40th Birkebeiner welcomes the world
The Italian men dominated the podium at the 40th American Birkebeiner Feb. 23, but local skiers were well represented. The American Birkebeiner began in 1973 as the dream of the late Tony Wise. Thirty-four men and one lone woman were on the starting line clad in woolen sweaters and knickers for the 50-kilometer race from the Lumberjack Bowl in Hayward to Telemark Lodge in Cable.By: By Mark J. Gherty, Photos by Maeta Gherty, Hudson Star-Observer
- Chris Schaffer and Rita Wallin
- Mark Gherty
The Italian men dominated the podium at the 40th American Birkebeiner Feb. 23, but local skiers were well represented. The American Birkebeiner began in 1973 as the dream of the late Tony Wise. Thirty-four men and one lone woman were on the starting line clad in woolen sweaters and knickers for the 50-kilometer race from the Lumberjack Bowl in Hayward to Telemark Lodge in Cable.
There were no U.S. Ski Team members or foreign skiers, just a handful of enthusiasts from a couple of Midwestern states, out to try something new. Many of the entrants were on cross-country skis for the first season — some for the first time.
The “Birkie” has evolved into a regional celebration with events spread over four days, in Hayward, Seeley, Cable and Telemark Resort.
Read more, see the results and photos in the print edition of the Feb. 28 Hudson Star Observer.
Tags: sports, outdoors, skiing, proam
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