Daily USA Updates Page

(daily updates from Monday, January 26 to Friday, February 6)

Link back to pre-trip Team USA Info Page with various links and older updates.

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Thursday, February 5 -- 3:28pm Italy updates

Awards ceremony for Wednesday freestyle races AND today's Thursday classic races will start this evening at 5pm in the Hospitality Village big white tent. The banquet and "shows" will then start roughly by 6:30pm-ish, everything set up to conclude by 9:00pm-ish.

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3:37pm -- I added some more short details for Venice Airport buses (scroll down). This in addition to earlier added essential details to both the Lumi and Venice bus groups.

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-> Participation Certificates: I will have the remaining certificates with me (or near me) at the banquet tonight. This is your last chance to get your certificate.

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1:30pm non-departure-related note for Bladen Hotel people.......the Bladen Hotel staff may or may not have gotten the memo about the MWC banquet tonight. Please inform the front desk or restaurant this afternoon if you are planning on going to the Banquet so they don't prepare too much food (or too little).

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Lumi Olympic People Buses: This is your Friday morning plan.

-> The first thing to mention is that it’s essential that the 7 Hotel Cavallino people doing Lumi Olympic add-ons read, understand, and complete your ski bag migration from the USA wax room to Hotel Bach latest by Thursday afternoon. Getting your ski bags into position on Thursday is essential. Scroll down on this evening’s posts to see those extensive directions of you have not already.

-> Lumi Experiences has already sent all of you the Friday itinerary, so you all have the info you need on special Friday gear you need to have separate of your big bags. You also know that the Lumi Olympic group will be divided amongst three buses on Friday.

-> The #1 big bus and #2 big bus will divide Lumi Olympic weekend skiers as follows……

#1 Lumi big bus

==> load Michaela (except Kevin S) - Sport - EIRL skiers (6 of us) from 7:45-8:15am @ Michaela/Sport shared parking lot. Note to Seth and Erika — please aim to be at Michaela/Sport just before 8am.

==> proceed 8:15-20am to Posta - Oberthaler - Venezia loading spot that will be on the opposite side of the main road from Hotel Posta. This load spot can use either of two business parking areas slightly “uphill” or “downhill” of opposite Hotel Posta — best location pending parked cars and fresh snow piles. 21 skiers at those hotels will load up.

==> once loaded, #1 bus will proceed to a quick load at le Coccole to load 5 more skiers (Bladel 2, Graham 2, Judy R). That load will either be right in front (if cars aren’t in the way) or at the gas station. These skiers should be outside with gear ready latest by 8:25am. You might wait awhile. Deal with it. ;-)

32 people + gear then proceed to Lumi Olympic Weekend awesomeness!

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#2 Lumi big bus

==> At 8:20am -- after the bus driver does a mandatory rest stop up at the stadium area with the other buses, this bus will proceed to the Hotel Bach load stop on the opposite side of the main road from Hotel Bach. Fresh snow will make bus parking interesting, so the bus may need to stop slightly downhill from Hotel Bach in the public parking bay. This will again be a game day decision. Skiers from Hotel Cavallino will have your skis at Hotel Bach, so you just need to bring remaining bags to the load spot. Skiers from Hotel Bladen will need to bring all your gear downhill to the load spot. Again, you are aiming to be ready-to-load on the edge of the street at 8:20am.

==> There are 29 skiers amongst all three hotels to load at 8:20am or soon thereafter -- but this is the only load spot for Bus #2 so it should not be a super rushed process even if the bus driver has to be creative finding a loading location.

==> Everyone designated for this Big Bus #2 can help the driver find a good loading spot if some of you get your bags to a logical location and attract other USA skiers. Think of this as an organic way to force the driver's hand :-).

29 people + gear then proceed to Lumi Olympic Weekend awesomeness!

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Lumi #3 “small bus”

==> 7:45-8:15am load Kevin S. + gear at the bus driver resting location of Hotel Sport /Michaela.

==> proceed 8:15-20am to the Posta - Oberthaler - Venezia loading spot (described above for #1 Lumi big bus) that will be on the opposite side of the main road from Hotel Posta. Five more Lumi Cavalese group skiers will load (Connie, Tracy, John, Anna, and Cameron)

6 people + gear then proceed to Lumi Olympic Cavalese trip awesomeness!

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Friday Venice Airport (VCE) Departure People: This is your Friday morning plan

USA Departure Bus Chart for Venice Airport buses found here

-> UPDATED: As of 3:30pm on Thursday, I have confirmed word from the Sappada OC that the USA loading times (5:30-6am & 9:30-10am) are correct & the Friday loading locations will be the same as departure drop-offs (& described below).

Also -- although this could easily be a miscommunication, I'm 85% sure this afternoon that the order of loading stops will go from east-to-west. So Michaela/Sport first (east) and le Coccole last (west).

I also have been given an emergency number to call if any of the Venice Airport buses are just not showing up: +39 335 8489442 -- note that it would be best to use WhatsApp if you need to call this emergency #.

The best way to make sure all of you get on the buses without drama is for everyone at all bus locations for Venice Airport (both 6am bus and 10am buses) will want to be at one of the 4 designated Venice Airport stops and ready-to-load starting 5:25am or 9:25am (depending on your bus departure time). You may wait for a half hour to load, or it may be a matter of seconds.

The remainder of our plan is accurate…..

6am Venice Airport Bus People

For the 6am shuttle, a bus is going to appear in the 5:30-6am range and make four quick stops at the following places: Haus Michaela Hotel parking lot — outside Hotel Bach on edge of the main street (Bach & Bladen people) — outside Hotel Posta Posta/Oberthaler/Venezia on edge of main street — and in front of Le Coccole.

Since it'll be early in the morning and given a likely smaller bus, it should be pretty easy for the bus to briefly park at all stops to load. The biggest group to load is the 8 people from Posta/Oberthaler/Venezia.

What I do NOT know yet is whether the bus will be coming from the Forni Avoltri side (meaning my order above is correct for loading) — OR — if the bus will be coming from the western side of town (meaning you should anticipate a flip of the order above (i.e. Le Coccole first, Michaela last). Hopefully I can give you all a known order of pick-up locations so that you can have your stuff outside and you are waiting to load just before the bus pulls up.

IMPORTANT: Everyone slated for the 6am bus needs to realize you are entirely on your own for this pick-up. Most of you picked this bus to make Friday flights or other travel deadlines. So you will all need to be outside and waiting with gear ready-to-load on time -- and move fast. I’m going to try and get an emergency phone # (using What’sApp) you can call if the bus is significantly delayed for any reason.

