LARSSON HANNES
FRA
YRJÖLÄ ULLA
FIN
USA
RUS
GOTTWALD MICHAEL
GER
LOGACHEV ALEXAN-
RUS
LOUDA MILOS
CZE
SMOLKA IVAN
NOVOTNY JIRY
CZE
CZE
3800
3802
3803
3804
3805
3806
3807
GABETOV NAIL
RUS
KASALA TERO
FIN
3810*
CZE
3812
GER
3814
ALAKUIJALA MARTTI
FIN
SOLOVOV ALEXAN-
RUS
KROSS KATHRIN
GER
SAIKKONEN TOIVO
FIN
NAJMAN JAROSLAV
KIELSTEIN STEFAN
BERGSMYR ARNA
NOR
RAUTIAINEN VELI
FIN
CONRAD MARTIN
RAUTIAINEN VELI
SUI
3808
3809
3811
3813
3815
3816
3817
3818
FIN
3819*
ABERGER ERNST
SWE
3821
JÄRVINEN JUKKA-
FIN
SNELI ODDVIN
ZADVOROCHNYY
NOR
RUS
CHRISTENSON
USA
KREEKMAN VIIVIKA
EST
SIMBERG PETER
FIN
GUREVA VERA
RUS
GULYAEV KONSTAN-
RUS
KADYROV DANIS
HÄGGBLOM JAN-OLE
WORLDLOPPET
RUS
FIN
3820
3822
3823
3824
3825
3826
3827
3828
3829
3830
VADLEJCH JAN
RIVAS ELENA
ISR
SPA
GORDON STEPHEN
USA
KOKORISS VALDIS
LAT
PETROFF ISABELLE
FRA
KAROLIUSSEN TERJE
NOR
PEISENIEKS VARIS
LAT
ALAKUIJALA PEKKA
PILAR LIBOR
FIN
CZE
STEINBACH LORI
USA
BRANDMÜLLER
GER
PAGANI PAOLO
SUNI AIRI
CATELLANI ORIANO
ITA
FIN
ITA
LIKSOR AIVO
EST
MC LEOD GRANT
CAN
TURLAN PATRICE
FRA
JOHNSON JOHN
GBR
GERECKE MARTIN
GER
OZOLINS AINARS
HAUBE VELJO
TURLAN PATRICE
ANDRESSON RAUL
LAT
EST
FRA
EST
SANDNES OLE
NOR
DASEK MIROSLAV
CZE
INNO ANNIKI
EST
INNO AIN
INNO KADI
SHASHIN ALEXANDER
EST
EST
RUS
WORLDLOPPET MASTERS 2014
3831
NUMMELA JORMA
3833
MANIORA YONEL
3832
3834
3835
3836
3837
3838
3839
3840
3841
3842
3843
3844
3845
3846
3847
3848
3849
3850
3851
3852
3853
3854
3855
3856
3857
3858
3859
3860
3861
3862
FIN
3863
HAYEK INGRID
AUT
LUX
3865
WESTERHEIM MAGNE
NOR
JACKSON DOUGLAS
AUS
FROLOV SERGEY
RUS
WIEZOREK KLAUS-DI-
GER
WIDING MARTTI
FIN
HAUSDÖRFER
GER
BELLMANN BERNDT
GER
WICHT TOM RENE
FIN
KAPLAS RIITTA
MC LAUGHLIN CONOR
FIN
IRE
HÜTTER MANFRED
GER
HAYES MARG
AUS
NAGAPETIANTS
POUX JEAN
CANIS JUVE' JOSEP
SISINNI CASQUERO
SANCHEZ VEGA LUIS
HALDNA TÕNIS
SEVCIK ROMAN
RUS
FRA
SPA
SPA
SPA
EST
SVK
CLARKE JUDY
GBR
ZUNTE ANDRIO
LAT
GOREV KIRILL
WHARRIE BRUCE
RUS
AUS
GASSET CLOP ANTONI
AND
ROOS J P
FIN
ROGAN FRANC
SLO
BONFILL DUATIS AL-
AND
HÜTTER MANFRED
GER
ONEGIN ANATOLY
RUS
WIENER JAY
ROMASHOV SERGEY
KOZMOV ALEXANDER
USA
RUS
RUS
3864
3866
3867
3868
3869
3870
3871
3872
3873
3874
3875
3876
3877
3878
3879
3880
3881
3882
3883
3884
3885
3886
3887
3888
3889
3890
3891
3892
3893
3894
KRALOVA IVANA
MATSUYAMA MINORU
CZE
JPN
WONG JACQUES
CAN
LEPPÄNEN EERO
FIN
JAROSZ MARIAN
POL
GOLDMANN MAXIMIL-
SUI
KRAL JOSEF
CZE
KRALOVA IVANA
CZE
EDDY DONALD K.
