November 24, 2003 – As stated in the original release of the criteria, a final decision on the sprint selection criteria for the U23 Criterium would be determined once more information became available on the format of races in these trips. In the interim it was also felt to be important to adjust the method of selecting sprinters for the OPA tour. Accordingly the following criteria will be used to select sprinters for these trips:

1) Events. Continental Cup races in Mid Europe. Athletes could have a World Cup race opportunity if they are World Cup eligible and Canada gets a quota increase through the NorAm Canada Cup series.

2) Team Size. Maximum of six athletes, with a minimum of two from each gender (provided that the CCC standard is met).

3) Dates

a) Approximately mid February through early March. The main part of the trip will depart after the World Under 23 Criterium, with final trip selection taking place at that time.

b) As both sprint and distance athletes need to be accommodated, this trip will be somewhat elastic to respond to appropriate competition calendars. As well, there could be some opportunity to compete in World Cup races (see above). In the event that there is a World Cup eligible athlete who is not attending the World Under 23 Criterium and there is room within Canada's World Cup quota to accommodate athletes beyond those already on World Cup #2, the athlete could be pre-selected and would depart for Europe early to permit him/her to compete in World Cup races (i.e. Obertsdorf, February 13-15).

4) Selection. Selection will be made as follows:

a) The balance between sprint and distance athletes will be decided by the NSTC.

b) Sprint. For sprint selection, a ranking list will be produced using an athlete's best two sprint results from NorAm Canada Cup races up to and including Mont Orford.

c) Distance. As per the senior distance selection ranking list (see 5.0 3)).

d) Athletes placing in the top 15 at the World Under 23 Criterium will be selected and could displace an athlete from the ranking list should the maximum team size be exceeded.

e) Athletes must meet the CCC standard (see section 4.0).

f) A World Cup eligible athlete who cannot compete in a World Cup due to quota restrictions will have priority.

g) An athlete finishing in the top ten at the WJC could be added to this trip, but would not replace another selected athlete. Budget could be considered in making this decision.

5) Itinerary. Athletes should be prepared to return directly to the Canadian Championships. Generally all trips will start and end in Calgary. Adjustments to this should be made known well in advance. Athletes selected from the Under 23 team should be prepared to depart from Salt Lake City.

Contact Dave Wood dowood@canada.com or Mike Cavaliere mikecav@canada.com for details

Under 23 Criterium

1) Event. 2004 World Under 23 Criterium, to be held on the Olympic race courses at Soldier Hollow Nordic Centre, Utah, USA.

2) Team Size. Up to five men and four women.

3) Dates. Preparation: January 24 – February 16, 2004. Event: February 12-15, 2004.

4) Selection. Selection will be made as follows:

a) Trial Events

–  Sprint – For sprint selection, a ranking list will be produced using an athlete's best two sprint results from NorAm Canada Cup races up to and including Mont Orford.

–  Distance – as per the senior distance ranking list (see 5.0 4)).

b) Athletes must be born in 1981 or later.

c) Athletes must meet the CCC standard (see section 4.0).

d) Devon Kershaw and Drew Goldsack are pre-selected for sprint and distance races.

e) The additional spots on the team will be filled with sprint and/or distance athletes. The balance of sprint and distance skiers will be decided by the Selection Committee, with reference to the recommendations of the NST coaches. This balance will be decided considering all relevant objective information. The intent is to field the team that will produce the strongest results.

f) An athlete finishing in the top ten at the WJC could be added to this trip, but would not replace another athlete already selected. Budget and the senior trip ranking list used for the World Under 23 Criterium selections could also be considered in this decision.

5) Itinerary. This trip will involve an acclimatization/training period in Canmore and Sun Valley. Athletes qualifying for and accepting this trip must understand that the preparation period is mandatory. This period will begin on January 24, 2004.

Contact Dave Wood dowood@canada.com or Mike Cavaliere mikecav@canada.com for details