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March 1, 2008: 8:30pm MST -- Updates and Notes

1.) Team Leader Notes For Sunday, March 2 Freestyle Races
No big changes to report for Sunday.

Biggest emphasis is that skiers need to do a better job respecting each other on warm-up and cool-down -- giving racers (ALL racers) the total right-of-way. Lots of problems reported with open skiing, skiing backwards, etc.. Please, let's have USA do a better job than the other nations!

Otherwise all is the same as classic notes except (of course) for technique issues. USA tent will be in the same place (roughly at #14) on stadium map) with notes left if JD is gone for an extended period and you need him for a protest or other emergency.

2.) Start Lists For Monday afternoon, March 3 Freestyle Races Changed
Due to a technical error (not by the local O.C.!), there are some changes to the start times for the Monday afternoon, March 3 FS races. New start lists are available at the stadium on Sunday and Monday morning. We may or may not be able to get new lists posted on MWC2008.com in the next 24 hours or so. We'll try.

3.) Relay Availability for Top 8 USA Skiers Per Age Group Still Needed
If you are keen to do the relay and available on Wednesday, March 5 -- and are likely to or are already finishing in the top 8 USA skiers in your class, we need your name on lists that J.D. Downing has at all USA nightly meetings. If you aren't on that availability list it will be wicked hard for J.D. to know you want to do the relay.

It will really help if all skiers staying in town for the week that are finishing in or close to the top three USA skiers for your age group in any race (National Masters medals), actually attend the Monday afternoon USA awards at McCall H.S. (see Details FAQ for time and directions). That will very much help fill in any holes with both relay racers and alternates. If you can't attend, please send a messenger that can listen/speak on your behalf!!

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February 29, 2008: 2:30pm MST -- Updates and Notes

1.) Team Leader Notes For Saturday, March 1 Classic Races
There are few notes of significance to report that are not listed on the Team USA Details FAQ for tomorrow's races. A few adjustments....

a. To spectate, feed, or wax test on course you ideally need a credential or a race bib as previously mentioned. Spectators on skis will ideally be classic skiing ONLY (this cuts down on problems for both racers and controllers -- please help!). If you are out there and cause problems for racers (ANY racer, ANY race) expect to catch holy heck from the USA National Director. Always watch for racers and you can do what you need to do as long as you aren't free skiing on race times.

b. There is ski marking for every race so allow enough time to get into the start area and have your skis marked. Also there is a clearly defined USA pen for your race warm-up bags. You bring the bag. TIP: Put your name and bib number on a piece of duct tape and you won't mistake it for someone else's.

c. There is a ski and large equipment storage in the back of the waxing tent that is located to the east (right) of the race jury/office trailer. Basically go behind the Salomon bus and you'll see the tent. In the back you can safely check anything you want to protect while you are racing.

d. PLEASE DO NOT PLAN ON PARKING AT THE VENUE!!!! Use park and ride lots throughout town (note on the website and in your packets) and take the shuttles -- OR -- arrange with buddies a drop-off system each morning. You will create a huge headache for yourself if you try and park at the venue. All extra time for both Sat and Sun races to get to your race start. It is always more confusing the first couple days for racers and organizers alike. Be patient, be nice, be prepared.

e. For those that didn't pay attention to info on the website -- for Sat and Sun races, all women up to the F8 class are racing 2 x the 15kmB (blue) loop. Same goes for men in the 07-09 classes. All men up to the M6 class are racing 2 x the 15kmA (red) loop. All skiers older than those classes are racing 2 x the 5kmC (green) loop. The courses are obscenely well marked with color coded signs, fencing, and arrows. It is the absolute responsibility of all skiers to know their courses. No excuses excepted.

f. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR PACKET YET, for all upcoming events the packet pick-up at the Park will be in the Information tent which is opposite the permanent Park chalet as you get off the shuttles. Anticipate a brief line-up of mostly USA skiers since it is mostly USA skiers at this point that have not yet picked up packets. The pick-up will go fast so just be patient and allow extra time if you don't have your packet yet. Your packet has your race bib in it and that bib is the bib you use for ALL RACES. Do not lose it or your credential.

g. The first 150 extra banquet tickets will be sold starting Saturday in the Ice Arena and at the venue. More tickets will become available as more USA skiers check in and we find out who is and isn't coming to the banquet from that group. The venue is limited, so the organizers have no choice but to do this incremetally. Be patient!!!'