USA
SILINA INETA
LAT
MATSUYAMA MINORU
KRAL JOSEF
JPN
CZE
SILINA INETA
LAT
DUKAN DIANA
EST
NOWOK JERZY
POL
JOKINEN MIKKO
FIN
KURG RAUNO
EST
BITTERLIN WALTER
SUPPONEN MATTI
SUI
FIN
PICH VALENTIN
SPA
PALLISER ROBERT
CAN
RIIS MINNA
DEN
PEPIN COLETTE
CAN
BELL STEVEN
USA
ORRIOLS PUIG AN-
SPA
CORRADINI ANGELO
JASINSKI MARCIN
ITA
POL
BELL KRISTEN
USA
BORISOV VALENTIN
RUS
WORLDLOPPET
19
WORLDLOPPET MASTERS 2014
WORLDLOPPET MASTERS 2014
3895
PETREYKIN ARKADIY
RUS
3897
KUSANAGI JUNYA
JPN
3896
3898
3899
3902
3903
3904
3905
3906
3907
KEMILÄINEN RISTO
FIN
TSAPLIN VLADIMIR
RUS
PAVLOV SERGEY
RUS
VIKEN ERLING
NOR
CARANI LYNETTE ANN
USA
COURTINE HERVE'
McKAY DEREK
JÄNTTI TIMO
GROFCIK EMIL
FRA
USA
FIN
SVK
FIS MARATHON CUP 2013/14
E
ven though it was a tough winter regarding rathon - the 36year old Fin from Haukipudas showed
the weather which challenged most of the or-
her potential in the strongest way, however leading
gainsers as snow was either rarely present to discussions about a renewal of the FIS Marathon
(Europe) or over represented (like the arctic tempe- Cup rules and regulations was needed on the part
ratures which held Northern America in their claws). which determines who is eligable of the overall title.
However, six of originally planned eight FIS Marathon After his victory in La Sgambeda, Petter Northug Jr.
Cup races could take place. Only Tartu Maraton (NOR) was focussing on the World Cup and the
(EST) and Bieg Piastow (POL) had to give in to the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, however with lesser
weather and needed to cancel their competitions.
success. Therefore others took the stage and batt-
Having participated for the first time in a FIS Mara- led for the top podium space: Sergio Bonaldi (ITA),
thon Cup race, Tom Reichelt from Germany got 23rd the overall winner of the season 2012/13, Benoit
in the opening race of the cup, La Sgambeda (ITA). Chauvet (FRA), the runner up behind Bonaldi as well
Nobody would have thought what glory was still as Martin Koukal and Petr Novak (both CZE) were
awaiting him during the season.
all in for the overall victory. After Novak got a spot in
On the women's side however, the victory in La the Czech National Team and was competing in
Sgambeda marked the domination of Riitta-Liisa Ro- Sochi, the other three were left alone to fight for the
ponen (FIN). With three participation and three victo- podium. Or not completely, as suddenly Tom Reiries – after La Sgambeda she also claimed the chelt made his appearance. With two forth places in
victory in the Dolomitenlauf and the Engadin Skima- the Dolomitenlauf and La Transjurassienne and a
20
WORLDLOPPET
victory in the American Birkebeiner, he was even al- one was welcomed by all racers, even though this
lowed a 13th place in the final Engadin Skimarathon change meant that the race was harder than norin order to hold on to his lead over Benoit Chauvet, mally! Then the first cancellation hit the FIS Marathon
who again, got the runner up position in the overall Cup – no snow in Estonia meant no Tartu Maraton.