10am Venice Airport Bus People

With 52 people, it is certain that you folks will be split between two buses or a luggage truck has to also be sent. Probably one bus will go to a couple of the stops and a second bus picks up at other stops. As long as both buses go to the Venice Airport — it’s all good.

These are the four (4) stops that I am anticipating will be used for the 10am departure (loading window anticipated to be 9:30-10am, but that’s the piece I’m still waiting to confirm).

-> Haus Michaela Hotel & Hotel Sport shared parking lot

-> In front of Hotel Bach (or opposite side of Main Street). Folks at Bladen and Cavallino need to bring your bags to Hotel Bach to load the buses. It's the only option, sorry.

-> In front of Hotel Posta (or opposite side of Main Street). Folks at Oberthaler and Venezia need to bring bags to in front of Posta.

-> In front of Le Coccole (Brad Cruz, you are solo so you absolutely need to be ready to load at 9:30am lest the driver blow past your “stop”).

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NOTE: As with the 6am bus, we do not know if the 10am buses will pick up from the west or east directions. Hopefully we’ll get more clarity by tomorrow night.

I’m less worried about pick-up delays causing problems for the 10am folks, but I will still try and get you all an emergency # to call if needed.

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Earlier Wednesday posts.....

-> REMINDER: It is critical that everyone needing Venice Airport shuttle buses on Friday morning double-check that I have your names down and in right time slot (choice of 6am or 10am) for Friday morning. I hope to get verification this afternoon/evening from the Sappada OC that the loading times are correct & the Friday loading locations will be the same as departure drop-offs.

USA Departure Bus Chart found here.

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-> Participation Certificates Available In USA Wax Room

There is a stack of MWC2026 participation certificates in the USA wax room (basement garage of big stadium building). If you want your certificate (racer name is printed on it), you need to pick it up latest by tomorrow afternoon. Unclaimed certificates will NOT be taken back to the USA!

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-> REMINDER: Turn in your race timing transponder today or tomorrow!!!!

Whenever you are done with your final race (today or tomorrow), remember to turn in the timing transponder. If you raced today or race tomorrow, volunteers will (or did) strip it off you as you leave the finish line. But some folks are skipping their last race, so be sure to get that transponder to either the Race Office (big race building) or give to finish line volunteers on Thursday. There is a fine if you leave town without turning it in. AXCS will probably have to cover it. Then I have to hunt you down (not fun for either of us!).

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-> UPDATE/REMINDER: Payments for arrival/departure Sappada OC airport buses

If you have not already, you still can (and should) try to make the trip to the top floor of the big race building to pay for your Sappada OC airport bus trip(s).

That said, I realize the process has often been tediously insane. So if anyone just cannot deal with the wait to pay, AXCS can temporarily "cover" your delinquent bill next week. But the fair warning (if this happens) is that AXCS will likely have to charge you a few extra bucks as there will be very real time/effort/processing fee costs the association cannot be expected to cover on your behalf.

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Thursday Hotel Cavallino Ski Bag Migration

We cannot let Hotel Cavallino people leave anything in the USA wax room beyond 3:30pm Thursday.

Hotel Cavallino people also need to get your ski bags ready-to-travel regardless of your Friday destination and morning bus or other transportation plan.

And we know you cannot bring any ski gear or bags/tubes into Hotel Cavallino.

So….

I have arranged with Hotel Bach for everyone staying at Hotel Cavallino to move your ski bags from the USA wax room to the entrance lobby of Hotel Bach in the late afternoon tomorrow (Thursday).

I know 1-2 of you have rental cars. So if you can use your rental car(s) as a ski bag storage location for Thursday night, that is ideal as it’ll reduce the # of bags staying overnight in the Hotel Bach entrance lobby.

Every Hotel Cavallino skier not racing on Thursday should plan to go over to the USA wax room during the Thursday morning/mid-day and get your ski gear “fully ready to travel”. Once again, I will repeat that this is independent of your Friday destination.

For folks racing on Thursday, you have no choice but to figure out a way to get your ski bag packed up after you finish racing. The good news is that I’m not seeing any Cavallino folks starting later than 9:50am on Thursday. So most or all of you should have several hours to finish the race, get dry, and pack the ski bag to move over to Hotel Bach (or rental car “storage”) by 3:30pm.

For those Hotel Cavallino skiers that can manage it, it’ll be wonderful if you can transport your own ski bag/tube over to Hotel Bach via the race shuttles or rental cars.

Hotel Bach Manager Francesca approved this plan yesterday so hopefully there will be no static from Hotel Bach staff when we start piling up ski bags (flat on the side of the entrance lobby floor, no leaning on walls!!!) Thursday PM. Please do your absolute best to be as tidy as possible, maybe buy something in the bar, and please double-check with the front desk before you drop off your bag.

As a back-up option, my sincere hope is that snowfall will slow down and road conditions will improve so that I (and hopefully 1-2 helpers) can drive a loaner van to/from loaded with ready-to-travel USA ski bags from the USA wax room over to Hotel Bach starting around 2:30pm on Thursday. Email me latest by 2pm if you need this option AND driving conditions look reasonable.

Final note #1): It is critical that the 12 Cavallino skiers slated to ride the 10am Venice Airport Bus stack your ski gear in a separate part of the Hotel Bach entrance lobby than the 7 Cavallino skiers slated to ride the 7:45-8:15am Lumi Olympic Weekend bus. We want skis for those two groups totally separate so there’s no mad panic for the Lumi group. For the Lumi group you will not only have your large ski bag/tube, but also a small ski bag with one pair of skis/poles for Friday skiing at Seiser Alm per the Lumi email you should have received today. If you do not have a small ski bag, you need to find someone to share one with you. We CANNOT have lose skis/poles in the Bach lobby or on the Lumi bus!!!!!!!

Final note #2): It is critical that Hotel Cavallino skiers limit your gear storage in the Hotel Bach entrance lobby ONLY to your ready-to-travel ski bag/tube. On Friday AM you will bring your other luggage to the Bach loading stop and “reunite” all your gear outside. Please everyone (Venice buses or Lumi Olympic buses) absolutely adhere to this requirement!!!!!!!

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Wednesday, February 4 -- 5:30pm

Due to the current heavy snow, the Sappada OC has postponed tonight's'distance freestyle race Awards Ceremony to tomorrow evening. Probably they will have the freestyle ceremony start 30-60mins prior to the already-announced distance classic ceremony @ 5:30pm tomorrow. Please spread the word to skiers at your lodging about tonight's postponement!!!!

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Wednesday, February 4 -- 4:39pm Italy Time updates

The posting plan for this PM continues - earlier random posts marked below - shortly Team Captain Meeting notes coming in the 4:30-5pm time window - finally later this evening I will post much more info about the "departure readiness plans" for tomorrow afternoon and Friday morning.

