September 25, 2011 (St. Paul & Minneapolis, Minnesota) – The SISU Foundation (SISU), in partnership with the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation (COLNSF), today announced a new urban ski event: the Tour de Twin Cities (TdTC). Starting Jan. 21, 2012 and running for nine days, the Twin Cities will be host to the United States’ top elite racers, in addition to regional college athletes, aspiring Midwestern juniors hoping to qualify for Junior National races, local citizen racers and developing youth skiers.

The event also will provide opportunities for beginners and novice ski enthusiasts who prefer a slower pace and simply want to get outside and enjoying the sport of cross country skiing. “By joining forces with the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation, we’re able to bring a metro-wide event that has something for skiers of all levels,” said Ben Popp, Executive Director of the SISU Foundation.

“Our goal for this event is to showcase the best racers, inspire developing youth, and provide opportunity for the community at large to get out, be active and enjoy Minnesota’s winter.” The TdTC begins Jan 21st at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis for two days of individual start racing. A mid week, night sprint race on Wednesday January 25th also will be hosted at Wirth Park. The TdTC will then move east to Battle Creek Park in St. Paul where racing will continue with a mass start classic race on Saturday Jan 28th.

The week’s events will culminate with a pursuit start freestyle event on January 29th to crown the winners of the various events. Racers will be vying for more than $16,000 in prizes. Community tours and family events will be spread throughout the week. “The Twin Cities is arguably the greatest cross country ski community in the world. The Tour de Twin Cities represents a long overdue union between the St. Paul and Minneapolis area ski communities,” says John Munger, Executive Director of CoLNSF. “We can’t wait!”

For additional information including event schedules and registration for the TdTC click HERE.

About Sisu Foundation
Based in St. Paul, Minn., the Sisu Foundation is dedicated to the development, support and promotion of Nordic Skiing and other outdoor silent sports. Through coaching, events, sponsorship and support, Sisu provides participants of all levels with the opportunity to grow and succeed. To learn more about the Sisu Foundation, visit HERE, or call 651.964.8442.

About City of Lakes Loppet Foundation
The City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation is a 501c(3)non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and support cross country skiing in the Minneapolis area – especially among inner-city youth. The Foundation has three focus areas: youth programming, events and trails.