With the „yes“ of the 16 member races to the question whether or not to also allow smaller long distance races to be included in the Worldloppet Ski Federation as associated members (no voting right), the Vasaloppet China is now one step closer to finally becoming a member of the international federation of long distance skiing.
The Worldloppet members decided during their Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Cable, Wisconsin (USA) with the American Birkebeiner as host this June, that they are open for adding new races to the prestigeous „club“ of long distance races. This will also be the case even though these races might not fulfill the minimum requirements for becoming a full member (including voting rights at the AGM). As so called „associated members“, the races will then be able to learn from the best long distance races in the world at the same time as sharing their own special knowledge with everyone and might be able to become full members over time.
As a relatively new and still small race, the Vasaloppet China has already asked the Worldloppet Ski Federation to be included in this ilustrous circle one year ago, but with the decision taken by the AGM this spring, the Vasaloppet China is one step closer to achieve its dream!
Other races, which will also be visited now by an official Worldloppet delegate for inspection of the race, are the Merino Muster (NZE), the Marcha Blanca (ARG) and the Fossavatn Ski Marathon (ISL)
“It’s really good news. Becoming a member of Worldloppet will increase the popularity of our competition and attract more ski enthusiasts from all over the world to join the Vasaloppet China in Changchun. Also, it will spark local residents’ interest in skiing, promoting this healthy activity, and increase Changchun’s popularity in the international scene,” said Gavert Waag, chairman of Nordicways Vasa.
Changchun’s Jingyue Development Zone Board Committee Director Guan Shusen is extremely satisfied cooperating with the Vasa Nordic Ways Corporation, the organiser of the Vasaloppet China, in the past. “This is the pride of Changchun, as well as the remarkable achievement of hosting skiing competitions throughout the years with Vasa Nordic Ways Corporation. We strive to improve this big skiing event so that it is held in the highest international standard!”
Bjorn Lind, the Olympic skiing champion in 2006, also congratulates Nordicways Vasa. “It’s fantastic. It’s a great opportunity for Vasaloppet China. I think that more skiing fans will join the race now.”
The Worldloppet Ski Federation is a federation of long distance cross-country skiing events whose aim is to promote cross-country skiing. The federation was founded in 1978 in Uppsala, Sweden.
