March 30, 2012 (Germany) – Since the initial edition in 1980, there have been a total of 32 Masters World Cups and only four of those have taken place in Germany – 1986 in Hirschau, Oberpfalz; 1994 in Finsterau; 2003 in Hirschau; and this March in Oberwiesenthal, Saxony.

The well known organizer, WSC Erzgebirge Oberwiesenthal, had prepared a warm welcome for the 1,103 participants from 25 nations and relied on the help of 150 competent and friendly volunteers for all the organization aspects. The snow secured Erzgebirge provided great trials in Fichtelberg at the altitude of 1,120 metres.

The event also relied on the experience of René Sommerfeld, former overall World Cup champion, who served as the event’s patron. The most participants hailed from Germany (294), followed by Russia (194) and France (63). The competitors had the choice of three individual competitions in age groups over 5, 10, 15, 30 and 45km in classical or free technique and a relay over 4x5km, in which only one relay team per nation was allowed. The oldest participant was born in 1920 and represented Russia!

The weather gods cooperated until the 5th competition day offering sunny conditions but on the sixth day, the competitors were challenged by snowfall and wind. The sun and blue skies returned for the final day of racing.

A few athletes are worth a special mention since they returned home with three gold medals. They are:

Ruth Svensson (SWE), Regina Lingl, Barbara Häsch (GER), Sirpa Paakkonen (FIN), Catherine Wullschleger, Alfred Bürgler (SUI), Karin Laine (EST), Dimitrii Shestopalov, Aleksandr Pushkarev, Anatoly Churakov (RUS), Gianpaolo Englaro, Guido Masiero (ITA), Hagen Finn Magnar (NOR).

Full results HERE.

The overall medal tally was won by Russia (54 gold, 48 silver, 46 bronze) ahead of Germany (23/33/30) and Finland (18/16/10).

The great success of the entire event also depended on the great infrastructure, especially in the tennis hall that had become the event center. This is where the official opening ceremony, the prize giving ceremonies and the closing ceremony all took place. A great thanks for their great efforts are due to the organizer for a job well done!

The Cross-Country Skiing Masters will again come together in 2013, this time in Asiago, Italy, where the event is scheduled from 16th-22nd February and in 2014 in Pillersee, Austria.

Contributed by Elisabeth Heckmann