h. For men skiing 30km and the older skiers skiing 10km, you need to PAY ATTENTION when you see the 1km to go sign as the lap/finish split is very abrupt. You will lap to the right. You finish straight ahead. It's your fault if you screw up and there will be no one yelling in 2 dozen languages what you should do. Pay attention and it'll be fine.

i. The weather is a total guess for Saturday. Right now it is partly sunny and mild. Could be anything from a half foot of new snow to a little mixed rain/snow to nothing. Be prepared. Sunday and on looks more stable right now.

j. Saturday classic course will be set with 2 CL lanes with best line possible. There will be no tracks are sharp corners throughout.

k. A point of emphasis for course controllers will be appropriate classic technique in classic races. If you skate, expect to be DSQ -- and if you are, at the Worlds you are out for the rest of the competition! So this is no minor deal. Know your rules and follow them even if skiers around you aren't. Remember #s of cheaters and report them to the USA Director so J.D. can put other skiers on notice for future races.

l. The on-course feed station is roughly at 6.5km and 9km (2-way point). Another feed is in the stadium.

m. Any and all other questions should be addressed at the Team USA Meetings with schedule and location on the Details FAQ page linked above.

n. There is an AXCS tent to the right of where #14 appears on the stadium map. J.D. Downing will be at or near that tent a lot on all classic days and will leave a sign board where to find him on skate days. If you have any problems in your races, you must find J.D. in order to file a protest. J.D. will also try and help any USA skiers with last second questions as much as possible. The tent is a white pop-up 10 x 10 with AXCS banners on it.

o. Have fun, stay safe, go fast!

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February 26, 2008: 4:30pm PST -- Updates and Notes

1.) Start Lists Corrections Made, Some Wave Start Times Have Changed!!!
Brand new start lists have been posted on the Official Event Website. Corrections were made to some minor errors in several races. Significant adjustment was made to the race start order on other days (particularly March 6 and 7, but perhaps other days so check). NO changes were made to seeding, just race wave start times for various classes.

Please note that the corrected start lists were sent to AXCS in a hurry and the "lane" column (start rows as you and I view it) was NOT sorted before the pdf files were created. Be forewarned that seeding wasn't changed and if you look at the row column you are still in the same row as in the unofficial start lists posted. We'll try and get a sorted version posted if possible to avoid confusion.

These start lists have had several sets of eyes on them now and the corrections made now to wave start order each day should stand up. AXCS does not anticipate any further changes.

But these changes do show the importance of skiers either attending or sending a representative to the nightly Team USA meetings prior to your races --- OR --- at the very least keep checking xcskiworld.com the night prior to your races and also even the morning of your events. Any critical info to post will be posted if at all possible.

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February 26, 2008: 12:30pm PST -- Updates and Notes

1.) A Few Small Updates To USA Detail FAQ
A note about a wax clinic sponsored by Holmenkol added to USA meeting schedule. Also a few more items were added to the trail passes notes. Most notably -- as far as AXCS knows right now -- trail access on the three official training days (28th, 29th, 4th) for friends/family will be the same requirement as of official racers. That is, you'll need to borrow a credential or bib to officially get trail access. Volunteer limitations may reduce how much checking is actually happening on the training days. But what AXCS is saying is that you should plan to have a credential or bib on your body if skiing at Ponderosa on those three training days.

As is clear in the Detail FAQ, there is absolutely no training or free skiing by any person on the race courses on race days. You will only be allowed (with either a credential or bib) to ski VERY CAREFULLY to safe points to spectate or provide race feeds. Those getting in the way of racers (any speed of racer) will have the credential or bib on you confiscated. This ban on skiing on race days also applies to warm-up and cool-down. Separate tracks are provided. Read the FAQ notes carefully folks!!!

2.) Extra Banquet Tickets -- Be Patient!!!
USA National Director J.D. Downing has gotten some notes from the McCall O.C. about skiers being testy about getting extra banquet tickets for friends/family. The info on the USA Details FAQ and the info on MWC2008.com makes it clear that extra banquet tickets will be available for sale ($25 each), but the O.C. simply doesn't yet know how many seats will be available. This is only possible once all the National Directors get into town and we do a head count of who is attending the banquet -- and who isn't. The Ice Centre has limited capacity so if every racer showed up we'd already be near capacity (the perils of a successful event)!

That said, we've put in the FAQ that it is almost certain that any skiers needing extra tickets will be able to get them. Probably one third of the USA contingent will not attend the banquet due to travel plans so that is going to open up a ton of tickets.

J.D. will be asking skiers to mark a sheet at the first couple Team USA meetings if they will be for sure NOT attending the banquet. The more these folks can help confirm they are NOT attending the banquet, the easier it'll be on those needing extra tickets.