FIS Marathon Cup – this time missing the top of the Despite all possible efforts, it was not possible to find
podium by the slight margin of only 5 points.
a possibility to hold the race anywhere in Estonia. A
Overall, the FIS Marathon Cup saw 138 men and 39 week later, in the middle of America, racers got conwomen scoring FIS Marathon Cup points but with fronted with the sheer contrast: A lot of snow and
many more having participated in the Cup at least freezing temperatures, even though they were asuonce during the season. This means …...........
red that the weekend was the warmest for over two
Despite the challenging weather conditions, this ye- months seeing -17 degrees at the start of the Amear's FIS Marathon Cup was filled with exciting races, rican Birkebeiner in Cable. The weekend right after
often fought head to head until the last centimetre – the „Birkie“ was normally planned for the Bieg Piasnothing for a faint hearted to watch! From La Sgam- tow and its first appearance in the FIS Marathon Cup
beda (ITA) in December 2013, which lacked a bit of calendar. However, due to lack of snow, the race
snow, the FIS Marathon Cup continued a couple of had to be cancelled – the premier has to wait for
weeks later with the Dolomitenlauf (AUT) and a lot of next winter! Last but not least, sunshine and cold
fresh snow. A week later, Marcialonga (ITA) just got temperatures and some wind only at the start were
a bit of white from above to show off a wonderful awaiting all competitors of the Engadin Skimarathon,
winter wonderland. Two weeks later, La Transjuras- which traditionally figured as the final of the FIS Masienne (FRA) got also hit by challenging conditions rathon Cup. All together, despite the many challenwhich resulted in cutting out the part in Switzerland ges, once again a very fine FIS Marathon Cup
and changing the last kilometres. Especially the last season with great athletes and high level sport!
INTERVIEW >> RIITA-LIISA ROPONEN
FIS MARATHON CUP
RIITTA-LIISA
22
WORLDLOPPET
RLR: I have always wanted to ski long distance
races and I really love the atmosphere of the FIS
Marathon Cup. Every time I wear a bib number,
I ski for the victory. I have also been lucky in
competitions, fighting with other strong girls. I
am also strong in the end because I like long
sprints (2km).
WL: WL tries to keep the balance in the FIS Marathon Cup between races in classic technique
and in free technique. However, it often seems
that people tend to participate only in races of
the same technique. What would you say if it
would be obligatory to participate in least in one
race of each style in order to be eligible to win
the overall FIS Marathon Cup?
ROPONEN
(FIN)
WORLDLOPPET: The winter is over and the training season for the coming winter has already started. What have
you been doing since you won the overall FIS Marathon
Cup at the Engadin Skimarathon Cup in March?
RLR: I did some more races and just enjoyed Lapland
RLR: For me all the rules are ok :). I also like the
spring weather by skiing with my family. I also had my ca-
classic technique even that I am stronger in ska-
reer’s longest holiday, all May! I made trips to Paris, Pitts-
ting.
burgh and New York. When June came I was full of
WL: Next season, there will be the FIS Nordic
motivation!
Ski World Championships in Falun (SWE) as well
WL: What did the victory in the overall FIS Marathon Cup
as another FIS Marathon Cup year. What are
meant for you as you are still a World Cup skier and par-
your plans for next season and what is you big
ticipated at the Olympic Winter Games in Sotchi?
goal?
RLR: All competitions are important for me so it was great
RLR: Just right now my dream is to win the En-
to win.
gadin Skimarathon for the third time in a row! I'm
WL: Veni – vidi – vici! Said by Ceasar once but it could
training hard but let’s see what winter will bring.
also have been you as you won all the races of the FIS
WL: Thank you very much for your time and all
Marathon Cup you took part in. What made you so
the best for the training period and the next sea-
strong:
son!
WORLDLOPPET
23
Photo
Photo © Agence
Agence ZO
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A N OT HER BEST DAY
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X-IUM W.C. SKATE
ALL WORLDLOPPET RACES
WHICH RACE TO GO TO?
THE SEASON OVERVIEW
VASALOPPET CHINA
When: 50 km CT 02.01.2015
Where:
Changchun / China
What: Gold Master races: Vasaloppet China, 50km CT
Silver Master races: Vasaloppet China 25km CT
Contact and registration: www.vasaloppetchina.com
WORLDLOPPET
25
RACE OVERVIEW
JIZERSKá PADESATKA
When: 50 km CT 11.01.2015
Where:
Bedrichov / Czech Republic
What: Jizerská 50 50km CT (11.01.)
