September 13, 2005 – Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the
American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, today announced that four businesses
have signed on as lead sponsors of the American Birkebiener cross-country
ski races and events slated Saturday, February 25, 2006, in Cable and
Hayward, Wisconsin.

Subaru of America, Inc. is sponsoring the American Birkebeiner 51 kilometer ski marathon, State Bank of Drummond and Cable Area Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the Kortelopet 23 kilometer ski race, and Johnson Bank is sponsoring the Prince Haakon 12 kilometer ski event.

Zuelsdorff said he is very pleased to have these businesses on board as key
partners supporting races, events and the region.

The 33rd annual Subaru American Birkebeiner:

. spans 51 kilometers from Cable to Hayward

. is North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon

. attracts 6,500 skiers and 15,000+ spectators

. is part of the Worldloppet circuit of 14 international ski marathons,
part of the International Ski Federation Marathon Cup series of 8 races, and
part of the American Ski Marathon series of 10 races.
State Bank of Drummond President Chris Iverson and Cable Area Chamber of
Commerce Executive Director Holly Henry said they look forward to 2006
sponsorship of the Kortelopet.

The Kortelopet:

. spans 23 kilometers from Cable Libby Parod Airport to Telemark Resort
in Cable

. attracts 2,500 skiers who want the challenge and excitement of a
shorter-distance race or recreational ski

. veers off at 9 kilometers on Bayfield County and Telemark trails to
finish as a race of its own at Telemark Resort.

Johnson Bank, a major sponsor of American Birkebeiner events as far back as
1978, once again takes a lead role by sponsoring the Prince Haakon ski
event.

The Prince Haakon:

. spans 12 kilometers from Mosquito Brook Road to Main Street in
Hayward

. attracts 200 first-time racers and skiers who feel they’re not ready
for the longer events

. is an open-track, non-competitive event.

Birkie 2006:

. is slated for Feb. 23-25, 2006

. attracts more than 9,000 skiers and 15,000 spectators

. features the 51 kilometer Subaru American Birkebeiner, 23 kilometer
State Bank of Drummond and Cable Area Chamber of Commerce Kortelopet, 12
kilometer Johnson Bank Prince Haakon, Salomon Elite Sprints, Hayward Chamber
of Commerce Citizen Sprints, Century Tel Junior Birkie, Cheqtel
Communications 10K, and the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie

. includes a Ski Expo, opening and closing ceremonies, and festivities
for the whole family at Telemark Resort in Cable and on Main Street in
Hayward.