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-> Notes below from Team Captain's Meeting for Thursday long distance classic technique races (final races for MWC2026!)

-> An Austrian pair of skis was picked up by mistake today. Please check your quivers for any German markings or a name that isn't your name :-).

-> Weather from the OC: Before midnight, “a good amount of snow” 20cm? From midnight, decreasing precipitation, so grooming time is going to be. A little tricky to figure out. Could be light snow tomorrow or the “other” type of light precipitation.

-> Same course access before the race from 7:30am only up to 8:50am.

-> Exactly the same timetable as Wednesday. First race 9am and final start of M1’s at 10:50am. Adjusted start list for the 9am first start is here.

-> Exactly the same lap count as Wednesday.

-> Two tracks on the course most of the gentle sections, maybe some downhills no tracks

-> Two technique zones on the 7.5km, one in the first km and one in the final 1.5km

-> Same race feed as you go thru the transit (lap) with water, warm tea, and chocolate.

-> The OC has tried to increase the markings due to flat light, not easy with such wide open areas.

-> Thursday Awards Ceremony is at 5:30pm followed immediately by Banquet/Shows/etc. and all done by 9pm.

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Wednesday 1:48pm Italy Time updates

USA Departure Bus Chart found here.

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-> Participation Certificates Available In USA Wax Room

There is a stack of MWC2026 participation certificates in the USA wax room (basement garage of big stadium building). If you want your certificate (racer name is printed on it), you need to pick it up latest by tomorrow (Thurs, 5th) afternoon. Unclaimed certificates will NOT be taken back to the USA!

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-> REMINDER: Turn in your race timing transponder today or tomorrow!!!!

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-> UPDATE/REMINDER: Payments for arrival/departure Sappada OC airport buses

If you have not already, you still can (and should) try to make the trip to the top floor of the big race building to pay for your Sappada OC airport bus trip(s).

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-> First notice: Thursday Awards is now officially moved up to 5:30pm, the banquet and "shows" will then start roughly by 6:30pm, everything set up to conclude by 9:00pm

The Sappada OC has figured out that most teams want an early night due to weather and early departure shuttles. So this is a wonderful adjustment!

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Tuesday, February 3 -- 10:40pm Italy Time updates

-> Initial "Friday Departure Plan" Notes (much more coming tomorrow)

IMPORTANT: It is essential that EVERYONE (at least those without rental cars) keep reading Daily Page updates the next few days -- or else you may very well miss your bus out of town Friday

Friday Venice Bus People: Your plan is pretty simple (we hope). JD will soon finalize with OC officials the approximate loading times for the "6:00am" bus group and "10:00am" bus group(s). All this per the names listed on the USA Departure Bus Chart found here. If you are missing from the chart and you need a ride to Venice on Friday -- you MUST email JD immediately to get you on the chart.

All Friday Venice Bus people will need to pre-pay your bus fare latest by Thursday afternoon. If this doesn't happen, AXCS will most likely need to pay for you next week and you'll need to reimburse the association with processing fees added.

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Friday Lumi Olympic People: Both the Olympic Weekend big group and the 6 Lumi people going to Calvalese will be given a precise plan for how AXCS and Lumi are working out the three (3) Lumi buses on Friday morning. The estimated loading window is going to be from 7:45-8:15am. So we will all need to arrange with all hotels an early breakfast.

I have worked out a scenario to move (from the USA wax room) and store ski bags/tubes for Hotel Cavallini people at Hotel Bach on Thursday late afternoon. All folks at Hotel Cavallini will need to follow precise directions for my plan to work. Wednesday afternoon I will describe the plan so you have a day to prepare your logistics. I will also need 2-4 people agile and spry enough to help me move the ski gear Thursday afternoon.

There are a few other USA folks on the Lumi trips that also will need to have special arrangements set up on Thursday afternoon. I'll be contacting those folks individually over the next 36 hours.

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-> Lumi Olympic Weekend People Notes --- JD and Garrott have been in regular communication arranging details for the transition from MWC2028 to Lumi Olympic trips effective Friday morning. All of you will be getting an email from Lumi Experiences latest by Thursday AM describing exactly how to pre-arrange your "light ski day gear" for our ski stop at Seiser Alm on Friday. What is critical to understand is your big baggage in the base of the buses WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ALL Day after we load stuff here in Sappada -- not until we unload at Olympic hotels. So it's absolutely mission critical for Friday ski fun that you read/understand/follow directions in the coming Lumi email!!!!

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-> Notes below from Team Captain's Meeting for Wednesday long distance free technique races

-> IMPORTANT: When you are done racing YOUR LAST RACE (now, tomorrow, or Thursday), you need to turn in your timing transponder at the finish line or in the Race Office or bib distribution room. If you fail to do this, they will force me to pay your fine -- and then I have to hunt you down for reimbursement. Do not be that guy or gal!!!!

-> Weather from OC: no snow overnight, little bit of snow at 9am (few cm's), increasing snow in the afternoon, OC crew is hoping & planning that main Wednesday snowfall is after the race is done.

-> They will groom overnight and have zero plan (zero, nada, zilch) to regroom in the middle of the freestyle distance races even if snow materializes.

-> 9:00am first race start -- YES, THIS IS A HALF HOUR LATER FIRST RACE START THAN IN THE BROCHURE!!!! DataSport has adjusted list of all cat starts here.

-> Course 100% closed as of 8:50am. Open as of 7:30am

-> 30km skiers: 4 x 7.5km loop......20km skiers: 4 x 5km loop......15km skiers: 6 x 2.5km loop ----- all these patterns will be duplicated on Thursday

-> After the race is over, there is one hour of "official training" from 3-4pm and then you can keep skiing until 5pm. But there will be a period of time after the last skate racer is done and 3pm that the course is closed so they can regroom.

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Monday, February 2 -- 10:13pm Italy Time updates

-> RELAY RACERS & ALTERNATES: You for sure don't need your individual race bib for the relay, but be sure to bring your timing transponder. They didn't mention it at the Team Captain's Meeting, but it is typical to use the same transponder for relay splits!!!

USA Relay Teams

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-> I've gotten a few questions about shuttles in the morning. What I have been told as of 8:50pm is that there will be an overloaded morning bus schedule so that if you were at the various Sappada stops per the brochure timetable, in theory there will be more than 1 bus at the anticipated most crowded times.

Further - per what I have been told is that the shuttles from Sappada will keep going down past Cima to Carnia Arena on Tuesday. That was happening today in several cases also.

Finally - I have been told that all the regular Sappada bus stops WILL still work on Tuesday and that it is not just the stadium bus stop that loads to go over to Carnia Arena.

