November 26, 2003 – On the eve of the first Haywood NorAm Canada Cup competition of the 2003-04 campaign, Madshus Skis has announced its continued investment in developing the nation's young male and female cross-country skiers into world-leading sprint athletes.

Madshus announced on Wednesday the company  will stage the Madshus Sprint Series for a fourth-consecutive season in  conjunction with NorAm Canada Cup events this winter.

Originally designed to encourage and promote Canadian cross-country skiers as sprint  specialists, this year's Madshus Sprint Series will once again take place during the four Canadian events on the nation's premier developmental cross-country skiing series, which begins on Thursday at Sovereign Lake  Nordic Club on Silver Star Mountain near Vernon, B.C. The fifth event, the Madshus Sprint Final, will take place at the Canadian Cross-Country Ski Championships in Charlo, N.B., March 13-21, 2004.

“This partnership demonstrates Madshus' strong commitment to cross-country ski racing in this country as we prepare athletes for the next Winter Olympics,” said Reece Rendall, brand manager, Madshus Skis, whose organization is also a sponsor of Beckie Scott. “Sprint racing has become an exciting new edition to our sport and Canada has one of the strongest sprinters in the world. We are excited to  be playing a small role in the continued development of more Beckie Scott's in Canada.”

Madshus has committed more than $4,000 for the five events throughout the season. The fastest male and female athletes will receive $100 cash at each event. An additional $1,600 will be distributed to the top five male and female athletes at the Madshus Sprint Final during the national championships, and $1,200 more dollars will be given to the top three men and women at the completion of the annual series. The top-20 athletes at each event will receive points towards their ranking, a skiers best three of four results will determine the overall winners.

Haywood Securities, who recently  announced its title sponsorship of the NorAm Canada Cup in Vancouver, has  supported Cross Country Canada since 2001, and have been instrumental in  developing Canada's cross-country ski athletes including Olympic silver medalist Beckie Scott of Vermilion, Alta. and Sara Renner of Canmore, Alta.

The 2003-04 Haywood NorAm Canada Cup series will open at Sovereign  Lake Nordic Club near Vernon, B.C., November 27-30, 2003. The Madshus  Sprint Series will also pay visits to Calgary and Kelowna before traveling east after the holiday season to Mont Orford near Magog, Que. The Madshus  Sprint Final will take place in Charlo, N.B. on March 19, 2004.