Bedrichovska 30 30km FT (19.01.)
Jizerská 25, 25km CT (19.01.)
Mini J50 (race for kids, 09.01.)
Contact and registration: www.jiz50.cz
DOLOMITENLAUF
When: 60 km FT 19.01.2015
Where:
Lienz or Obertilliach / Austria
What: Dolomiten Classic Race 42km CT (18.1.)
Dolomiten Classic Race 20km CT (18.1.)
Dolomitenlauf 60km FT (19.1.)
Dolomitenlauf 25km FT (19.1.)
Romantiklauf 4km FT (14.1.)
Dolomitensprint (15.1.)
Contact and registration: www.dolomitensport.at
MARCIALONGA
When: 70km CT 25.01.2015
Where:
Moena (Val di Fassa) Cavalese (Val di Fiemme) / Italy
What: Marcialonga 70km CT (25.01.)
Marcialonga Light 45km CT (25.01.)
Lavazeloppet 22km CT (22.01.)
Minimarcialonga (race for kids 6-12yrs.) Marcialonga Young (race for youth) Contact and registration: www.marcialonga.it
26
WORLDLOPPET
KÖNIG LUDWIG LAUF
When: 50 km CT 01.02.2015
Where:
Oberammergau / Germany
What: König-Ludwig-Lauf 50km/23km FT (31.01.)
König-Ludwig-Lauf 50km/23km CT (01.02.)
MINI-KINI CHILDREN RACE 5km (31.01.)
19th World Championship of physicians and pharmacists Contact and registration: www.koenig-ludwig-lauf.com
SAPPORO SKI MARTHON
When: 50 km FT 01.02.2015
Where:
Sapporo / Japan
What: Sapporo International Ski Marathon 50km FT
Sapporo International Ski Marathon 25km FT
Contact and registration: www.shsf.jp/ski/index-e.html LA TRANSJURASIENNE
When: 76km / 57km FT 08.02.2015
Where:
Lamoura – Mouthe / France
What: La Transjurassienne 76km/57km/25km FT (08.02.)
La Transjurassienne 50km/25km CT (07.02.)
Contact and registration: www.transjurassienne.com WORLDLOPPET
27
RACE OVERVIEW
TARTU MARATON
When: 63km CT 15.02.2015
Where:
Otepää - Elva / Estonia What: Open Track 63km FT (08.02.)
Open Track 31km FT (08.02)
Tartu Maraton 63km CT (15.02.)
Tartu Maraton 31km CT (15.02.)
Contact and registration: www.tartumaraton.ee
GATINEAU LOPPET
When: 55km CT 15.02.2015
Where:
Gatineau (Québec) / Canada What: Gatineau Loppet 51km/27km CT (14.02.)
Gatineau Loppet 51km/27km FT (15.02.)
Gatineau Loppet 5km/16km CT (14.02.)
Gatineau Loppet 2km/10km FT (15.02.)
Contact and registration: www.gatineauloppet.com
AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER
When: 50km FT 21.02.2015
Where:
Cable - Hayward / USA What: American Birkebeiner 54km CT (21.02.)
American Birkebeiner 50km FT (21.02.)
Korteloppet 23km CT & FT (21.02.)
Contact and registration: www.birkie.com
28
WORLDLOPPET
FINLANDIA HIIHTO
When: 50km CT 21.02.2015
Where:
Lahti-Hollola-Lahti / Finland
What: Finlandia Hiihto 50km CT (21.02.)
Finlandia Hiihto 50km FT (22.02.)
Finlandia Hiihto 32km CT (21.02.)
Finlandia Hiihto 20km FT (22.02.)
Contact and registration: www.finlandiahiihto.fi
VASALOPPET
When: 90km CT 08.03.2015
Where:
Sälen – Mora / Sweden
What: Öppet spar 90km CT (01.&02.03.)
Vasaloppet 90km CT (08.03.)
KortVasan 30km CT (27.02)
TjejVasan (for women only) 30km CT (28.03.)
HalvVasan 45km CT (03.03.)
Contact and registration: www.vasaloppet.se
BIEG PIASTOW
When: 50km CT 28.02.2015
Where:
Sklarska Poreba / Poland
What: Bieg Piastow 50km CT 28.02.)
