February 20, 2013 (Bend, OR) – The XC Oregon Elite Development Team has opened applications for new additions to our funded roster for the 2013/14 ski year. On the heels of a highly-successful fundraising campaign, beginning Spring/Summer 2013 XC Oregon is looking to add several new funded-level athletes with sights set on elite competition ranging from the domestic elite calendar, World Cup/Olympic pipeline events, European Cups, Worldloppet races, and/or other major marathons worldwide.

One of the longest-running elite development club programs in North America, next year XC Oregon enters our 16th year. During the past 15 years XC Oregon has produced Olympians, National Champions, World Cup qualifiers, Super Tour winners and athletes who have been on the podium in almost every major event in the U.S. We pride ourselves on offering an athlete-centered program featuring a very adaptable design structure with an outstanding tradition of community outreach.

XC Oregon serves athletes 20 and older with a range of direct and indirect financial support for elite level training/racing, year-round coaching/management, training partners, community network, and world-class sports science support. Funding levels vary per athlete based on demonstrated results, future athletic potential, need, and overall life+sport plans.

Although most funded XC Oregon athletes will live in Bend, Oregon (a location that speaks for itself in terms of North America’s longest accessible ski season, dryland training/event options, economic opportunities, ease-of-access, and vibrant lifestyle) — our program’s flexible design allows athletes to base anywhere in the state.

Based on our long track record supporting US elite skiers, we realize the move to a new location to continue a racing career can be intimidating for both recent college graduates and seasoned elite veterans alike. Having familiar teammates of either gender can be a good resource to aid in the transition process. Thus we welcome applications that involve a “package” of 2 or more athletes applying at the same time regardless of potential funding levels.

Interested athletes that are not U.S. citizens are welcome within the XC Oregon structure provided you have USA residency status for a substantial part of the 2013/14 ski year. Athletes that view themselves as fitting our very open Associate criteria are also welcome to contact the program at any time year-round with a much less formal evaluation process required.

The XC Oregon application process as well as complete information about our program is available at www.xcoregon.org (see “Joining Us” and “About Us” tabs) at this time.

The 2013/14 application process will remain open as late as Fall 2013, but support schedules are subject to change for applications received after April 15, 2013. Given a limited number of funded elite openings, we recommend serious candidates apply as early as possible.

For more information about XC Oregon, please contact Coach/Director J.D. Downing at jd@xcoregon.org or 541-317-0217. Also feel free to contact any of our over 100 past or present XC Oregon Athletes worldwide for recommendations on how our program can benefit your ski racing career.