April 18, 2009 (Hayward, WI) – The Central Cross Country Ski Association is pleased to announce new addition of Lower Michigan Junior Development and Masters Program. Program will be led by Igor Badamshin and Yuriy Gusev. Igor (born 1966) is a former Soviet/Russia cross country ski racer who competed from 1989 to 1997. He won a bronze medal at the 1993 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun and earned his best individual finishes of 5th twice at the world championships (1989: 50 km, 1993: 30 km). Igor’s best individual finish at the Winter Olympics was 14th at the 50 km event in 1994.

Igor has a very extensive coaching career working with athletes from US Junior to International Elite while winning at every level; US Junior Olympics, World Cups, World Championships and Olympic Winter Games. Igor has been coaching at Gunstock Ski Association for the last 5 years and has been CXC High Performance Advisor for last 3 years. Many of his ideas were implemented in the CXC Elite Team training plan by Bryan Fish, CXC Elite Team head coach.

“It is a very big and important step for CXC to finally get across Lake Michigan and commit to extensive program for both, junior and master skiers. There is a lot of enthusiasm and energy in the Lower Michigan Nordic community and CXC is delighted to become a part of it. ” – commented Yuriy Gusev, CXC Executive & Athletic Director.

Program Goal
To create a clear pathway of junior athlete development that impacts athlete performance while maximizing training and at the same time provide Master skiers unique opportunity of professional elite coaching.

Program Vision
The vision is to identify talented junior cross country ski athletes on a continuing and consistent basis; provide high quality programs that positively impact performance; develop partnerships with athlete’s coach and club that will lead to increased success for the Great Lakes Junior Olympic Teams and use involvement of master skiers to offset cost for junior athletes.

Program is limited to 12 junior and 12 Masters skiers in order to provide good coach to athlete ratio and high quality sessions.

Register is available online at Active.com

Questions: Contact Yuriy Gusev, Executive & Athletic Director, Central Cross Country Ski Association

FAQ
What makes this program unique? This is the first program in the lower peninsula of Michigan to coach skiers through the entire training season up to race season. The focus is on both in-depth technical training as well as fitness development.

What’s the VO2 Testing?
Each athlete will complete a running test on a treadmill that will measure heart rate, oxygen levels, and CO2 levels. The result of the test will provide a record of baseline fitness and define individual training zones for you. Normally, this testing costs $150 extra, but is included as part of the program.

What kind of summer training apparel is included?
Every participant will receive official CXC Elite Team summer training apparel which includes Salomon tech shorts and t-shirt.

What is CXC Academy?
CXC Academy is an interactive on line based educational portal for cross country skiing. It is filled with educational, audio and video content available on demand from personal computers. All contents are contributed by experienced professionals with expertise in training, technique, exercise physiology, nutrition, sports psychology and other aspects of training. Material is designed for both novices entering the sport and accomplished skiers with an objective of improving race times. Athletes are encouraged to follow their individual curiosities and learn from some of the country’s leading experts.

What kind of discount do we get on what kind of equipment?
This discount pro form program (20% above WHSL) is available for those few 12 masters and 12 juniors participants as a “Thank you” from CXC sponsors. All equipment is custom selected and include Salomon skis, boots and bindings; One Way poles and roller skis; official CXC Elite Team training jacket and racing suit.