Please folks, back off the Organizing Committee as they will allow sales of extra tickets whenever they have certain space available.

3.) All About Radios
If any USA groups have good radios that you can bring to McCall, please do so.

The more radios we have with USA folks out on the courses, the easier it'll be to relay waxing notes with less skiing. More radios also help in reporting any problems with skiers out on the course. And more radios also can help in finding USA National Director J.D. Downing if there is a serious problem requiring a formal protest after class finish.

Please check with Park staff and race officials to try and stay off channels that are being used by the race and/or emergency personnel.

3.) Please, No More Requests For Changes!
There is truly and absolutely nothing -- NO thing -- that can now be done to change any race, any technique, for any skier. The last deadline was really February 16 and this was widely and loudly announced by AXCS to the point of paranoia.

Please folks, do not ask. There's nothing J.D. Downing can do. There's nothing the local O.C. can do. There's nothing even the World Masters Association can do. What's done is done.

Now let's go ski!

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February 24, 2008: 2:00pm PST -- Updates and Notes

1.) MWC2008.com Loads Of Info To Check Out
If you have not been over to the official website, MWC2008.com has loads of newer information posted that will prove enormously useful.

Stuff added in the past 10 days includes: shuttle bus map routes, complete event schedule including several special events, of course the start lists previously mentioned here, and new waxing/weather links. Please take the time to view this information.

2.) More On Seeding
USA National Director J.D. Downing has collected some more info on seeding that will NOT change anything in the start order, but at least provides some more background for those interested. This has been added to the USA Event Details FAQ linked above.

2.) The Importance Of USA Skiers Sharing This Info
We know that hundreds of Team USA skiers are seeing this info and that is really going to help make for a smooth and fun event. But we also know that hundreds of USA skiers are also not taking the time to see this material -- or are blowing through it so fast that they aren't reading carefully.

If you know of any USA skiers headed to the Worlds that are in the dark, PLEASE take it upon yourself on a local and regional level to get folks up to speed. The host nation is always the least informed national delegation at the Worlds precisely because information delivery is so difficult to a big and widespread group of people. But if all USA skiers help J.D. get critical info out, we will all be far better off with less hassles, less confusion, and more happy-happy skiing!!! Thanks in advance one and all on this.

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1.) Unofficial MWC2008 Start Lists Updated
A few subtle corrections were made to skiers placed in the wrong age groups. Some slight shuffling may have taken place to a very few waves.

Please note that these starts continue to be unofficial pending final inspection by the WMA Presidency of the venue on Monday, 25 February. But AXCS does not anticipate any major changes.

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February 21, 2008: 1:30pm PST -- Updates and Notes

1.) Notes About Looking At MWC2008 Start Lists
The WMA tech guys churned these out in record time. You can now see your seeded start position and start times for waves on all race days (except relay).

Where it says "Lane" on the start lists actually means row to USA skiers. I don't know why the Euros reverse this, but it is what it is. Also note that PoR is your location on the row. #1 seed is in the middle and then #2 and #3 on either side...and so on. There are 20 spots per row. There's a lot of elbow room when you hit the mix zone after about 50m or so.

Also please note (as I know a few USA guys in the big M5-M7 groups may wonder) that there is absolute nothing (zero, nada, zip) the AXCS office or the local McCall O.C. can do if you are seeded in (at worst) row 4 or 5 on the biggest category starts. The seed for all skiers without recent MWC results is the same (300s). You were thrown in a computer and given a random seed order for all the races. Total luck of the draw in those big groups if you are in row 2 or row 4-5. Remember that you cannot move to empty spots, you will be disqualified. But also remember at worst it is a max of 4 guys in front of you until the mix zone. I've seen good skiers pass far more than that many rows in major marathons in the first couple hundred meters. If you belong in the top groups -- you'll get there. Trust your abilities. It'll be OK.

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February 20, 2008: Afternoon -- Updates and Notes

1.) Many (More) Additions To Details Page
More info on waxing, trail passes, banquet tickets for friends/family, and other items added to Team USA Event Details FAQ.

2.) Nominations For USA Flag Bearer Sought
AXCS would like to ask regional groups in various areas of the country to nominate skiers from the USA registration list to be the USA flag bearer in the Opening Ceremony. We have already received one nomination from Far West. Ideally these nominations will come from regional groups (or at least big clubs). Please do not make an individual nomination, communicate regionally first.