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-> Quick entertainment thing for Tuesday evening ..... this is in the brochure if you want more info, but the Sappada OC is doing a presentation with a bunch of famous Italian Olympic XC skiers tomorrow night at 7:30pm in the Sappada Hospitality Village. The relay awards was moved to 6:30pm for this presentation. This is a "pasta party" so some light food will be served. It's free, but they want #s so they ask that you go to the main event page and fill out a 30 second form. Yes, you can bring a plus 1 or whatever #.

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Relay Day Specific USA Plan

-> See below under Team Cap Meeting notes the exact race times for all relays.

-> Our USA plan is for every FEMALE team member to meet in the big white tent/temp building by 7:45am. I also need 1-2 of the bib handout volunteers (I've emailed the folks volunteering, thank you all) to also be at the tent/temp bldg at the same time. As fast as possible, volunteers and I will hand out bibs and allow teams to figure out what you all look like & (importantly) what you are wearing for the tags. Then you can all get going on race prep.

-> Female alternates please all arrive by 8am and (ideally) will be notified on arrival that you are no longer be needed -- or -- to get yourself warmed-up. As of 6:30pm tonight, all alternates previously llisted for both CL and FS are hereby changed to just being asked to be prepared to ski CLASSIC. Using wax less skis is just fine.

-> For our MEN's teams, all skiers in each age group should plan on arriving to the relay big white tent/temp building 75 minutes prior to your category race start. (for example, M2 relay starts at 10:30, so our 4 x M2 guys should meet in the tent at 9:15am sharp). Just like the women, you will get bibs from volunteers, meet each other/see your tagging partner clothing, and then get into race prep.

-> Male alternates please arrive 75 minutes before the race block I'm assigning you below and (ideally) will be notified on arrival that you are no longer be needed -- or -- to get yourself warmed-up. As of 6:30pm tonight, all alternates previously llisted for both CL and FS are hereby changed to just being asked to be prepared to ski CLASSIC. Using wax less skis is just fine.

10:30-35am relays (arrive to tent 9:15am): Dan Nolan, Eric Swanson, Andy Main, & Pete Dempsey

11:30-32am relays (arrive to tent 9:15am): Scott Brown, Fran W, Kim B, Bad Bob, Ed Kimm

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Notes from the Relay Team Captain's Meeting are below.

-> OC insists that there will be a lot more bus capacity to get everyone over starting 7am route and then continuing all day. If there is any delay in transportation due to weather, the race crew is prepared (if necessary) to implement race start delays.

-> Changing, hang-out, etc is in the big white tent/temp building

-> See notes about the USA wax cabins (#15 for universal USA waxing and #14 for Boulder Nordic)

-> Access the relay stadium for everyone via the long tunnel (left side of the big relay building)

-> Weather: -4 at midnight, -1.5C at 9am, light to moderate snow is possible (up to 8-10cm), but there is local uncertainty.

-> OC will not regroom if it's just light snowfall, but if it's heavier then maybe there will be a late regroom

-> Up until 8:50am you can access course (they say), but some of the stadium area may be inaccessible. Basically show up and you'll find out where you can & where you cannot.

-> 9:00am F01-F04; all 4 x 5km legs

-> 9:02am F05; all 4 x 2.5km legs

-> 10:30am M1-4; all 4 x 5km legs

-> 10:35am M05-06; all 4 x 5km legs

-> 11:30 M7-8; all 4 x 5km legs

-> 11:32am M9; all 4 x 5km legs

-> 11:34 M10; all 4 x 2.5km legs

-> 4882m is the exact distance of the 5km (so no whining :-)

-> Skiers will need to show up a little bit early if you are confused about how you access the start line (1st leg) and tag corral (legs 2-3-4). Everyone needs to also understand where to go as you come back into the stadium for the tag zone (legs 1-2-3) and finish line (leg 4).

-> There is one technical zone very late on the 5km loop. Clearly marked.

-> Tag procedure from the Technical Delegate: 30m zone marked with start and end of zone, exchange has to happen in that zone, you have to tag the body of the skier you tag (not arm, not pole, not hand -- BODY). When a teammate is coming around the corner the person being tagged can move into zone -- not before.

-> Two CL tracks on the course. Skaters need to try and avoid skating over the CL tracks. There will be branches marking some corners for CL skiers to stay in the area of the CL tracks and not "float".

-> Sappada race courses are all open for skiing, but no official signage or markings up for the distance Wednesday races (but really, everyone knows the general layout now).

-> Long distance races on Wednesday and Thursday will start at 9am.

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Monday, February 2 -- 12:50pm & 9:40am Italy Time updates

-> USA Men's & Women's Relay Teams & Alternate List

We've already had a bunch of sub requests and opt-outs of alternates. It is highly advisable that alternates with no health issues DO NOT pull out right away assuming "well, he won't need me". That has already proven false. The more options I have all day -- the better.

Judy R. -- Bobbi W. -- Mike I. -- Bruce C. ........ you are being "called up from the bullpen" for relay legs. Please see the relay team lists for what legs we need you to race.

Named skiers on the F1, F2, M5, and M9 relay teams should also look at the refreshed team rosters as I had to re-jigger some legs.

-> IMPORTANT MID-DAY RELAY PREP NOTES:

1.) WE ARE NOT GOING TO DO the preferred AXCS protocol of gathering everyone attached the relay (teams and alternates) tonight. There's just too many logistics to pull it off this year. Instead, I am going to request that teams meet up at the Carina Arena tomorrow morning with ALL FOUR MEMBERS. I'll designate times a post later today and hopefully you will all follow directions so you can meet your teammates before the race. Doing a designated meet-up tomorrow will also make relay bib pick-up easier plus "release" alternates faster.

2.) Team USA has been assigned to waxing boxes at the Carina Arena. Box #14 will be used by Boulder Nordic. Box #15 will be a general USA box. The boxes will be unlocked in the early morning. The first priority is for classic leg skiers to use the #15 USA box for applying kick wax. 2nd priority use is skate leg skiers to do top coats/brushing/etc.. Please anyone not racing (or helping prep skis) entirely avoid box #15. Also racers please try and limit changing in the box -- use the big tent if possible.

3.) JD (me) will get the relay bibs at Carina Arena tomorrow. I absolutely will need a 3-4 volunteers to do staggered "shifts" handing out the bibs. My ideal plan will be to have the USA bib hand-out taking place in the big tent/temp building as there is more room there than our wax box. If you can be a bib handout volunteer tomorrow, please email me: jd at xcskiworld dot com

4.) More relay notes to follow starting around 4:45pm.