Bieg Piastow 26km CT (01.03.)
Bieg Piastow 30km FT (01.03)
Contact and registration: www.bieg-piastow.pl
WORLDLOPPET
29
RACE OVERVIEW
ENGADIN SKIMARATHON
When: 42km FT 08.03.2015
Where:
Maloja - Schanf / Switzerland What: Engadin Skimarathon 42 km FT (08.03.)
Engadin Halbmarathon 21 km FT (08.03.)
Frauenlauf 17 km FT (01.03.)
Contact and registration: www.engadin-skimarathon.ch
BIRKEBEINER RENNET
When: 54km CT 21.03.2015
Where:
Rena - Lillehammer / Norway What: FredagsBirken 54 km CT 20.03.)
Birkebeinerrennet 54CT (21.03.)
Contact and registration: www.birkebeiner.no DEMINO SKIMARATHON
When: 50km FT 14.03.2015
Where:
Rybinsk - Demino / Russia
What: Demino Ski Marathon 50 km FT (14.03.)
Demino Ski Marathon 25km CT (15.03.)
Contact and registration: www.marathon.demino.com 30
WORLDLOPPET
FOSSAVATN SKIMARATHON
When: 50km CT 04.04.2015
Where:
Isafjoerdur / Island
What:
Gold Master Races: Fossavatn Skimarathon 50km CT Silver Master Races: Fossavatn Skimarathon 25km CT
Contact and registration: www.fossavatn.com
MARCHABLANCA
When: 50km FT 16.08.2015
Where:
Ushuaia / Argentinia
What: Gold Master Races: Ushuaialoppet 50km CT
Silver Master Races: Marchablanca 21km CT Contact and registration: www.marchablanca.com MERINOMUSTER
When: 50km CT 15.08.2015
Where:
Snowfarm (Wanaka) / New Zealand
What: Gold Master Races: Merino Muster 42km FT
Silver Master Races: Snow Rake 21km FT
Contact and registration: www.merinomuster.com WORLDLOPPET
31
RACE OVERVIEW
Daniel Richardsson,
olympic gold medalist
KANGAROO HOPPET
When: 42km FT 22.08.2015
Where:
Falls Creek / Australia
What: Kangaroo Hoppet 42km FT (22.08.15)
Kangaroo Hoppet 21km FT (22.08.15)
Contact and registration: www.hoppet.com.au
32
WORLDLOPPET
visit us at
www.stoneham.se
„My Winterdream“
Your Winterholidays in Bavaria!
www.ammergauer-alpen.com
INTERVIEW >> TOM REICHELT
TOM REICHELT (GER)
FIS MARATHON CUP 2013/14
34
WORLDLOPPET
WORLDLOPPET: In December, you participated
in your first FIS Marathon Cup race, the La
Sgambeda (ITA). At that moment, you were still
a member of the German National Team. After
say that I always liked the long distances.
an unsatisfying Tour de Ski you concentrated on
WL: This change was a pretty good decision at
long distance skiing for the rest of the season.
the end as you won the overall FIS Marathon
How come?
Cup already in your first year with the long distances, or what would you say?
TOM REICHELT: I was already thinking for a
while about changing to the marathon distances
TR: I wouldn't have ever thought it to be like this.
and to try out my luck there. However, I was still
And I have to admit that I was also pretty lucky
enrolled with the German Armed Forces and
as some races in classic style had to be cancel-
therefore I had to start at World and Continental
led! But, in any way, I am the overall champion
Cups. Before the last season I told myself that
now and nobody can take this away from me
anymore! However, this victory has made me
rethink my life plan after the National Team.I will
now continue at least one more year with the
Snowproof Team and long distance skiing. But
besides skiing, I definitely have to look after getting a professional education.
When this is
done, I hope I can ski with a free mind in order
to celebrate some more victories this following
winter!
WL: Next winter, the FIS Nordic World Ski
Championships will take place in Falun, Sweden.
For you again a motivation to try to make the
German National Team again or will you stay
with the long distances now?