The ideal candidate will obviously be in McCall the afternoon of the Opening Ceremony (Friday, February 29), will be willing to be the flag bearer, and will have some type of background that makes them a master notable to be the flag bearer for this very special MWC2008. Please note (as others have asked already) that AXCS Executive Director Richard Hunt is uncertain as to his ability to attend the MWC2008 and thus is not a candidate at this time. Please submit nominations no later than Sunday, February 24 so the AXCS Board can make a selection from a list of nominees.

3.) Best Value For Multi-Day Trail Pass Announced
SKIERS ARRIVING TO MCCALL EARLY PAY ATTENTION!!!
All the local ski areas (commercial and non-profit) have banded together to offer an incredibly affordable package for MWC skiers and your friends/family. The PRiMo pass costs just $49 (+ tax) per person and allows unlimited skiing at all area trail systems through the end of the season.

This is a particularly fantastic deal for MWC skiers arriving early (or those staying late). If you are going to ski 5 or more days during the normal event week it is also great buy. See notes on the USA Event Details FAQ for the very limited access you will have to Ponderosa State Park due to the huge turnout (no skiing or training on race days). Your entry fee only covers the three official training days at Ponderosa, otherwise you are on your own for the very affordable trail fees at the many other local trail systems.

To get a PRIMO Pass earlier than the first packet pick-up, plan to drop by HomeTown Sports in downtown McCall or call Ed Roper at 208.634.9417.

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February 18, 2008: Afternoon -- Updates and Notes

1.) Many Additions To Details Page
A ton of new stuff added to the Team USA Details Page today. Loads about sportsmanship, some more race specific items, and a very important note about only racing the races you are assigned -- or else. Keep checking back in the coming week as a few good additions were suggested today that AXCS is currently chasing down.

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February 16, 2008: 10pm PST -- Updates and Notes

1.) Team USA Event Details Page Launched
After considerable delay, a very large amount of specific event information has been posted on a new page we are calling the Team USA Event Details FAQ. This new page will serve as a basic FAQ storage location so AXCS can focus on short day-to-day event updates on the page you are currently viewing.

Until February 27, AXCS will load up the Event Details FAQ with everything possible to help USA skiers have the most enjoyable, painless, and successful MWC event possible. During the event week, you can refer back to the Details FAQ with basic questions and for schedules of Team USA activities.

Now posted are a ton of answers to common questions AXCS has been fielding for the past six months. Also the Team USA Information Meeting schedule and a special announcement on a Free Training Presentation scheduled for Tuesday, March 4.

2.) Injury Appeal Process Has Closed
As of this evening, the injury appeal time window has officially ended for partial refunds. Skiers can no longer request partial refunds for any reason including severe illness or injury. Please do not ask as you'll only bum out USA National Director J.D. Downing as he is literally powerless to help you at this point.

However, if you know you are unable to compete in McCall and will not be attending (for any reason), it is worth letting the AXCS Office know (axcs at xcskiworld.com) so that we can put a note on your packet that you will not be attending. We cannot remove your name from the start list any longer.

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February 12, 2008: 4pm PST -- Updates and Notes

1.) Complete Final Registration List By Nations Posted
The World Masters Association guys have done us a massive favor and posted a comprehensive list of all entries sorted by nation at this link.

USA National Director J.D. Downing has not double checked all the very last second changes and additions that were requested, but in a quick check it appears we got pretty much everyone in OK.

Remember that what you see is what you get. We cannot make changes or add skiers under any circumstances from this point forward.

2.) Packet Pick-Up Information
AXCS and the McCall O.C. realize that a good number of USA skiers will arrive to McCall after the official packet pick-up times on February 28 and 29. Mostly to accommodate these USA skiers, the O.C. has arranged special late packet pick-up times/dates.

Official Packet Pick-up and Race Office Support (Manchester Ice Center, downtown McCall)
2/28 8am - 6pm
2/29 8am - 3pm (after 3pm, no pick up until the next morning at Ponderosa State Park)

Late packet pick-up (in the visitors' center at Ponderosa State Park)
Saturday, 3/1 thru Friday, 3/7, each day 8am - 5pm.

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February 12, 2008: Really early morning -- Updates and Notes

1.) Final USA Registration Corrections Are Completed
As of this evening (approximately 5pm PST, Monday - Feb 11) the absolute final changes to USA race registration have been submitted to Europe. For anyone that waited, there is now no chance of getting any changes made to existing race registrations unless there was a massive error by the USA National Director. There is absolutely no chance at any more skiers in any situation.

