January 2004 News Updates
For complete U.S. National Championships (Jan 3-10) Results, go to the Summit Systems Timing site.
U.S. Ski Team Press ReleasesFor complete 2005 National Masters Results (January 30-February 5), go to the NM2004 section .
January 31
Craftsbury and Noquemanon, ASM Double Bill Weekend
January 30
NM2005 Day One: Greystone Trails Deliver Classic Distance Classic!
January 22
Racing Roundup Around The World
NM2005 Looking Better: Storm Hits Twin Cities
January 20
Updated 2005 National Masters Contingency Plans
2005 Oregon Spring Camp
One Week Countdown To Noquemanon
January 17
U.S. 2005 World Championship Team Named
Lake Placid Loppet Delayed Until February 5
January 7
Noquemanon 2005 Set To Go
Central SuperTour Invite Info
2005 Idaho Nordic Race Series
January 4
2005 National Masters No/Low Snow Contingency Plans
Nordic World Disabled Championships Coming To Maine
January 31 Update
Craftsbury and Noquemanon, ASM Double Bill Weekend
David Stewart and Kate Underwood won the 2005 Craftsbury Ski Marathon in Craftsbury, Vermont on Saturday.
Ivan Babikov and Abigail Larson won the 51km classic Noquemanon Ski Marathon in Marquette, Michigan on Saturday.
ASM Series standings likely to be next updated early next week (February 7) due to organizational demands of the NM2005.
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January 30 Update
NM2005 Day One: Greystone Trails Deliver Classic Distance Classic!
The 2005 AXCS National Masters kicked off today with the 30/20/15km distance classic events on the Graystone Trails on the southern edge of St. Cloud, Minnesota. The Graystone Trail System become the number one alternative venue roughly one week ago when a seemingly "miracle" snowfall was turned into a sheet of ice at the original Battle Creek trails in St. Paul.
Though thin, the snow on the Graystone Trails -- roughly one hour north of the Twin Cities -- was deep enough to provide good to excellent tracks over a wonderful rolling to gentle terrain 10km loop. Offering ample views and great skiing, the Graystone system has been a secret to many Minnesota skiers due to marginal snowfall the past several winters. This season the tables were turned with the St. Cloud venue getting to show itself off to masters coast-to-coast.
Local organizers and AXCS officials were unanimous in their praise and gratitude to the Graystone directors that were able to craft a Championship caliber course literally in the span of a few days.
With stable weather in the Twin Cities forecast for the coming week, NM2005 organizers have already announced the decision to move Tuesday night's 10km freestyle races to the Troll Haugen alpine area located roughly an hour north of St. Paul just across the Wisconsin border. The race will be 4 x 2.5km and will feature interval starts. Registration will continue to be open the evening of the race. Depending on decisions reached Monday, the start time will be 6 or 7pm. Skiers not able to check the web Monday evening should plan on a 6pm start time just to be on the safe side.
A decision on the venue for the Thursday pursuit race will be reached by race time on Tuesday. A slight warming trend is forecast for the region and that could greatly impact which venues are possible by later in the week. A decision will be posted on xcskiworld.com late Tuesday night.
January 22 Update
Racing Roundup Around The World
Early this morning Norway's Kristin STEIRA STOERMER narrowly finished ahead of Czech Katerina NEUMANNOVA to win the women's "pre-Olympic" World Cup event at the 2006 Games nordic venue of Pragelato, Italy. Czech Lukas Bauer won the men's 2 x 15km skiathlon coming from behind to top Swede Mathias Fredriksson. Beckie Scott finished 17th with the top North American finish. U.S. skiers returned to the World Cup with a tough day at the office.
Nathan Schultz (SFT) and Irene Eder (Alpina) won the Pepsi Challenge 42km marathon in Biwabik, Minnesota today to kick of the 2005 American Ski Marathon Series.
Justin Wadsworth (Atomic) topped defending ASM Series Champion Patrick Weaver (Atomic) and Colin Mahood (XC Oregon/Rossignol) to win the Great Nordeen in Bend, Oregon. Former U.S. Olympian Suzanne King (Atomic) won ahead of Molly Grove (XC Oregon) in the women's race.
Find more racing news and results at news.xcskiworld.com updated every day by some of the top XC racing sites around the world!
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NM2005 Looking Better: Storm Hits Twin Cities
Up to 5-8 inches of fresh snow blanketed Minnesota's Twin Cities over the past 24 hours greatly improving the mood of North America's largest XC community as well as likely enhancing the quality of upcoming major events in the area.
Organizers of the 2005 National Masters continue to hold to a Monday, January 24 deadline for a preliminary decision on the venue for the opening events of the NM2005. The new snow may very well have opened up several options either at or closer to the original Cities venue...but it will require allowing the snow to settle and be packed before any decisions can be made. Any and all updates will be posted in the NM section of xcskiworld.com late Monday with a final updated choice for the opening races by Wednesday, January 26.
The new snow will also undoubtedly improve conditions for the February 5-6 SuperTour Sprints and City of Lakes Loppet in Minneapolis.
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January 20 Update
Updated 2005 National Masters Contingency Plans
Visit the official NM2005 pages hosted here at xcskiworld.com for the latest information on planning for the 2005 National Masters in Minnesota's Twin Cities. Additional updates will be posted at any point over the next two weeks (including during the event week) as soon as official decisions are made by the race committee.