TR: Like last year, I do not have a cadre status
with the National Team. Luckily, I have the crew
of the Snowproof Team which supports me in a
either I get the qualification for the Olympic Team
professional way. I will prepare for long distance
until the beginning of January or I will end my ca-
skiing with the team. But if the chance comes
reer with some long distance ski races. My time
up to race a FIS or Continental Cup competition
with the army will end this year and I would then
and to qualify with a good result for a World Cup
have to take up a proper job. But in general I can
or even the World Champs, then I will surely take
WORLDLOPPET
35
INTERVIEW >> TOM REICHELT
up this challenge!
very first time.
WL: The concept of Worldloppet, to give out
WL: Your biggest fan is surely your son. On one
passes in which one can get each finished race
picture he was wearing your red bib of the leader
stamped as a record of the race and to become
of the overall FIS Marathon Cup – does he also
a Worldloppet Master once ten races have been
already have his pair of skis?
accomplished (one of them to be overseas),
what do you think about that? Is this a good mo-
TR: I have a lot of fans at home, in the area
tivation to get people to do cross country skiing
where I come from and they all watch my races
and get them inspirerd by it?
and follow my results closely. But surely my son
is my biggest fan. However, he has not yet his
TR: I definitely think that this pass is a great mo-
pair of skis, but this coming winter I will definitely
tivation. I can only advise everybody to take up
get him on these thin long planks for the first
this challenge over the years. I took part in La
time with his 2 years.
Transjurassienne and the American Birkebeiner
for the first time in my life this winter and I can
WL: Thank you very much for your time! All the
say that both races were an absolute highlight
best for the training and for the upcoming win-
and a wonderful experience for me. I think you
ter!
can basically say that for every Worldloppet
race, especially when you are racing it for the
36
WORLDLOPPET
FOUR NEW RACES TO GO
WORLDLOPPET ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
FOUR NEW RACES TO GO
INFORMATION AND “GOOD TO KNOW”
WORLDLOPPET
37
FOUR NEW RACES TO GO
VASALOPPET CHINA
HISTORY
First race: 15th March 2003, 50 km, 750 registered
Worldloppet membership: since 2014
Contact: http://www.vasaloppetchina.com/
„VASALOPPET CHINA“, the biggest XC Ski event in China, is organized in suburbs of Changchun, Jilin Province, in
north-east of China. The ski area is in Jingyuetan National Forest Park which has a total area of about 100 square
km. The park consists of large forest areas with water features and the topography is moderate to very hilly, but do
not worry, the XC ski track is suitable for all categories of skiers. In 2007 the park hosted a XC World Cup stage and
the many athletes agreed that the area has very good conditions for XC Skiing. Settings around the ski arena are
also tremendous with huge snow sculptures, which is a part of Changchun Winter Festival.
INTERESTING TO KNOW ABOUT¨
In 2002, PWT Orienteering Sports Organization in China for review was attracted by unique ecological and natural
environment of Changchun Jingyuetan National Key Scenic Spot. In their opinion, the environment here was the
best choice to hold cross-country skiing because it was similar with that of Northern Europe. Thereafter, the organization decided to hold Vasaloppet in Changchun Jingyuetan. In 2003, Chinese Ski Association, the Organization
Committee of Vasaloppet Sweden and Changchun City government cooperated to hold this competition for the
first time. From then on, the Vasaloppet with over 80-year history in Sweden came into China and settled in Changchun Jingyuetan.
FOSSAVATAN
SKIMARATHON
HISTORY:
First race: April 22, 1935. Seven skiers registered.
Worldloppet membership: since 2014
Contact: http://www.fossavatn.com
„FOSSAVATNSGANGAN“, Fossavatn Ski Marathon, was established in 1935. The initial race was 18 km long and
there were no problems with overcrowded tracks, as only seven skiers showed up for the occasion. The race was
held annually until 1940 but was then discontinued. It was revived in 1955 and has never been cancelled since. For
the first several decades the distance was always around 20 km and the start was close to the lake Fossavatn, from
which the race takes its name. Skiers of today would probably find this to be an odd place to start a ski race. It had
no facilities, only a huge rock and a flag pole. There were no shelters or washrooms, not even a road to take you
there. In fact, to get to the start you either had to endure an hour‘s mountain hike, or drive a rough mountain road
up to the half-way point of the race and ski 10 km “backwards” to the start.
In the late 1980s two shorter distances were introduced and in 2004 the 50 km distance was skied for the first time.
