March 01, 2011 (Bend, OR) – The XC Oregon elite development program based in Bend, Oregon has officially opened new funded level athlete applications for the 2011/2012 ski season. Complete information on the very simple XC Oregon application process is now available by visiting www.xcoregon.org.

Based on current budget projections and likely retirements by several top athletes, XC Oregon anticipates having the financial resources to support 2-4 new “funded” level athletes interested in racing full 2011/12 regional/national/international schedules. XC Oregon also continues to welcome an unlimited number of “associate” athletes to apply at any time with less stringent racing qualifications and expectations than the funded level. Per the program’s tradition, XC Oregon does not charge fees to any roster athlete for team membership.

Specific financial support for interested athletes is highly individual and often has incentives built-in for new athletes with high level credentials. We are very happy to discuss specifics with athletes as they work through the application process.

The first round of 2011/12 new athlete applications will be accepted until April 15, 2011. Athletes meeting that initial deadline will have preferred status for early funding allocations. After April 15 XC Oregon will continue accepting new athletes throughout the year on a case-by-case basis.

Founded in 1998, XC Oregon is North America’s longest-running elite development club with the same leadership and organizational design since inception. A 501c3 non-profit organization, XC Oregon is supported by several Oregon-based corporations and by generous Friends of XC Oregon patrons from around the ski world. Past and present XC Oregon athletes over the past 13 years include U.S. Olympians, World Championship Team members, World Cup skiers, National Champions, SuperTour Champions, World Loppet Champions, ASM Series Winners — and more. Our program has also proudly produced over two dozen alumni ski coaches.

Current program athletes live throughout the state of Oregon, with residency for a significant portion of the year in the state being one of the few requirements of the program. Coaching and program management is provided by program founder J.D. Downing on a year-round basis. Training and racing annually involves a mixture of individual and group training/travel — with the program adapting each year to fit the needs of our current roster. Year after year, XC Oregon continues to provide a proven support structure for independent and motivated young adult athletes that enjoy living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Although based in one general geographic location, the XC Oregon roster proudly features permanent and visiting athletes from around the globe. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for either roster membership or funding support.

XC Oregon also prides itself on having one of the widest age and ability ranges of any elite club. Whether a recent college graduate, a cross-over athlete from other endurance sports, a veteran athlete looking for a fresh start — over the years XC Oregon has welcomed athletes with incredibly diverse backgrounds.

After viewing the materials on www.xcoregon.org we encourage interested athletes to contact J.D. Downing with any questions you may have and to visit us in Bend sometime this spring as we once again enjoy the longest easy-access ski season in North America well into June.

Contact: J.D. Downing, Coach/Director XC Oregon jd@xcoregon.org