Cross Country Community Update - September
Published Fri 03 Sep 2021
September 2021
Dear Cross Country friends,
There is plenty of snow still left in the mountains but unfortunately most of us are not in the position to be able to enjoy it. I’m still holding out for the prospect of taking my kids down to Perisher at the end of September if travel restrictions ease up, though chances are not looking great.
I’m disappointed to inform that all remaining national events this winter have been cancelled, though local club activities could potentially still take place at short notice for those living near the mountains. Looking back to July, when early season club races took place at Falls Creek and Perisher, our hopes of a more “normal” racing season than 2020 were quite high. As it turned out, we were lucky in the end to be able to squeeze in one weekend of FIS races for a limited field of elite athletes. Amazingly all the events of NSW XC Week were able to take place, with undiminished enthusiasm despite lower participant numbers. For those of us in the major cities, a Virtual Hoppet on foot or wheels (for some in the water) was at least a way to stay connected with the skiing community.
Between now and the next Australian winter a number of opportunities for different parts of the athlete pathways will become available. Though international travel will still be restricted for most, Snow Australia is optimistic about the prospect of sending elite athletes to the Winter Olympics and other major events in Europe. In Australia, national and state coaches are already working together on plans for camps and other development activities for sub-elite athletes. We also hope to expand on the rollerski event series offered in the first half of 2021. Further information on some of these opportunities are included in this Community Update.
I’ll leave you now with this picture below from the start of August that helps to remind me why I love this sport.
Best regards,
Finn Marsland
Cross Country Skiing Program Director
In this update:
- Virtual Kangaroo Hoppet a Great Success
- Australian Junior Programs EOI
- International Events EOI
- National Events Cancelled
- NSW XC Legends Presented with Snow Australia Medal
- Community Sport Awards 2021 - Nominations Open
