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(last update: February 23 -- note that this page will not be updated after March 2, see the main Team USA Info Page updates for reports from Team Captain Meetings on any day-to-day changes or notable notes about race specific stuff)
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--> Will there be enforcement of maximum classic pole height of 83% at the 2022 Masters World Cup?
Answer: Yes. The OC will do a random check at the first CT race with a % device they have on hand to fulfill the FIS rule. After that it’ll be very case-by-case how measuring happens. I never know how precise measuring is going to be or how carefully volunteers will be looking at skiers.
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--> Will there be classic technique zones (no double poling allowed) at the 2022 Masters World Cup?
Answer: Yes. The OC and jury will determine these zones very late in the game and classic skiers will need to plan on striding in these zones.
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--> Are fluorocarbon waxes legal to use at the 2022 Masters World Cup?
Answer: Yes. The WMA determined many months ago that that as of the 2021/22 season, there is no realistic way to reliably test literally hundreds of skis on every MWC race day. In terms of cost, manpower, and overall logistics -- testing for waxes poses maddening logistical challenges in such a large scale masters event. There is no forecast at this time of what may happen in future years on this particular topic, but at least for MWC2022, skiers will be able to use any glide or kick wax you wish.
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--> 16 Start Lanes For MWC2022
Veteran MWC skiers are used to the format we use for the MWC in terms of multiple wave starts based on age categories. In larger cats, we only start that group all at once for all individual races. With smaller categories (usually younger skiers), it is likely that multiple categories will start together -- but grouped together.
WMA points "seed" the best start positions in each wave. Once we get to only skiers that lack WMA points, we then randomly assigned start spots to flush out the front row and then any subsequent rows.
Typically the target is to have 19-20 start lanes for MWC races. But sometimes logistics make it hard to get that many. Canmore OC was trying a lot of creative solutions with their start area to get the full amount, but the position of a light pole, the required area for the lap lane, and the practical limits of snow available have required the OC to accept starts with only 16 lanes.
This should be a minimal issue for most USA skiers. But it's something that I wanted to share with you all now mostly as a FYI item.
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--> Feeding & feed stations during MWC races (basics)
WMA rules only require one minimal feed station along the 15km loop. Typically it is located in the stadium. Sometimes organizers will put a second station out on the loop in tough conditions. Usually it is just water and sports drink. Often volunteers are limited for holding out cups so it's not unusual for MWC skiers to need to self service.
The vast majority of MWC skiers will either carry their own feed or have family/friends help them. The MWC format really lends itself better to these options vs. a Loppet marathon type of feed station.