The start has been moved from the original site, but the big rock over there now marks the half-way point of the 50
km race.
HOW TO GET TO THE FOSSAVATN SKI MARATHON:
Reykjavik/Keflavik international airport can be reached from most major airports in Europe and numerous airports in
the US and Canada.
38
WORLDLOPPET
MARCHABLANCA
HISTORY
First race: 1986, 780 entries (Marchablanca) &
90 entries (Ushuaialoppet)
Worldloppet membership: since 2014
Contact: http://www.ushuaialoppet.com
"USHUAIA LOPPET" has a distance of 42 kilometers and was created by the Club Andino Ushuaia (CAU). It was intended as a complement to the Marchablanca, a sister race, the most important of its kind in South America since
1986 and organized, the race has two distances: 21kms (elite) and 7.5 kms (promo).
INTERESTING TO KNOW ABOUT¨
The most southern city of the World, is the capital city of Tierra del Fuego, Antartica and the Islands of the South
Atlantic, is located in the shores of the Beagle Channel surrounded by a mountain chain called Martial, in the Ushuaia
Bay. It´s also a touristic center, industrial nouth and portuary point. It is the only Argentine city that lies on the other
side of the Andes.
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Ushuaia is a city whit 35th years of experience accustomed to receive European tourism
Great variety of gastronomic services
With a population of approximately 70,000 inhabitants
An international class airport with excellent air connectivity
93% of all tourists that visit the city and check out the Antartic, depart from the port of Ushuaia
MERINO MUSTER
HISTORY:
First race: 1995
Worldloppet membership: since 2014
Contact: http://www.merinomuster.com
The first „MERINO MUSTER“ Cross Country Race was held in September 1995. From 1995 to 1997 the race distances were: 21 km for the Merino Muster, 10 km for the Snow Rake and 5 km for the Straggle Muster.
The Merino Muster has always aspired to be a truly international event with winners coming from Slovenia, Japan,
Finland, Russia, Norway, Australia, Great Britain and the USA. The international character of the Merino Muster has
been sustained as it takes place one week before the Kangaroo Hoppet that is a World Loppet event and Snow
farm is an international training ground. Initially the race was held a week after the Australian Kangaroo Hoppet to
attract skiers to stay and train in the southern hemisphere. Snow conditions the week prior to the Hoppet are usually,
dry winter snow, which makes for better racing and grooming conditions. The numbers in the event has between
100–200 each year. In 1998 the event was marketed to a supporters rugby players with rugby games were played
in the snow following the race. The promotion attracted 400 competitors, most of whom were rugby enthusiasts
and their goal was to get the other end regardless of technique.
HOW TO GET TO THE FOSSAVATN SKI MARATHON:
Fly in into Queenstown and hire a car or take a taxi
WORLDLOPPET
39
Photo: Andreas Panzenberger / www.panzenberger.com
SKIING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
SKIING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
STEPHANIE
”I’ve skied for MCE for 2 years, now because
every child should have the possibility to grow
up happy and I can help by skiing”, Stephanie Santer, winner of the FIS-Marathon-Cup 2011-2012
40
WORLDLOPPET
STEPHANIE SANTER: I was excited at once
about Missing Children Europe as it is always a
very good thing to help children when they are
in need. Unfortunately not many people know
about the hotline 116 000, that it exists, and
often people are sceptical about such organisations. It is pretty hard to convince people that
their money is in good hands and gets to the
right people. And this is why I wanted to help!
WORLDLOPPET: Stephanie, you raced for
the Italian National Team until 2011. The season
2011-2012 was your first season in long distance skiing in which you could win the overall
FIS Marathon Cup straight away. At the Engadin
Skimarathon 2013 you raced for Missing Children Europe. How did it come to this cooperation?
STEPHANIE SANTER: When I was leading the
overall FIS Marathon Cup at the Engadin Skimarathon in 2012, Sebastian Vos, the captain of the
MCE Team in Belgium, contacted me at the
WORLDLOPPET: You wanted to ski again for
press conference and talked about Missing Chil-
Missing Children Europe in 2013, but due to
dren Europe. He knew taht my mother comes
sickness, you weren’t able. However, are any fu-
from Belgium so that our conversation continued
ture projects planned?