Please do NOT email or call the AXCS office with requests for changes or additions from this point forward. USA National Director J.D. Downing has made every possible accommodation to extend things to the absolute last second. Guilt trips, bribes, harsh emails, threats of burning at a stake, etc. towards J.D. at this point will not change international rules that were clearly set down in the registration materials published a half year ago and made public for months on end. In addition, every USA skier had ample warnings not to wait until the last minute for changes or additions. Nothing can be done at this point in time. Thank you in advance for your understanding folks.

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February 7, 2008: 8:30am PST -- Updates and Notes

1.) Friendly Travel Reminders
Official AXCS travel agent Diana Lynn-Rau (The Travel Society) has offered the following last tips for those traveling to the MWC2008...

Greetings!
It's that time again when one starts preparing for the annual trek to the World Masters. Also, it is that time to share some last minute things.

First, if you would like to purchase travel insurance for this trip, now is the time to do it. There are two types of insurance available:

1. Cancellation Insurance includes everything that Trip Interruption Insurance covers plus the cost of the airplane ticket if you had to unexpectedly cancel the whole thing at the last minute for a covered reason.

2. Trip Interruption Insurance includes coverage while on the trip, help with costs of unexpectedly having to return home early, and reimbursement for any nonrefundable fees that were paid in advance and which you cannot use since you had to cut your trip short for a covered reason. Contact me ASAP if you have questions or would like to purchase either policy.

Second, if you need a rental car or hotel room that you did not think you would need while on this trip, call me NOW to make those reservations.

Third, we will be sending out updated itineraries. When you receive yours, please check it over carefully to confirm your schedule. It would not be fun to miss out.

Fourth, you may have heard this week that United Airlines announced new baggage regulations; luckily, they do not go into effect until May 2008. You may still take 1 ski bag and 1 boot bag in lieu of 1 checked bag.

Hope you have a fun and safe time in Idaho!!

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February 6, 2008: Really Late At Night -- Updates and Notes

1.) New Registration Is Now Closed
Please help spread the word that no more registrations -- including USA skiers -- are now being accepted.

For anyone that missed the deadline, AXCS is sorry you'll miss out, but there is nothing the association can do at this point. It will take every minute of remaining time available to get bibs printed (all age groups have specific number sequences, it's very complex), start sheets and start positions developed, and all timing programs loaded. Remember that this is a World Championship event and given the complexity of so many official age groups, it is simply not possible (nor fair) to jeopardize the integrity of the event with adding late entries.

Please remember there is always 2009 (Autrans, France) and 2010 (Falun, Sweden) to look forward to. Complete info as always on xcskiworld.com and via AXCS membership media.

2.) Do you know any race start times yet?
As of right now, no. And not for at least a couple weeks probably.

The WMA technical volunteers in Europe have to have all the registrations in before they can crunch the data and create start lists for each race day. Since registrations still were coming in this week, it will take at least another 1-2 weeks before those folks will have a firm listing of race start times assigned to every category. AXCS also cannot say for certain whether men or women will start first on a given day. Typically for the first two individual races and the relays, age groups go youngest to eldest. But sometimes for the long races WMA will flip the start seeding. It varies.

What the author (USA National Director, J.D. Downing) can tell you is that most MWC individual first group starts are at 9am or 9:30am. Relays often start at 10am. Typically no skiers are still on course for the longer races after about 3pm. The Monday, March 3 day ends up pretty long because there are two separate races on that day 10/5CL and 10/5FS. So skaters that day may be into the late afternoon.

AXCS will attempt to get an advance copy of the start times for each race day and post it on the USA racer information pages as soon as possible. Please be patient and please also do not ask the local McCall Organizing Committee folks as they also do not have any control over the decision process.

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January 23, 2008 Updates and Notes

1.) Great Snow In McCall
McCall has an excellent snow (over 52 inches base at Ponderosa State Park) with fantastic conditions reported daily. Nuf said.

AXCS has gotten many inqueries from Western U.S. skiers about grooming of the Worlds courses in the weeks leading up to the Worlds. All the courses use normal trails at Ponderosa State Park with the exception of a few special cut-offs and short added segments. If you visit the Park prior to the Worlds, you should be able to piece the race courses together very easily even if things are not groomed just the way they will be come early March. In the final week or so prior to the first official training day (Thursday, February 28), all courses will be marked with large, color-coded intersection signs.

2.) Late Packet/Bib Pick-up
Yes, to all that are arriving after the first races begin, there will be opportunities for skiers to claim packets/bibs throughout the MWC2008 event week. AXCS is confirming the exact plan with the Organizing Committee and will post this information on these pages of xcskiworld.com in coming weeks. Stay tuned.

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