The week long event will kick off on Sunday, February 4, with the Subaru National Masters Ski Festival and Expo (open to the public) featuring product displays and demonstrations from a wide range of outdoor recreation companies. Sunday�s events will also include a junior race and fun family relays. The week�s Championship race events include 3 individual races, 2 in the classic style and one freestyle, as well as a 2-person freestyle �sprint relay� event.

All competitions are open to any skier 30 years and over with no qualification or ranking process involved. Affordable day-of-race or annual membership in the non-profit American Cross Country Skiers organization is the only requirement for participation.

"The theme for the 2001 Subaru National Masters Championships is 'Yes You Can'," says AXCS Executive Director Richard Hunt. "We want to emphasize the spirit of participation that surrounds the this particular event. Although this is a legitimate National Championship in every way, it is also the perfect event for weekend warriors and casual participants with no designs on medals. We want to message to get out that the AXCS and our hosts this year at Sugarloaf/USA welcome skiers of all abilities to come have the time of your life with us this February. Yes YOU can!"

Subaru of America is returning for the second year in a row as title sponsor of the 2001 National Masters Championships. In addition to support for the National Masters, Subaru is �Founding Sponsor� of the American Cross Country Skiers organization.

�As the official vehicle of the outdoors, Subaru, is proud to be associated with AXCS and its wide range of education and communication programs," says Bill Cyphers, Vice President of Marketing for Subaru of America, Inc. "Like AXCS members, Subaru owners are 'doers', committed to an active lifestyle, they don't just sit on the sidelines.�

In addition to Subaru of America, Sundown Vitamins and Nature Valley Granola Bars are providing platinum level support for the 2001 Championships with up to three dozen other sponsors will be involved in the 2001 Championships ranging from major ski industry suppliers to local Carrabassett Valley businesses.

Maine organizers are excited about the coming events and hard at work preparing for what has become North America�s largest Championship XC ski week.

"Sugarloaf's strong commitment to competitive cross-country skiing is evidenced by our rich history of highly successful national and regional events," said John Diller, Sugarloaf's Managing Director. "We are very proud to be hosting this prestigious event. The Sugarloaf staff is prepared to do everything possible to ensure that the 2001 National Masters Championships is a first class event."

The site of all race events will be Sugarloaf's nordic skiing facility based out of the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. The Outdoor Center offers the most extensive network of groomed trails in the eastern United States. Abundant snow, a comfortable lodge, gracious service, quality grooming and attention to detail, all contribute to the Outdoor Center�s reputation as a first rate nordic ski center. Sugarloaf has been host to several regional and national cross country ski events, including the New England Masters Championships in 1997, 1998, and 1999, the New England Junior II Championships in 1997 and 1998, the Eastern High School Championships in 1994 and 1997.

�We are thrilled with the opportunity to host the 2001 National Masters,� said Sue Foster, Event Director and manager of Sugarloaf�s Outdoor Center. �We are looking forward to a great week of racing and the chance to share our signature hospitality and great facility with skiers from around the country.�

The organizing committee will ensure that each competitor gets a taste of what Maine has to offer while they are at Sugarloaf, a golf and ski resort located in the Western Mountains of Maine. The week will include several parties, a traditional downeast lobster bake, and a night of entertainment from a Maine humorist. Competitors and their families may enjoy a variety of other winter activities and amenities offered by the resort, including youth programs and activities, downhill skiing, health club, turbo tubing, ice skating and more.

Spectators are welcome and can make their lodging arrangements by calling 1-800 THE LOAF. For more information on the AXCS 2001 Subaru National Master Cross Country Ski Championships or Sugarloaf please call (207) 237-6830 or visit the official AXCS and National Masters website at www.xcskiworld.com. For more information on the American Cross Country Skiers organization please visit the website or call (541) 317-0217.