SANTER
STEPHANIE SANTER: Yes, that’s true, I couldn’t
start in 2013, but I tried to collect donations from
my bed at home as much as possible. And also
in flaemish. The next day, I already stood at thye
for the future, I want to work as much as possi-
start line with an MCE armband. And so our co-
ble with Missing Children Europe in order to get
operation for the next two years started.
this volunteer-based organisation known to a
wider public. Even though it won’t be in the po-
WORLDLOPPET: What was it that you liked
sition of a professional athlete as I have stoped
most with Missing Children Europe so that you
my career after the winter. However as every
decided to support exactly this organisation?
amateur can race in the MCE-Team, I will continue doing this! :-)
WORLDLOPPET
41
WORLDLOPPET: What can people do who have
If one does not want to open an own account,
heard now about the project and who would like
one can also simply make a donation to the ge-
to support it?
neral MCE-Team.
STEPHANIE SANTER: That’s pretty easy:
The procedure is pretty easy:
Everyone who starts in the Engadin Skimarathon
can subscribe for the MCE-Team (on the follo-
1.
Click on the following link to make a do-
wing web page:
nation to a specific account (skier): www.sup-
www.supportmce.eu/ski_form.php) and collect
portmce.eu/skier.php?id_skieur=126 All other
donations. He / She will receive a MCE Arm- and
participants can be chosen from this link:
Leg bib which can be worn during the race in
http://www.supportmce.eu/ski_groupe.php
order to show the support. Additionally one can
motivate friends and family to donate to his / her
2.
name under a special link (which will be functio-
the skier“ or „Donate“ and follow the advises
nal a few days after registration) – no matter how
shown on the screen. It is really easy and only
small the anount might be, it will make a diffe-
needs a couple of minutes. Any donation is wel-
rence!
come and will help the children!
42
WORLDLOPPET
After that, one should click on „Sponsor
ARE YOU ALSO
“PRO SNOW”?
W
hat would the world be without
snow? Would we then do long distance roller skiing in winter, only remembering how it once was when we still used
real skis on this white stuff called snow?! Certainly a horrible thought, even though one might
like roller skiing – but the summer is their time,
not the winter!
However, climate change is a topic no skier
should neglect. Worldloppet skiers, eager to get
a new stamp in their passport, are travelling
many miles in cars and planes, always leaving a
large carbon footprint. Not that travelling to different races should be stoped – oh no!!! However, a second thought about the action taken
might not be wrong. Do I have to travel by car
or can I also use the train? Maybe I can go together with other people and already start my
unique Worldloppet experience at that point?
What can I do to minimize my carbon footprint
when I fly to a race overseas? And what action
can I take in my daily life to ensure that also the
next generations will be able to enjoy cross
country skiing on real snow?
PRO SNOW and Cool Planet
skiers from the US are both organisations which started with these
thoughts and who are now eager
to get other, fellow skiers involved. As climate change is not an
i issue of a specific country but is
concerning everybody, ideas brought up by
these two groups which featured at the American Birkebeiner last winter, can also be used by
anyone outside the US.
Why not getting people together to ski for „a
world with snow“ cause? Raising money for a
charity or a good cause might be another motivating factor when preparing for a long distance
ski race! Raising awareness is the first step – taking action the next!
Worldloppet would be happy to hear about your
thoughts and ideas regarding climate change
and the possibility of „loosing winter and snow
for good“ - please discuss this issue lively on the
Worldloppet Facebook page under the following
link: http://climaterealityproject.org/pro-snow
Another new feature of the Worldloppet Facebook page: The car sharing group! Why travel
alone if you can start your unique Worldloppet
experience already while travelling to the race?
In this group one can find fellow skiers who
might be travelling the same way and who might
still have a spot in the car.
WORLDLOPPET
43
©SALOMON SAS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PHOTOGRAPHER: MAGNUS ÖSTH. LOCATION:
ENGANDIN/ST.MORIZ. SKIER: RIKARD TYNELL.
DESIGNED
FOR FREEDOM
Alles, was wir machen, hat zum Ziel, mehr
Effizienz und Bewegungsfreiheit zu ermöglichen.
Das Ergebnis ist leichte, ergonomische Ausrüstung
von Kopf bis Fuß, damit Du dich voll und ganz auf
Deinen Sport konzentrieren kannst.
salomon.com
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