January 25-26, 2025

Mayor's XC Ski Challenge

Midwest & Great Lakes Divisional Junior National Qualifier (CXC Junior Cup)

More information coming soon!

The Mayor’s XC Ski Challenge is a competitive ski race for skiers ages U12 to Senior level and is part of the Youth/Junior Cup event series in 2023, which is governed by Central Cross-Country Skiing (CXC). The Mayor’s XC Ski Challenge is the 2023 Midwest and Great Lake Division CXC Cup Finals. The event will also host Period 3 of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Super Tour competition. The races will be held on Saturday, February 18th, and Sunday, February 19th, at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, MN.

ATTENTION !!!  Please note that the Saturday event at the Mayor’s Challenge is NOT a Midwest Division qualifier race.  Only the Sunday event (Classic Mass Start)  is a Midwest Division qualifier race.  Both Saturday and Sunday events are Great Lakes Division qualifier races.

This event is a Super CXC Cup Event and will score results on the Midwest and Great Lakes Divisional Ranking List and the National Ranking List (NRL). This CXC Cup event is sanctioned by the U.S. Ski & Snowboard: current 2022-23 Cross Country General or Competitor U16+ membership required to enter a race. Only competitors with the Competitor U16+ membership will score points on the National Ranking List (NRL). Midwest and Great Lakes Divisional Ranking Lists are used for the Midwest and Great Lakes Junior National Team qualification.  Competitors with  FIS license will be scored on the FIS ranking list.

CXC Youth Cup

This CXC Youth Cup event will score results on the Midwest and Great Lakes Divisional Ranking List. No membership is required to participate. However, competitors with Youth General membership will be provided points and preferential race seeding based on points and ranking.

CXC Youth Cup Midwest and Great Lakes Divisional Ranking Lists are used for the Dream Camp qualification. The U14 skiers who finish in the top 5 on the Divisional Ranking List will earn a spot at Dream Camp.

Super Tour

The U.S. Ski and Snowboard SuperTour presented by the National Nordic Foundation is the highest level of competition in the United States. Top racers race head to head 19 times in a variety of disciplines at 7 different venues over the course of the season, with World Cup start spots and funding on  the  line.
Period 3 of the SuperTour competition will be held with a Freestyle Sprint and a 20km Classic Mass Start. Racers will then travel to Hayward for the 52km Slumberland American Birkebeiner Freestyle Mass Start.
A  Google Sheet with specific dates and events for the SuperTour can be found HERE.

CXC Adaptive Cup

To include more diverse racers and participants in the sport of cross-country skiing, CXC is hosting a race series where athletes with physical disabilities and visual impairments have the opportunity to ski with their peers.

The CXC Adaptive Cup is sanctioned and scored by Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC) and U.S. Ski & Snowboard and features a series of events in Minnesota and Michigan. Participating athletes (ages 20 and under) learn how to progress through the competitive skiing pipeline with the support of friends, families, clubs, and race organizers.

Adaptive categories:

1. Sit skier

2. Standing adaptive skier

3. Visually impaired (VI) skier

There is the option to specify the classification of the adaptive skier in the chosen category based on the International Paralympic Committee’s Paralympic classification system and time factors. Choosing the class will allow the athlete to receive a time factor on their final result time..

All standing and visually impaired skiers will be fully integrated into the main race field with non-adaptive athletes. Visually impaired athletes are allowed to ski with a guide in front of them and have the option of using a voice amplifier. Standing and VI athletes will be seeded based on FIS/U.S. Ski & Snowboard and/or Regional Ranking list. If the athlete does not yet have points, they will start at or near the back of the field. Keep in mind any standing or VI adaptive athlete can register for the race and choose not to register as an adaptive athlete if they wish not to receive a time factor.

Sit skiers will compete on a course designed specifically for them and start at their own specified time.

Results and awards will be provided for skiers in the three adaptive categories, separated into male and female divisions. In addition, standing and VI athlete results will also be integrated into the overall results.

Livestream and Key Info

Other Information

Venue Access / Spectators

Only racers and credentialed coaches, race staff, and volunteers are allowed in the start/finish area and on the course. Non-athletes are not permitted to ski, run, or walk on the course.

