The 2001 Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner, which is part of a Worldloppet series of 14 international ski marathons and part of an International Ski Federation (FIS) Marathon Cup series of five races, starts at the Cable Union Airport, continues on some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain of any location in the Worldloppet series, and finishes in downtown Hayward.

The 2001 Kortelopet, which will be skied on a new course, also starts at the Cable Union Airport, splits from the Birkie at nine kilometers, continues on scenic and hilly Bayfield County and Telemark trails, and finishes as a race of its own at Telemark Resort in Cable.

American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) board member Dennis Arthur said both courses have undergone considerable changes intended to enhance skiing conditions for all racers.

"During the past few months Trail Supervisor Bob Murdock has removed trees and stumps and brush along the entire edge of the trail," Arthur said. "Brush removal takes place on a three-year cycle, and we've done considerable work removing raspberry bushes and small trees. The result is a wider track with more room for all skiers. There should be a good track for classic skiers and a wider area for skaters."

Arthur said skiers will notice a major change near the start of the race at the Powerline from 2.5K to 4.6K where Northern States Power upgraded electrical poles from a two- to a one- pole system. Thirteen poles now line the trail instead of the previous 26 poles. Following the construction NSP and the ABSF completed major trail repair including moving the trail closer to the woods to take advantage of the tree line and shading which will help with snow retention.

"The important thing from a skier's perspective is that this should be a much improved area to ski through," said Arthur, a 20-year Birkie skier. "The Powerline area has always been difficult for skiers because of the volume of skiers and difficulty of terrain. This is a positive, huge change that should increase the flow through this area."

Another course change skiers should make note of is the relocation of food stops. Because the new Kortelopet course leaves the Birkie trail at nine kilometers, the 9K food stop has been moved. The first two food stops for Birkie skiers are at 4.5K and 13.7K, and the first two food stops for Kortelopet skiers are at 4.5K and on the new course at 9.5K.

ABSF Executive Director Cherie Morgan said new signs, new restrooms at 'OO,' and new kilometer marking of the Kortelopet trail are additional enhancements that have been accomplished this fall.

"I'm pleased with the changes we're making and think the two courses will meet the needs of both competitive and recreational skiers," she said. "Skiers are noticing the work that has been done, and they are telling us that they are excited about the changes along each course and they are excited about the separation of the two races."

Birkie 2001 skiers will be able to spread out earlier in the race when Kortelopet skiers peel off to their new course at the nine kilometer mark. Birkie skiers say they will welcome the extra room on the more challenging terrain on the course.

Morgan says Kortelopet skiers also like the idea of additional space on the course and a finish of their own at Telemark Resort. The shorter course, while easier than the Birkie trail, still provides plenty of challenge, an opportunity for citizen participation, and a good introduction to ski racing.

Morgan encourages skiers to ski on the Kortelopet course which will be groomed all winter as a cooperative effort between the ABSF and Telemark Resort. Good points of entry are at Telemark Resort and at the North End ski chalet on Randysek Road outside of Cable.

ABSF board member Dennis Arthur says there's one more positive change for Birkie 2001.

"We've made offers to the snow gods and they will bless us with abundant snow fall this year," he said.

The 2001 Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner will take place on Saturday, February 24. For more information or to register for the 51K Birkebeiner, 23K Kortelopet, Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints, Junior Birkie, Chequamegon Telephone 10K, or the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, call 715-634-5025, e-mail [email protected], or log on to www.birkie.com.

Birkie 2001 is sponsored by Johnson Bank, Subaru, Murphy McGinnis Media and other businesses throughout the region and country.