September 19, 2008 (Hayward, WI) – Central Cross Country Ski Association launches a program to support retailers in the Midwest. Elite level athletes and coaches to help in the selection of properly fit equipment to promote the enjoyment of all aspects of cross country skiing at all levels, from novice to hard core racers. This past weekend began for the CXC Elite Team and staff with educational seminars presented by CXC equipment sponsors Salomon and One Way covering the industries latest additions and technologies. CXC Elite Athletes then worked three hour shifts throughout the weekend at key Nordic retailers Finn Sisu, Gear West and Hoigaard’s.

Jan Guenther, Gear West store owner complimented CXC. “We really appreciated having the CXC Elite Team skiers, Andy Gerlach and Bryan Fish at the store for our yearly Ski Sale. Their presence the entire weekend- Fri eve, Sat and Sunday-really added to the festivity. Both Johanna Winters and Garrott Kuzzy mingled with the customers and jumped right into a hectic sales situation. We really appreciated the extra help and the willingness of the Elite skiers to give it their all on the sales floor”.

Tom Novak, Finn Sisu Store Manager commented, “We’ve been doing our ‘Blue Awning Sale’ for three years, and this has been our best. This year we were able to compliment our staff with CXC Elite Team athletes to provide additional sales help and expertise. Our customer’s satisfaction showed at the cash register and with many thanks for all the great help.”

“Thanks for sending members of the CXC Elite Team to help at Hoigaard’s 41st Annual Tent Sale. They were great working with customers and are a credit to both the CXC Elite Team and to CXC sponsors especially Salomon and One Way. It was a pleasure to have Yuriy Gusev and Bryan Fish here as well. We will be cheering for the team during the upcoming race season” – Andy Turnbull, Hoigaard’s Operations Manager.

The next stop for the CXC Elite Team athletes will be in southern Wisconsin at Fontana Sports on the west side of the Madison, WI on November 1-2 and Bicycle Doctor in Dousman, WI on November 8-9.

“Fontana Sports is pleased to team up with Yuri Gusev, Salomon and CXC Elite Team athletes to show our continued support for Nordic skiing, one of the most exciting and beneficial sports”, commented John B. Hutchinson, president of Fontana Sports. “People of all ages and abilities, from racers to novice are invited to view new equipment for 2009 as well as great blow out deals on last year’s products. We will also have specials on poles, waxes and Nordic accessories on the weekend of November 1st and 2nd at our West location, 7948 Tree Lane, Madison. We are a local shop and have supported the MadNorSki club since it’s inception. Please visit us to
see what we have in store for 2009.”

Local skiers will have an opportunity to have their skis selected using the Salomon 3D Ski Flex Mat, exclusively provided to Fontana Sports and Bicycle Doctor for these weekends.