General Trailhead Use:

  • Building is open to the athletes and the public during the race event.
    • The Trailhead remains open to the public. Please be considerate of limited space.
  • Bags & Gear
    • Skiers SHOULD NOT STORE BAGS OR EQUIPMENT inside the Trailhead. Athletes can come in to warm up. All gear and equipment must go out with athletes and be stored in team areas in the Lower Stadium or Athlete Village.
  • Glitter
    • Glitter should be applied outside the Trailhead. We want everyone to look awesome on race day, but it gets everywhere and stays for a very long time. Please keep this in mind when gearing up for race days.
  • Bathrooms
    • There are limited bathroom facilities in the Trailhead.  Athletes are encouraged to use the outdoor porta potties in the parking lot and the stadium.
  •  CROCKPOTS/SMALL APPLIANCES ARE NOT ALLOWED at the Trailhead.
  •  Sack lunches, snacks and beverages must be stored and distributed in team areas in the Lower Stadium. Racers may then bring that food inside to eat as they warm up. This is the option we recommend to help keep your athletes well fueled for their races.
  • Food from outside restaurants, if using, must be delivered, stored and distributed outside to a team. Racers may then bring that food inside to eat as they warm up.
  • Mill Valley Market, our concessionaire at the Trailhead, will be open during race days but will have limited ability to serve everyone during the short breaks throughout a race day.

Registration for CXC Adaptive, Youth and Junior Cup events is available at the CXC website.

* Registration closes Tuesday before the race at 10:00 pm.

For questions about the CXC Adaptive/Youth/Junior cup, please contact CXC at info@cxcskiing.org or call (608) 294-0433. For questions about the CCSA, please contact please contact Amy Cichanowski at amycich@gmail.com.

In accordance with U.S. Ski and Snowboard sanctioning requirements, all (U16 and over) must have a current U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership to enter and compete.

Timing chip: By registering, you agree that if you fail to return your timing transponder after the race to an appropriate race official, you will pay a fee of $75 to replace the transponder.

Registration Fee Refund Policy: the organizers will honor the policy of full refund if an event is canceled more than 2 weeks in advance, and no refund if canceled less than 2 weeks in advance. Registration and transaction fees are non-refundable, including in the event of delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of an event or program.  An event or program registration is not transferable to another person or another event for any reason, including injury. Participating under another person’s name will result in disqualification.

Registration and transaction fees are non-refundable, including in the event of delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of an event or program. An event or program registration is not transferable to another person or another event for any reason, including injury. Participating under another person's name will result in disqualification.

A Note About the Data We Collect

Proceeds from the Mayor's Challenge benefit the Loppet Foundation. Learn more about the Foundation's mission, vision, and values.

Required licenses:

Super Tour:   A valid U.S. Ski & Snowboard General and FIS license is required to participate.

CCSA:  A valid U.S. Ski & Snowboard General or Competitor Membership is required to participate.

Junior (U16-U20): CXC Junior Cup. A valid U.S. Ski & Snowboard General or Competitor Membership is required to participate.

Youth:  (12 – U14):  No membership is required to participate. However, competitors with Youth General membership will be provided points and preferential race seeding based on points and ranking.

Adaptive:  

Ages 7 -13:  No membership is required. 

Ages 14 and older: A valid U.S. Ski & Snowboard General Membership or  Cross Country Adaptive Competitor Membership  is required .For preferential race seeding and to earn U.S. Ski and Snowboard NRL ranking points, a Cross Country Adaptive Competitor Membership is required.

Age classes:

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Age Classifications

CategoryAgeYear of Birth
Senior20 – 391983 – 2002
U2018 – 192003 – 2004
U1816 – 172005 – 2006
U1614 – 152007 – 2008
U1412 – 132011 – 2012
U12 10 – 112011 – 2012

FIS Age Classes

FIS Class                        Age

FIS Junior                      Up to 19 years on December 31 of the current competition season

FIS Senior                     All competitors over the age limit for Juniors

Volunteers are needed in a number of areas! Sign up today.

Contact volunteer@loppet.org for more information.

Schedule & Start Lists

See the schedule HERE.

This is a preliminary schedule and is subject to change. Detailed schedule coming soon. All times are approximate and are subject to final registration numbers.

Entry & Start Lists

The official entry list will be available Friday evening the week of the event. Athletes are responsible for ensuring they have been registered for the proper event and that all their information is accurate. Start lists will be posted when available from Superior Timing:

DayRaceCourse LengthLapsCourse Map
Saturday 2/18Mens & Womens Sprint1300m11.3km Green Course
Youth Sprint800m1800m Course
Sunday 2/19Mens & Womens 20km3.75km53.75km Black
Mens & Womens 10km3.3km33.3km Red
Mens & Womens 5km2.5km22.5km Blue

Sprint Start Map

Mass Start Map

Bib pickup will be at the venue near the start area on the morning of each race.

Rules

This race is governed by the International Ski Federation (FIS) Rules as well as the US Ski & Snowboard rules.

Seeding

U.S. Ski & Snowboard license holders will be seeded per their rankings. All athletes are required to have a FIS license, U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership or CXC competitor membership.

Fluorocarbon Ban

All events are restricted to non-fluorinated glide waxes. Randomized testing will be conducted – primarily in the start pen – and all athletes will be subject to a mandatory ski check pre-race. All competitors will be required to report to Ski Control in the start pen prior to their start at selected events.