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Sunday, February 1 -- 4:12pm Italy Time updates

-> Effective 4:12pm I am now starting to grid out the eligible relay folks and then will dig in to relay selections. This process will take multiple hours tonight. As soon as I can release selections, I'll post a link to yet another page with names lists including alternates.

I will have a lot more to write about relay alternates, but the shortest version right now is that it is essential to have a couple folks available to hop in to either the age group I list an alternate for -- or a younger age group -- because if someone cannot race on Tuesday, we very often need replacements at the last second.

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Sunday, February 1 -- 11:35pm Italy Time updates

Notable notes for mid-day today. If you know someone isn't looking at this daily page, please help by getting them focused on the items below as life moves really fast later today on a few of these things.

-> This is not a common situation, but if you are DONE racing individual races as of this afternoon (Sunday) -- and -- are a NO for the relay ...... it is important for you to remember to turn in your timing transponder before you leave Sappada. There is a cash penalty if you leave town without turning in the transponder. AXCS is the billed entity for that penalty. Which means your loyal National Director has to hunt you down when we get back home. Not fun. Don't be that guy/gal.

All the above typed out.......if you are done racing individual races right now, but ARE available for the relay......you need to hang on to the transponder until Tuesday PM.

Transponders will go back to either the bib pick-up room OR the Race Office. No word yet on that.

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-> USA Relay Availability Sheet!!!

This is now a MISSION CRITICAL reminder that we need 100% of USA skiers marked down "yes" or "no" on the Relay Availability Sheet by TODAY AT 5PM so that JD knows who is available for relay selections. There are still 25 people that are missing a "yes" or "no".

It would be really helpful if a bunch of you regularly reading the Daily updates help me notify some of the missing yes/no people. More help is mo better this afternoon!

If you cannot make the google sheet work on your device, just send a quick email to JD letting me know "yes" or "no" plus (if yes) techniques you are ready to do if selected.

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-> Tuesday Relay First Race Start will be 9am. I just got word on that piece. But I do not yet know who will go first nor the overall schedule. That info may be delayed until Monday late afternoon's Team Captain's Meeting.

Logistics for getting over to the Relay location are relatively simple via shuttle bus, but it will be helpful if lots of you go over there today/tomorrow so that we have more of us dialed on how it works (even if you just take pictures). On Tuesday you also will need to plan to be somewhat self-contained with spare clothes, munchies/hydration, etc. as I do not yet know how much infrastructure support will be available.

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-> For the folks that are already starting to look ahead to this coming Friday and various departures for Lumi Olympic trips and/or returns back to Venice -- I do NOT YET have a firm plan for where we will be staging gear, but I can tell you that my plan will be to have 2-3 staging spots for big bags where skiers are saying "further afield" and to keep bus pick-ups simpler (mainly this is for the Lumi mob).

My first priority is relay selections until the wee hours tonight. Starting Monday AM I will hopefully be able to make progress on our collective departure plans.

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Saturday, January 31 -- 8:45pm Italy Time updates

-> We've got more brand new info on the banquet tickets as well as how to obtain extra tickets. This will no doubt be augmented with more details in coming days.

The Sappada OC has posted a brand new index page link off the MWC2026 official website that leads to a google form. Note that you may need a google account to view this form?

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddeF9-8pYgMPlaPEKw6ddHD7PIDPWUQ2w2Gtj-NlTUlNw4pA/viewform

What seems to be happening is that the OC wants all racers attending the banquet to set up a "reservation" with your name/contact -- and also make a request on the google form for any additional family members you want to attend. I suspect that you'll then pay for the extra people in either coming days or on Thursday night at the banquet.

The link also has a mention about the numbered tag on your racer packet blue back pack serving as your "banquet ticket" (yes, that seems accurate now). But if you don't have that tag, you can also bring your race bib instead (so you have a plan B option).

I'll augment all this info as I learn more, but with the relay selection process dominating Sunday night into the wee hours of Monday AM for me, I wanted to at least share this newly-discovered info.

*****

-> If you have not already, you can now pay your airport bus fares at the same upper level room of the big stadium building where you picked up racer packets.

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Saturday, January 31 -- 6:30pm & 4:30pm Italy Time updates

Results from Saturday mid-distance races

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-> BREAKING NEWS: THE NUMBERED TAG ON YOUR BLUE RACER MINI-BACKPACK IS ACTUALLY YOUR BANQUET TICKET!!!!! SO DO NOT THROW THAT TAG AWAY!!!!

Important Also -- If you are leaving town before the evening of Thursday, 5th, please, please, please give the numbered tag mentioned above to any USA couple that needs extra tickets for non-racing family members. Now that we understand the back pack tag is actually also the banquet ticket -- it really helps if those giving away tickets do so ASAP because typically extra banquet tickets are only sold for a limited time period.

********

-> USA Relay Availability Sheet!!!

Yet another reminder that we need 100% of USA skiers marked down "yes" or "no" on the Relay Availability Sheet by Sunday late afternoon so that JD knows who is available for relay selections. There are still a couple dozen people that are missing a "yes" or "no".

If you cannot make the google sheet work on your device, just send a quick email to JD letting me know "yes" or "no" plus (if yes) techniques you are ready to do if selected.

********

-> More Toilets for race days + space for changing closer to start/finish

At today's Team Captain's Meeting, it was explained that there is actually more bathroom space and actual indoor dressing rooms in the lower levels of the stadium permanent building. You have to go down 1-2 levels (using indoor staircases) below the room with the bib pick-up. Signage was very poor the last few days, but there are more "WC" and dressing room signs up as of this evening.

********

Notes from #2 Team Captains Meeting below.

-> Weather: very similar to Sat -- clear overnight maybe a wee bit colder, overnight lows on forecasts range from -6C to -12C temp, warming slightly during CL, then more in FS once sunny on courses, no precipitation.

-> Starts: 8:30am CL starts, 1:00pm FS starts

-> Start list is posted on MWC2026.com

-> All Sunday races will be exclusively on 2.5km and 5km loops.

-> 10km = 2 x 5km......5km = 2 x 2.5km

-> DO NOT ACCESS THE COURSE BEFORE 7:30AM. Apparently there were people out testing as early as 6am. Probably not many USAs. This creates a safety issue for final set-up with volunteers. Please don't let us be the problem.

-> Competition course open for skiing and testing (race direction ONLY) starting from 7:30am, closed 10mins before CT race. After FT races are 100% completed , course open until 5pm. Jury is warning they will not tolerate skiers going in the wrong direction at ANY point in time.

-> Classic course will be prepared the exact same way on Sunday. Same spots with tracks, same spots without tracks. Skate course will also be identical.

