May 19, 2010 – Cross Country Canada (“CCC”) has now had an opportunity to review the “Preliminary Report Draft” of the “FIS Tour de Ski & World Cup Opportunities Feasibility Study” (the “Study”) commissioned by the Government of Alberta with assistance from the Government of British Columbia and produced by Lumina Consulting.

CCC thanks all parties that participated in and contributed to the Study, which demonstrated that major events such as World Cups are not possible without the cooperation of many interested parties.

CCC is cognizant of the many diverse benefits that may accrue to the ski community and other parties through the hosting of international events and is committed to a strategic objective of enhancing event hosting capacity. Regular use of legacy facilities is recognized as a key component of enhancing hosting capacity, CCC’s consideration of the merits of hosting a FIS Tour de Ski has always been based on the assumption that CCC will continue to host regular World Cups approximately every other year, in accordance with the Calendar Planning Principle. CCC remains committed to hosting regular World Cups, consistent with its strategic objectives.

While the FIS Tour de Ski concept has potential benefits, CCC believes that those benefits are offset by significant risks. In particular, CCC notes that:
— CCC event hosting objectives including facility. volunteer/officials, corporate and promotional development would only be partially met through the proposed “Hub” concept;
— marketing principles internationally and domestically remain in a state of transition and significant work needs to be done to ensure that the objectives of key stakeholders are aligned;
— success of the concept would rely on receiving commitments for an unprecedented level of private sponsorship which remains highly uncertain at this time; costs and revenue projections remain highly subjective estimates and have yet to be fully scrutinized and tested through more detailed business, budget and event planning; and
— the relatively short timeline for preparation (especially when balanced with the previously scheduled World Cup in December 2012) creates additional challenges.

Based on a careful balancing of benefits and risks, CCC confirms that it is not in a position to take on the FlS Tour de Ski in February 2012.

Again, CCC would like 10 thank all participants in the Study and hopes that the momentum of this process, and the energy of a]1 participants, may be directed immediately toward ensuring the success of the December 2012 World Cup events.