Classic Pole Length

Per FIS rules (ICR 343.8.2), race officials will be enforcing the 83% classic pole length rule. Please ensure that you arrive at the start corral with sufficient time prior to the start time. For your reference, the athlete’s height will be measured with the race boots on and to the top of the uncovered head.

Diagonal Technique Zones

The Organizing Committee is informing all competitors that, per FIS ICR 310.2.1, “the jury may ban or enforce the use of specific techniques on marked sections of the course.” The Jury has decided to use zones where only Diagonal Technique (including Herringbone with NO glide phase) with diagonal movement of both arms and legs are allowed. In Diagonal Technique when only one pole is in the ground at any time. ALL other techniques are not allowed. Course controllers will be present to enforce the technique rule.

The Loppet Foundation and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard work to provide a safe environment in which
athletes can train and compete, free from abuse and inappropriate behavior. All participants agree
that they are bound by the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Athlete Safety
Policy https://www.usskiandsnowboard.org/safesport-athlete-safety/athlete-safety-policies-
guidelines
, and the MAAPP. Please review U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Athlete Safety policies, the
SafeSport Code, and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies.


All adult participants are mandatory reporters. Reporting violations may be made anonymously and
there are no fees for reporting. We all are part of promoting a culture of safety through education,
listening, and speaking up.


Reporting procedures
Procedures for reporting concerns involving alleged violations of the MAAPP, the SafeSport Code,
or the Athlete Safety Policy:
a. For concerns that are non-sexual in nature, use the U.S. Ski & Snowboard File a Report –
Other Misconduct form available on its website.
b. For concerns regarding sexual misconduct, report to the U.S. Center for SafeSport and the
authorities if a minor is involved.


If you are an athlete who has experienced inappropriate behavior or know of an athlete who has
experienced inappropriate behavior, please report to the U.S. Center of SafeSport
HERE or U.S. Ski & Snowboard HERE.
To post from your smartphone at the event, use the following QR Code:

Parking for athletes, coaches, and families will be at the Mortenson parking lots (700 Meadow Lane and 4100 Olson Memorial Highway, Golden Valley, MN 55422).

Space for teams and ski equipment suppliers will be made available at no charge throughout the event beginning at 8:00 A.M. Friday, February 17. Two waxing location options are available as detailed below. Teams may register for either, both, or none of the options below:

North Trailhead Parking Lot

The North Parking Lot adjacent to the Trailhead building will be reserved and set up as an Athlete’s Village. This space is adjacent to the start/finish stadium. Space will be available for teams to set up tents, small trucks, or trailers as needed (within space limitations). Teams must supply their own tables, extensions cords, and any other needed supplies. Adequate electricity for waxing will be available in this area. Portable heaters (supplied by teams) may be used in trailers, but use may be limited by the Loppet based on total power needs and capacity. North Parking Lot space will be available by advanced reservation only. See registration information below.

On-Snow Outdoor Wax Stations

We will again have outdoor space available on the south and west sides of the start/finish stadium. Space will be available for teams to set up tents as desired. Electrical service will be provided for up to 10 stations on a first come, first served basis. Teams must supply their own tables, tents, extension cords and any other needed supplies. If you plan to set up on the snow in the stadium, please register as noted below.

Branded Tents and Feather Flags

Ski teams are welcome to have branded tents and flags at their assigned waxing stations as part of their complimentary waxing space.

Ski race suppliers, ski shops, and waxing support services are welcome to have branded tents and flags at their assigned waxing stations as part of their Loppet sponsorship. Please contact Abby Delaney delaney@cityoflakesloppet.com regarding your sponsorship.

Ski race suppliers, ski shops, and waxing support services choosing not to be sponsors are welcome to assigned waxing space at no charge. We respectfully request you do not display branded tent or flags. Thank you for your cooperation.

Register for Wax Station Space by February 1

To allow us to prepare and plan for an orderly and efficient athlete village layout, it is imperative that each team, business, or organization who will need space register at the following link. Please register for waxing space as soon as possible, but no later than February 1, 2023.

Click Here to register your team/business/organization for waxing space.

Actual space assignments will be made by the Loppet and will be communicated to teams prior to the event.

Contact John Daniels at daniels.j55@gmail.com or 612-702-1798 with any questions or to arrange for any special needs.

Race Director: Mike Bono, mbono2411@gmail.com

Chief of Competition: Doug DeBold, ddebold56@gmail.com

US Ski and Snowboard Technical Delegate: Gary Larson

US Ski and Snowboard Assistant TD: Ben Nemeth

Online Registration Questions:  CXC (info@cxcskiing.org ) or (608) 294-0433

The Loppet Foundation
1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
info@loppet.org
612-604-5330

Sponsorship:
sponsorship@loppet.org