-> The warm-up options ended up being somewhat different than described on Saturday. But it worked out. There was no restriction on access to the warm-up loop immediately adjacent to the start area and that loop is a decent spot to test kick wax (classic skiers) and get your body warmed-up. The caveat is you are doing a lot of loops and it can be a bit crowded. The warm-up trail going upstream from the hospitality village also is an option, but there is a couple hundred meters without grooming or good snow that required walking on Saturday. But it is much less traffic and allows you to stretch out a bit more. So if you like longer warm-ups, keep this in mind.

-> Everyone in blue background bibs is doing 2 x 5km = 10km. Everyone in green background bibs is doing 2 x 2.5km = 5km.

-> Only one technical zone for classic skiers on these courses. You'll spot it. Same rules. Diagonal or herringbone only in the zone.

-> There are a bunch more toilets and a dressing room directly below the race office. It has not been signed in a useful way, but they are fixing that.

-> If you have to abandon the race, please lift up your bib, leave the course at the next logical point, and do NOT ski across the finish line. Otherwise you create a phantom menace in the results that creates havoc for hours.

-> Everyone know your course (this is most important for 2.5km green loop skiers) so that you aren't guessing when you come to course splits.

-> Relay courses will be prepared at Carnia Arena on Sunday PM so everyone can ski over there on Monday if you wish. It'll be set up as an "official training day" on Monday so there will be all signs, markers, etc.. Also notable, for the eldest relay groups -- M10 Relay Group and F05 Relay Group (which is actually F9+ with individual cats) skiers will do 1 x 2.5km per leg. Everyone else does a 5km relay leg loop.

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Friday, January 30 -- 9:30pm Italy Time updates

-> Starting Saturday you can pay your airport bus fares at the Race Office. Also you can ask about the rest day tour (and payment) in the Race Office. Elisa Franchi is the contact person.

********

-> USA Relay Availability Sheet!!! Yet another reminder that we need 100% of USA skiers marked down "yes" or "no" on the Relay Availability Sheet by Sunday late afternoon so that JD knows who is available for relay selections. There are still 39 people that are missing a "yes" or "no".

If you cannot make the google sheet work on your device, just send a quick email to JD letting me know "yes" or "no" plus (if yes) techniques you are ready to do if selected.

********

-> Toilets for race days -- one missing item from the Team Captain's Meeting today was that it's unlikely that there will be more toilets next to the stadium than the ones inside the Race Buildings -- at least not immediately. JD has asked that the OC consider putting some portable toilets in the warm-up lap area for later in the MWC. No idea if anything will happen on that though.

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Friday, January 30 -- 3:00pm Italy Time updates

Notes from #1 Team Captains Meeting

-> Weather: bit colder -7C high temp, partly sunny, no precipitation

-> Starts: 8:30am CL starts, 1:00pm FS starts

-> Start list is posted on MWC2026.com now

-> All races will be exclusively on 2.5km, 5km, and 7.5km loops. The OC could not get the 10km extension prepared due to low snow and the local logistics. So we will NOT see the full 10km loop all week.

-> For Saturday's races -- 20km is 5km x 4......15k is 7.5k x 2......10km is 2.5k x 4

-> Competition course open for skiing and testing (race direction ONLY) starting from 7:30am, closed 10mins before CT race. After FT races are 100% completed , course open until 5pm.

-> Warm up loop is intended on race days only for racers very close to your race start (you must have your bib and transponder). The river trail from hospitality village is intended to be the main warm-up (like 30-60mins prior to your start) and also the only ski testing trail once we get past 8:20pm

-> Access the start from the warm-up loop (must have BIB), drop bags at tents before tunnel, go thru tunnel to the start (walking off skis)

-> Start has 10 tracks, then neutral, then 4 tracks on right (only for the starters), the "transit" (aka lapping track) comes in with 2 tracks on left

-> Two technical zones for classic races. First uphill after stadium and last uphill of the 7.5km hill. Both zones are marked with V-board and signs. Only diagonal technique and herringbone (frozen ski, no "micro-sliding"). Absolutely NO double pole or DP with kick in technique zones.

-> On nearly all the faster downhills they are NOT going to be setting classic tracks for either the actual classic races nor the skate races. It is confirmed that the downhill at about 1km that crosses over the finish/lap trail will NOT have tracks. It is also confirmed that the downhill that goes across the river with the two x 90 degree turns will NOT have tracks. The thinking is that the tracks will cause more problems than they solve.

-> On tight turns (fast or slow speed) there will be no tracks and will be marked as "turning zone". Classic skiers can use turning techniques (step turns) but you are not allowed to full bird skate. This is indeed a gray area in the rules everywhere (all age groups). So just step as you need to get around tight turns -- then go directly into your legal classic techniques ASAP when you are out of the turn.

-> There will indeed be a re-groom after the classic races. NO SKIING ON COURSE in this in-between period to allow the groomers free roam plus to allow the snow to set up.

-> Any race feeds given to racers need to be in safe spots, NO RUNNING to give feeds, and all trash has to be cleaned up. There will NOT be an organizer race feed station on Saturday. Only during the Wednesday and Thursday long distance races will there be an OC feed spot.

-> Slower skiers should try and give way as much as possible when being overtaken. Faster skiers must be polite and good sports to make passing as safe and fair as possible.

-> Flouro testing will be happening all week. The Jury is not going to specify who will be tested exactly, playing it close to the vest. So don't use F waxes (kick or glide).

-> Looking ahead, in terms of lap counts, the jury's current plan is.......

Sunday short races: 10km = 2 x 5km......5km = 2 x 2.5km

Weds/Thurs longer races: 30km = 4 x 7.5km.....20km = 4 x 5km.....15km = 6 x 2.5km

This is subject to change, but the counts above are the current plan.

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Friday, January 30 -- 12:00pm Italy Time updates

-> Updates from this morning and last night...

1.) The bib packet pick-up was moved to the Race Office today. Most of you know this already, but for those still waiting to get packets - FYI.

2.) Status reports and/or sign-up-payment for rest day tour is this afternoon in the Race Office.

3.) Airport bus ride payments (arrival and/or departure) is as planned in the Race Office today, tomorrow, etc.. Sooner to get you paid is best.

4.) Extra banquet tix payment would be in Race Office today, tomorrow, etc.. We do not have a ton of USAs leaving early, but those folks that are leaving early please give your extra banquet tix to other USAs needing them so folks only buy extra tix if they need to.

