Cross Country Director Update - September 2024

Dear XC Skiing Community,

Soon after the August community update the cross-country season really went downhill*. Ongoing plus temperatures and rain saw the Australian Junior Championships join the ranks of cancelled events. Amazingly, the National Interschools XC races were successfully held up at Blue Cow, due to the efforts of the Snow Australia Interschools Team, the Perisher Resort, and the NSWACT community. Congratulations to all who took part and many thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.

Considering the experiences of 2023 and 2024, the XC National Discipline Committee plans to review the structure of the Australian racing calendar this spring. Some compromises may be necessary to accommodate an already full winter racing schedule into a shrinking season. Input into the calendar composition can be provided via any of the committee members, including the athlete representatives Phoebe Cridland and Adam Barnett.

On the topic of discipline committees, the Board of Snow Australia has recently undertaken a review of NDC roles, composition and governance. The outcomes of this review are available via the links in the article below. Snow Australia is also now calling for expressions of interest to join the NDCs across all disciplines. Interested persons should submit their applications by 1 October.

This update includes a provisional selection of athletes to the National Team for 2024/2025. The XC Selection Committee didn't have an easy task, unaided by the AUS Juniors cancellation and an effectively dysfunctional FIS point system, and had to apply discretion in some cases. The official teams will be confirmed towards the end of October, following reviews of individual performance plans and additional consideration by the committee.

The focus of the National Team now turns to preparation and planning for the northern hemisphere winter. It will be a big season, with athletes aiming to compete in World Cups from November to March as well as the World Championship in Trondheim (NOR), the World Junior/U23 Championship in Schlpario (ITA), and the World University Games in Pragelato (ITA). With the majority of athlete expenses for these events being met by the athletes and their families, any support is greatly appreciated. Tax-deductable donations can be made via the XC Towards 2026 project.

For now, all the best wishes to everyone for great spring adventures, including all the athletes, parents and coaches taking part in the NSWACT XC Charlotte Pass camp this week!

Cheers,

Finn Marsland
Snow Australia Cross Country Director
*sorry

Read Full Update

In this edition:

• Provisional National Team Selection
• National Team Spring Camp
• Discipline Committee Review and Call for Expression of Interest
• Mother and daughter share voulnteering bond
• Competing Overseas