Nationals: Midwest Skiers Preview

Senior Nationals represents one of the season major milestones for many elite skiers across the US. For the juniors, a top result might secure an exclusive spot on one of the overseas competitions (Scando Cup, World Junior Championships, or U23 Championships) and a chance to earn a top collegiate skiing scholarship. Collegiate skiers from across the US will compete in possibly the only opportunity to go head-to-head outside of the NCAA Championships at the end of the season. And for the very best skiers, especially the seniors/masters, this season offers the extra incentive of a possible Olympic team birth.

For a number of juniors, the races this year will feel a bit like coming home.  The events are being held at Soldier Hollow in Midway, Utah - fittingly, as it was the site of the 2000 Salt Lake Olympic competition.  This is the second year in a row at this venue for Senior Nationals.  And the year before that, this site hosted the 2012 Junior Nationals competition.

Race format this year:

• Saturday, January 4th - 5K, 10K classical - interval starts
• Sunday, January 5th - freestyle sprints
• Wednesday, January 8th - 20K, 30K freestyle mass start (5K, 10K for juniors)
• Friday, January 10th - classical sprints

At the risk of possibly missing a few names, a list of most of the Midwest skiers scheduled to compete:

Official website:  www.uscrosscountrychamps2014.com

Results:  summittiming.com/races/race_results.php

Best of luck to all the Midwest skiers!  Kick it.