*****

-> Last night I actually wrote up several notes about skiing outside the race trails, but somehow deleted it. The short version is that you have 3 options for skiing off the race trails.

a. You can access a 2km stretch of easy trail going upstream along the river starting at the MWC Hospitality Village (just past the chairlift base) and up to EIRL Retreat Dolomites. That trail might climb up to Cima Sappada, but if may also deadend. Regardless, it's a great option for warm-up, cool down, and skiing during races.

b. Cima Sappada is on the MWC shuttle route and is 3km upstream of the stadium. It's supposed to be a 3km very easy loop(s). Regardless of length, I saw a snowcat grooming on Thursday and the views when the clouds break are the best of Sappada. See above that it may connect to the river trail.

c. Carnia Arena on the way to Forni Avoltri is the biathlon venue that will also host our MWC Relay on Tuesday. MWC shuttles go there daily. Go if you can on a clear patch so you can take crazy nice pictures. Skiing totally possible all or most days, not sure of trail amount.

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Friday, January 30 -- 8:30am Italy Time updates

Note that I posted a ton of stuff last night as well, so scroll down to scan thru all of Thursday PM notes!!!!!

-> Opening Ceremony is this evening!

-> The Event Brochure has the general scoop on what's going on. Basically a procession from a half dozen blocks away from the stadium/hospitality village - ending at the village with speeches, some artistic entertainment, light refreshments. It's usually good value so attendance encouraged.

*****

-> If you are not already on the USA Relay Availability Sheet, please mark "yes" or "no" in the next 48 hours (by Sunday 4pm at the latest) -- OR -- you can email JD and say your name - Yes or NO availability - if yes, which techniques you are prepared to do. No other info on any email please. jd at xcskiworld dot com

Note anyone that emailed JD previously, you need to double check the sheet to make sure I marked you down. Billion things going on the past week so a double check is mandatory!!!

*****

-> Although there are no promises I'll be able to offer a solution, I will be working today on potential scenarios for some type of waxing for skiers at Bach and Braden Hotels closer to the hotels. Due to the bizarre "no skis in the hotel" policy at Cavallino, I really don't have a play there except what we are doing already with your gear stored at the stadium. BTW, there was zero mention the entire year with USA Cavallino reservations about the "no skis in the hotel" policy. But sorry about that regardless.

*****

-> Reminder for everyone to continue being smart with health protocols

The next 72-96 hours is pretty much the crux to having a healthy MWC trip. So as much as you can (while still having a great time), do what you can to stay healthy or (if you pick up something) keep it contained.

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Thursday, January 29 -- 10:00pm Italy Time updates

-> Event Brochure on-line.......You can find an on-line version of the MWC2026 event brochure (aka racer information) at the official main event website now. You can also find hardcopies at many USA hotels. The brochure is a very handy reference tool as it has all essential event information found on the event website PLUS a bunch of updated details and reference points for the upcoming 8 days. You can answer the majority of typical MWC event questions by getting to know material in the brochure (hint, hint :).

*****

-> Packet Pick-Up For Sure Happening Friday

You can pick up your packet (aka bib+) starting Friday morning at the BlueEnergy tent in the "hospitality village" area that is about 100m upstream of the stadium (big white tents, temp building cluster above the chair lift base).

Please read the notes in the Event Brochure about the importance of using every race you ski and also returning your transponder (aka timing chip) after your final race. The transponder will be in the bag you get with your race bib.

*****

-> Where and When Do I Pay For My Bus Rides?

This item is NOT in the Event Brochure -- you pay for your past and/or future bus rides in the Race Office that is located on the second floor of the building adjacent to the stadium and will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day from January 30 to February 6.

Please note that at some point in the coming days, the Sappada OC will begin to needle various National Directors to get skiers to pay for bus rides. So -- you really help avoid extra work for your's truly if you get your bus rides paid up sooner than later. Thanks in advance on this!

*****

-> Any remaining spots for the Monday tour excursion would also be secured in the Race Office (directions above) AND any extra banquet ticket sales would be in the Race Office (directions above).

*****

-> JD will get final jury decisions and adjustments for Saturday races at a late afternoon Team Captain's Meeting. Expect lots of posts from 3-4:30pm.

The current lean of the jury is to have the F9 women race 4 x 2.5km on Saturday same as skiers in the 10-11-12 categories. This is NOT an official decision yet, but it's probable.

No other early word has been linked on other adjusted plans or courses. But the Friday TCM should inform likely scenarios for both Sat and Sun races.

A ton of things that will be covered in the Friday TCM is already covered in the Event Brochure. (hint, hint again :-)

*****

-> USA Wax Area Set-up Done (shared with Boulder Nordic)....the USA wax area (garage area at the very bottom of large stadium building complex) is pretty much complete on set-up now.

Because USA Cavallino Hotel skiers are not allowed to store skis and tubes/bags at their hotel, those skiers are the only USA crew that are storing skis and tubes/bags along one side of the USA Wax Area. Please everyone else limit yourself to only the gear you need to test or race on.

We are getting a couple power cords set up and there is now cleaning gear. BNS has set up operation so this is where you'll find Nathan and Co.

Access is tricky. You either need to walk downhill outside the stadium side of the huge complex building -- OR -- you need to use a confusing combination of inside/outside staircases and doors to get to the ground floor/basement of the building -- OR -- you need long walk way around on the one lane road circling the fenced soccer field from the "hospitality village" down to the huge climbing wall that looks like a Pi symbol and over to the base of the stadium building. Like I said -- tricky. But once you know the routes, you'll remember it.

Due to the amount of wax being heated and in/out traffic, the waxing garage is not going to be a particularly good place to change or hang out from here on out. The better spot to change or leave clothes/bags will be the changing/storage tent in the hospitality village. If we can identify a good USA spot for storing ski bags at the edge of the stadium, we should do so. Having a lot of us aim for a centralized location for USA extra skis/gear close to the stadium is a very good security system (particularly on good weather days).

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Thursday, January 29 -- 8:30am Italy Time updates

-> Packet Pick-Up Delayed to Friday....Due to the recent storms, DataSport was not able to deliver the timing transponders yet, so race packets are not available until tomorrow. There really isn't anything in the packet that you need for skiing today and enjoying the area, so the only notable note about this change is that it'll be a little more crowded tomorrow for the packet pick-up as all nations will be in town.

-> USA Wax Area Set-up....I will shortly be in the USA wax area (bottom floor of large stadium building). If there are needed this and that items, I'll know shortly and begin to address things.

More to follow later this afternoon.....

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Wednesday, January 28 -- 10:30pm Italy Time updates

-> Majority of Team USA here, few folks still coming......Overall we did pretty well today getting the vast majority of our contingent safely to Sappada lodging. A few folks hit delay snags (people or bags), but we generally are catching up. We should have most/all of those originally slated to arrive today by tomorrow afternoon.

-> If you know of a skier the is still making their way to Sappada, please let them know there are the same three bus departure times (11am, 2pm, 6pm) on Thursday. Just a lot more international skiers vs. nearly-all USAs as was the case today.

