NORDIC RACING FOR NOVICES

Perhaps you ski better than most or want to really test your abilities or perhaps racing sounds like fun, but whatever the motivation you want to race.

In the next few pages, I will review Nordic racing covering topics including training, types of races, racing goals, technique, hydration, and many other factors from the perspective of an active racer.  As a result, I know the feelings involved in entering your first time racer.  I know the anxiety you will go through at the starting line waiting for what seems to be an interminable length of time for the start wondering, "What am I doing here?".  I also know the thrill of passing skiers for 10 kilometers and never being passed and of crossing the finish line before most of the skiers. 

There are four basic types of Nordic races.  They are freestyle (everyone skates in these races), classic, skiathlon (a combined skating/classic race) and biathlon (a race involving target shooting--rarely done in citizen's races).

With the exception of the biathlon, the principles involved do not vary between the different types of racing.  There are some differences in that waxing is considerably more crucial and variable in classic skiing than in skate skiing.  However, in racing skate skiing waxing is important also.

The Biathlon

There are three basic race levels--local, regional, and world class.

Local races are held a just about every Nordic ski area.  Often only a few dozen athletes compete in these races.  Depending on the skill of the racers a good novice can place in these races.  However, occasionally, ex-Olympic skiers or highly ranked skiers may participate resulting in a poor placing despite a strong performance.  This happened to me where I had the lowest minutes per kilometer for a race (under 3 minutes per kilometer) on a hilly course and was soundly thrashed.  However, I was encouraged by my time as that is what counted to me. 

Regional races attract athletes from several states.  As a result these races tend to attract more skiers (typically between 100 to 1,000) with more elites present.  In the larger races representatives of various wax manufacturers are present testing and recommending waxes for the race day.  Often wax clinics are offered.  Examples include the Boulder Mountain Tour, the Snow Mountain Stampede and others.

 In regional races finishing last is unlikely due to the number of skiers.  This maybe an advantage for those who have never raced and are worried about being the last skier across the finish line.

World class races are truly large events attracting participants from across the world.  Best know are the Vasa Loppett and the Birkebeiner Rennet.   The Vasa Loppet attracts over 14,000 participants.

For a list of US races click here. 

Probably the best advice for a new racer is to select a race close to home. 

This article is continued on the next page (click here).