FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
612-991-4912
December 19, 2010
China Vasaloppet
Vasaloppet China Nordic Ways brought the tradition of Vasaloppet to China in 2003 and the city of Changchun will host the 9th Vasaloppet China on Jan 2, 2011. As from the first ever Vasaloppet China in 2003; a new tradition in China was born. 11600 skiers took part in the event in 2006, 16200 in 2007 and by 2008 the number of participants had risen to 22206! Vasaloppet China is a 50 km cross country ski race, open for everyone. The Blueberry Vasa for those who want to take it a bit easier is 16.7 km. For the beginner, there is Vasa Fun Ski of 2 or 4 km. Try cross country skiing in a relaxed and fun way. There is no problem if you don't have your own skis; equipment rental is included when you sign up for the Fun Ski!
Minnesotan's history in China Vasaloppet: At the China Vasaloppet 2003 inaugural event, nine (9) Minnesotan represented "Team USA" when only about 200+ skiers around the world participated in the 36Km race event, China Vasaloppet had grew into an event of 22,000+ skiers events (50Km/25Km and Tour de Ski China) in the past 9 years. Since 2003, USA/MN Mora Vasaloppet formed its formal Vasaloppet International Exchange relationship with China Vasaloppet and the other two Vasaloppet countries in the world, Sweden Mora Vasa and Japanese Vasa.
We are organizing another Team USA to participate in the 2012 China Vasaloppet at its 10th anniversary. For those who are interested in this event, please contact Amy Xu at 612-991-4912.
Here is a photo slide show (made back in 2003) of the 9-Minnesotan "Team USA" who participated in the inaugural China Vasaloppet back in 2003. Chad Giese from Mora, MN claimed the podium spot by beating one of the five Sweden Mora Vasaloppet champions, while Karen Roesler, Mary Beth O'Connell, Ahvo Taipale, John Garrett, Coleen Graham, Ruby Dasgupta, Paul Dasgupta and Amy Xu skied and witnessed the first ever International cross country ski marathon event in China.