They should be able to get a ride on one of those buses for the trip up to Sappada.

Anyone still arriving to VCE Venice also should look for Matteo in the Arrivals area of the Terminal. Late arrivals that note on Thursday you should depart bag claim/security out of door #3 if you can at that is where Matteo will focus energy due to Olympic arrival traffic starting to take over doors #1 and #2.

-> I've already gotten questions about "what can we do about adjusting mealtimes and formats" at hotels.

Some of you that were on the Klosters/SUI trip last year may remember "negotiations" going on with meal times here at some hotels there. A lot of places are set up to offer later breakfasts and dinners than many skiers prefer or need (based on digestion). Also getting higher carb foods or amount of calories needed for Nordic races can sometimes be tricky.

It will take me awhile to get around to the hotels to assist, but while that is in progress the best solution is for several skiers to politely ask management what are the options for basic skier foods (which other nations will want as well) like oatmeal/breads/fruit in the AM and bread/pasta/salads in PM to at least be available at earlier times. If enough of you ask politely (and if you enlist any other nations staying at your lodging to also ask) -- management will usually bend slowly to your wishes.

-> You should be good-to-go with skiing without a trail pass on Thursday. This even though Thursday is just an unofficial training day and Friday is the official training day.

-> The organizer MWC shuttle won't get rolling until Friday, but there is a local ski bus that you can use instead that connects hotels to alpine areas. Ask at your hotel for more info on stops and timetables.

-> USA wax space is in the bottom level of the big multi-use building next to the ski stadium. All USA skiers are welcome to use this space throughout the MWC. Boulder Nordic will also be using a portion of this area for their ski service.

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Wednesday, January 28 -- 9:30am Italy Time updates

-> "Just in case" info with arriving flights today.....

JD knows we have a few USA skiers delayed until Thursday due to rebooked flights (Wood, Fanney, Meek, Lindgren). One more (Cunningham) still confirming rebooked arrival. So anyone tempted to send notices about these folks, I've got it already.

If anyone else ends up delayed to VCE Venice beyond our 6pm shuttle window today (Weds), we already know that there are the same three shuttle times (11am, 2pm, 6pm) set up on Thursday for other nations. So there is a good chance of shifting you to one of those options worst case (you'll get what you get in terms of space tho).

More coming later today from Sappada :-).....

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Tuesday, January 27 -- 8:30pm Italy Time updates

-> For everyone spending tonight in the Venice Airport area, remember in the morning you want shuttles to drop you at the ARRIVALS hall of the main VCE terminal if possible.

If the shuttle automatically goes to the Departure hall, just find an elevator and drop down to ARRIVALS. It's not a massive terminal so reasonable to manage even with big bags.

Load time for 11am buses is between 10:30-11am, but if you can get to Arrivals a bit ahead of that window, it's ideal. Look for people with MWC or USA signs

******************

-> The 2pm bus group is going to officially be split into two buses with Canadians being added to one of the buses.

2pm bus "A" / Shuttle service with the Canadian team and other individual athletes -- stops of note for USA skiers: EIRL & Hotels Sport + Haus Michaela
2pm bus "B" /: All TEAM USA skiers......
Stops: Bach, Cavallino & Bladen -> Posta and Venezia -> 1 skier to Le Coccole

The bus hosts will help everyone coordinate things as you group up in the ARRIVALS hall of the VCE terminal prior to loading between 1:30-2pm (be early if you can and look for people with MWC or USA signs).

******************

-> We are getting positive snow reports from Sappada from our early arrivals. A fresh layer of new is already on top of the existing firmer base. More snow is forecast on Wednesday to add to that new layer and hopefully allow 100% of all local trails to be in good shape as we get everyone there! :-)

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Monday, January 26 -- 10:30am Pacific Time updates

-> If you are delayed en route, please wait to send a note to AXCS (JD Downing) until you have a firm idea of when you'll actually get to Venice. Often in the logistical unwind of big weather events can be super erratic with wild swings in airline plans. We want to operate on confirmed info as much as possible.

Once you have a firm plan, email JD a concise note on your final flight info (not your whole new itinerary please!). So, for example: Indiana Jones: new VCE arrival 10:30am Weds, 28th, Lufthansa flight ### from Frankfurt.

The good news this year is that we have decent flexibility both with our USA buses as well as other Sappada OC buses with other nation groups. The Sappada OC is already aware there may be some North American delays due to the recent big storms.

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Sunday, January 25 -- 7:30pm Pacific Time updates

Arrival Buses on Wednesday, 28th (Venice -> Sappada

USA Arrival Buses List

-> On Wednesday, there will be hostesses with signs in the VCE Venice Airport arrival hall at the start of the three half hour designated loading times that will connect skiers to our buses. For the 11am buses, JD Downing also will be in the VCE arrival hall helping coordinate things.

-> Everyone please note that there will be other buses being loaded for the MWC with other nations. USA-only buses will have signs indicating such. But really, even if you end up on a bus with all CAN skiers by accident (for example), as long as the bus is going to Sappada -- it'll be OK.

-> The 11am buses do not have anyone flying in on Wednesday. So there should be zero need to delay those buses. 11am bus people should be in the arrivals hall by 10:15-30am. Each 11am bus goes to specific hotels, see sign on the buses and check with drivers/JD.

-> For the 2pm bus, the bus company has your flight details and the 1-2 bus(es) may be delayed to get folks on. Or you will be re-designated to the USA 6pm bus (or other nation's bus). Loading window for the 2pm bus is set for 1:30-2pm. Be early if you can.

-> All but Bob Gray (2pm arrival) is on one flight for the 6pm bus so that bus will wait until the 4:55pm Delta flight gets in.

-> Final reminder: EVERYONE getting a bus ride for arrival or departure will need to pay your bus fare once we are in Sappada at the Race Office. JD will have reminders and details in coming days. 40 EUR per person one-way/ 60 EUR roundtrip per person

******************

Lodging Package Folks: When You Get To Your Hotel

A final reminder for Lodging Package skiers not to freak out about the small (2 EUR or so per night/per person) local tax that AXCS was not able to include in your Package. You will pay that direct to the hotel yourself and it is legitimate. Just making sure no one is surprised.

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Relay Availability Sheet: Get On It!

You have a week to get your name down (yes or no, a response either way for everyone is really helpful!). If you cannot manage the google sheet, just email JD with: name, gender/age group (example: M9), yes or no available to do the relay on Feb 3, and (if yes) techniques you are ready to do.

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Please everyone remember to follow good health protocols!!!

If you have time while traveling, review the proven AXCS advice for staying healthier going over to Europe and in the early days after arrival.

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