Your spectator’s guide Here’s what to watch out for CROSS-COUNTRY ski racing may be one of the world’s most demanding sports. Few others require such a high degree of physical fitness combin- ed with exacting technical exper- tise. Add to this the variability of weather conditions and constantly changing course terrain, and you’ve got a sport that requires amazing athletic ability. The following guidelines will help to make your viewing of the nationals more enjoyable, interest- ing and most of all, fun. 1. Dress warmly, for the condi- tions of the day. January on Hollyburn Ridge can range from crisp, clear, sub- zero temperatures to just above freezing with blowing wet snow. Wear lots of layers, a toque, warm boots, mitts, and maybe even bring waterproof gear. Yow ll be watching out of doors, alongside the race course. As you’re all bundled up, cosy and warm, you'll be amazed to see the racers wearing only thin lycra body suits. 2, Expect to see Canada’s best. The racers are all exceptional athletes, aiming to achieve per- sonal-best performances. Results at the nationals will determine who represents Canada at this year’s World Cup races and the 1991 World Championships in Va di Femme, Italy. 3. Learn something abcut the sport. Cross-country skis are much thinner than downhill cr alpine skis. Each ski is equipped with a binding that secures the skier’s toe to the ski, but allows the heel to move freely. Cross-country skis also have a slight chamber, or arch built into them. This chamber distributes the athlete’s weight along the length of the ski. To improve a ski’s glide along the snow a thin layer of wax is applied to the ski’s base. Depen- ding upon snow conditions, air temperatures and ski technique, a variety of different waxes are used to prepare the bases. By Jennifer Stoddart Contributing Writer There are two distinct’ skiing techniques: classic or diagonal Stride, and free iechnique or skating. In classic technique the opposite arm and leg move together, as in walking on floor. The skiers ‘‘kick and glide’ along machine-set tracks. Waxing is critical to classic skiers, as it is the wax applied to the area directly under the foot that enables the ski to “‘bite’’ anJ grip into the snow to allow the kick forward. Free technique or skating looks similar to speed skating but is done on 2 smooth, machine-pack- ed course. Skiers use shorter skis and longer poles than in classic. Skiers and coaches wax and prepare their skis right up to the last minute before start. A few degrees of temperature change necessitate a completely different wax on the ski’s base. The scram- ble before classical technique races is especially hectic. Expect both Sunday’s and Thursday night’s classic technique pre-race preparations to be the most interesting. 5. Check out the course maps and profiles. Different race days mean dif- ferent distances and skiing styles. Hollyburn is sure to test these athlete’s skills and endurance with a challenging mix of terrain, especially some long, tough climbs. Saturday's 50-km men’s event has hilis as steep as those in Upper Lonsdale, that run 700 m. long. And, to top it off, they have to ski up them seven times. On downhills, racers can hit speeds of more than 80 km/h. The stadium area lies at the foot of the hill known as ‘‘Powerline,”’ one of the steeper along the course. Expect to see racers scream down Powerline into the stadium oval — an ideal place to watch on any day, but especially on Tuesday night, Jan. 8 when the racers sweep down the longest leg of this steep incline. 6. Move around the course. The stadium provides spectators with the most activity to watch. The start and finish area are located here as well as the an- nouncer, awards podium, waxing tents, results board, and media and VIP centres. But don’t be afraid to move out along the trails to get a closer viewing spot. Just make sure to follow the signs, stay wel! to the side of open trails and respect areas marked ‘‘Closed’’ or “Out of Bounds.”’ Worth watching, out on the course, is the interaction between coaches and racers. Or maybe position yourself at the side of an Whether a beginner or a seasoned veteran, you'll find some of the best Wednesday, January 2, 1991 ~- North Shore News - 24 uphill climb, or near a water station. To fully appreciate the high degree of skills and physical conditioning these athletes possess, watch from several van- tage points. 7. Enjoy yourself. Make a full day of watching races. Plan to ski after the races are completed and check out for yourself how truly grueling the courses are. On Sunday, Jan. 6, a variety of ski equipment representatives will be on hand with samples of their equipment and products to look at and test. Make sure to visit the Ski Carnival tent located in the stadium area. Also on Sunday, Jan. 6, a special fun event for the kids is planned. Immediately following the morning’s races, Campbell’s kids fun race is scheduled. Spon- a sored by Campbell’s Soup, this is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Kids will ski a mini loop within the stadium and have a chance to win a prize supplied by Campbell’s. The event is free to enter, but all participants need to purchase a regular Hollyburn day pass. 8. Learn more. Perhaps watching the racers has whet your appetite to learn to cross-country ski or improve your own technique. Maybe you've always enjoyed classic skiing but the skating you’ve watched this past week has really got you motivated to try to “stride and glide.”’ Hollyburn Ridge offers a wide range of ski school lesson oppor- tunities, for all ages and abilities. Check them out while up at the races or give them a call at 922- 0825. cross country skiing right here... at the 108 Resort! sERFORMANCE. Coast Mountain. The one stop _- for state-of-the-art outdoor wear. _' From casual cottons to technical .outerwear. Whether you're out for a weekend walk, skiing on Logan , or trekking in Nepal. We Perform. * 200 km machine groomed trail network * 4 km night-lit track* * equipment rentals * ski lessons * * waxing clinics * * horsedrawn sleighrides * * saunas and whirlpcol * * lounge * restauray * a Tree “C97 CROSS COUNTRY “KITSILANO 721-6181 1828 West 4th Avenue BURNABY 435-1383 4603 Kingsway 108 Resort C-2, R.R. #1, 108 Ranch 100 Mile House, B.C. VOK 2E0— Phone: (604) 791-5211 Reservations: i-800-452-5233 : AMD CLOTHING [MOUNTAIN