As anticipated, our racing calendar is, and needs to remain fluid – increased COVID case numbers and health care stress throughout New England reinforces NENSA’s paramount focus to protect the health of our membership and the communities we reside in.
While there will be undeniable disappointment with some decisions, we can all take solace in the creative programming available for the next month and a half — find motivation in cooling temps, a start of a snow-base, and the addition of regional on-snow racing! Cross country skiers are leaders – we must all be vigilant and do our part over the coming weeks “to abide” above our regional guidelines. We’ve laid down some brilliant plans and protocols, including the New England Cross Country Promise – now is the time to stay focussed on adherence to exemplary behavior – which includes a reduction in our personal travels. To steal a phrase from Killington Mountain, “Help us get Open, and stay Open.” We’re all in this together.
Eastern Cup & States Cups:
NENSA is committed to holding all of our events to the highest health standards, and Maine is currently under guidance to host events without cross-state participation. Quarry Road Trails and Sugarloaf will move forward with their scheduled races, December 20th (QR) and January 23-24th (Sugarloaf) — for residents of Maine only. These races will be rebranded as “Maine Cups” and scored to the Junior Ranking List. All registered out-of-state racers will be refunded entry fees in full. Due to this limit on attendance, both Quarry Road and Sugarloaf might be able to offer more opportunity for open registrants and masters. Registration for Sugarloaf will open in January.
In Vermont we will likely see limited shift in regulation until after the New Year. NENSA is working with Craftsbury and Prospect Mountain (our listed January events) and will update the status of these races as guidance comes from the state — potential postponement dates are likely to be announced.
Our February events are still scheduled as planned and we will continue to monitor regional regulations and update the community.
Eastern Mass Nordic is in the beginning stages of developing “State Cup” racing in Massachusetts.
NENSA is committed to providing race experiences for our developing skiers and we will focus on “State Cup” events and scoring those races to the Junior Ranking List. We are optimistic the end of the winter will allow for more opportunities and races similar to a typical Eastern Cup. We thank you all for your continued resilience and point you towards local opportunities including Popular Racing.
Popular Racing – Zak Cup / Club Cup / A Hall Mark of Excellence:
The Popular Race calendar and Zak / Club Cup scoring pages for 2020-2021 have been updated. While these events have typically been focussed on the masters population they now have added value to all levels of skiers in the pandemic climate — these scheduled races give “race start” opportunities and help promote the guidance of staying close to home. Some events will be offered that are only Virtual, some will be duel (in-person / Virtual), and some might be forced to become Virtual.
The December Club KM Challenge is off to a strong start – with Mansfield Nordic already logging 2000km since the beginning of the month. It’s not too late join in the fun and there is financial incentive this year to show the strength of your club with the – A Hall Mark of Excellence Award – offering $9000 of incentives for the three top Club Cup teams.
This weekend brings us the first Zak Cup race at the Quarry Road Trails – albeit limited to Maine residents.
Jackson XC is excited and planning to host the Jackson Jaunt on December 27th — this could be an excellent opportunity for juniors who were planning to attend the Quarry Road Eastern Cup. As with all races – please register early – it is so important to the organizers to be able to plan and provide for safe events!
Bob Haydock has created an elaborate and well-vetted Virtual version of the iconic Bogburn Classic. This race gives all of our masters and club participants an opportunity to compete and engage with their peers throughout the region and beyond. Stay tuned – registration is slated to open on the 21st.
The Popular Race schedule has robust offerings into late January, February and March — you know we will keep you posted! In the meantime — enjoy the building snowpack in your backyard, your local touring centers, and as you head out for organized events — be safe and have fun!!