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official press release
The Oregon Spring Camp...the perfect spring gift for skiers in snow-starved areas and those enjoying the perfect winter.
Held this year April 21-24, 2005 in Bend/Mt Bachelor, Oregon, the annual event attracts citizen skiers from throughout North America with four days of on-snow mornings, afternoon dryland sessions, and evening lectures. As with past camps, world-class physiology testing (using skipole walking/bounding or cycling...your choice) is a major feature of the camp.
Camp Director J.D. Downing describes the Oregon Spring Camp as "the first step towards your best season ever next winter". The XC Oregon elite development program coach will once again be joined by top XC Oregon athlete clinicians as well as notable local Bend ski personalities to form one of the best camp staffs anywhere.
"Although many skiers are familiar with taking part in fall camps and clinics, the Spring Camp is unique in the XC world in that it provides a way to go into your spring/summer having just polished critical on-snow and dryland skills while also equipped with the detailed physiology information from one of the best labs for XC skiers in the world," says Downing. "The evening llectures are also a key component offering a step-by-step guide to how to design your own training/fitness plan for the upcoming year."
April in the Oregon Cascades typically offers outstanding ski conditions with Mt Bachelor usually increasing snowpack at the 6300ft Nordic Center. Meanwhile, just a short drive away on the High Desert floor green grass and sunshine is normally the rule. A perfect mix.
Downing emphasizes the range of skiers the Spring Camp is designed to serve. "Every year we see a wide range of abilities and ages. Juniors (with chaperone only), intermediate level adults, elite masters...you name it. We don't have a program for absolute beginners, but otherwise the Spring Camp welcomes any skier to take part. Interestingly over the years I've seen skiers that don't consider themselves athletic or race-oriented at all get as much out of the lab test as elite skiers!"
New for 2005 is the option for a special add-on "VIP Camp" prior to and during the official camp dates. Advanced and expert skiers looking for individualized attention and potentially additional on-snow time are welcome to enquire about this unique and low-cost option designed specifically for higher skill levels.
Complete Spring Camp information including registration materials are available at the camp website hosted by the XC Oregon race team.
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One Week Countdown To Noquemanon
official press release
With one week until race time, Team Rossignol and the Subaru Factory Team have announced their teams for the 7th Annual Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon scheduled for January 29. Competing for points in both the American Ski Marathon Series and the FIS North America Marathon Cup, the top racers will be skiing the 51K Classic event. That race begins on Saturday at 8:45 am e.s.t. on January 29.
For Team Rossignol, many familiar faces will be making the trip back to the Noque along with some new ones. Mike Myers, a three-time Noque winner, JoAnn Hanowski, a two-time Noque champ, and Diane Holliday-Welsh, a one-time Noque winner and two-time third place finisher will be competing against team mates Kim Rudd, Jamie Glommen, Grethe-Lise Hagensen, and Chip Tabor. Hagensen finished fourth in the 2004 Noque and is a past Norwegian Champion. Rudd took a first place in the 2004 Rangely Loppet in Vermont and finished fourth in the Birkie in 2003. Misner followed Rudd with a second place finish at the Rangeley Loppet and has skied in four NCAA tournaments. Tabor is a Mora Vasaloppet two-time winner.
For the Subaru Factory Team, Abigail Larson, the 2003 Noque winner and 2004 runner up will be back along with Kristina Strandberg, 2004 sixth place finisher. Tera Sheahan will be making her Noque debut. Sheahan placed fourth in the 2005 U.S. Nationals 15K Pursuit.
On the mens? side, Eric Meyer, 2004 second place Noque finisher will be back with teammate Nathan Schultz, the 2004 Pepsi Challenge and Boulder Mountain Tour Champ. Another race debuter, Ivan Babikov, is the Grand Champion of the 2005 U.S. Nationals and present leader of the U.S. SuperTour.
Jon Mommaerts, Race Director says, ?This race continually attracts some of the best racers in the country. With our new affiliation with FIS and entry into the FIS North America Marathon Cup along with our continued partnership with the American Ski Marathon Series, we?ll be treated to an exciting race. I recommend watching the top racers cross the finish line outside of the Superior Dome. They should be coming in around 11:30 or so. The fastest time was 2:45:39 set by Chad Giese in 2003.?
Carol Fulsher, Marketing Director for the race continues, ?It?s great that we get these exceptional skiers here. They not only provide excitement with their high level of skiing, but they share their tips about skiing and racing Friday night at the Ski Expo. I know I?m never going to be at an elite level but it?s nice to get some pointers from these people to help a bit with my own skiing. You know, if the Noque had never started, I doubt that I ever would have entered a ski race. But having it right in my back yard, I had to try it. I think it?s a great opportunity for all of us in the U.P. to get involved in a ski event. The race packets are filled with goodies and those great Noque hats. I also keep my ski bib hanging at work so I?m reminded that I actually finished. I would encourage anyone who is a recreational cross county skier to give this a shot. The half marathon is a fun event with a lot of trekkers like me.?
Anyone interested in race and registration information should contact the Race Administrator at 1-866-370-RACE or visit www.noquemanon.com.
The Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon and National Ski Hall of Fame Half Marathon are supported by Subaru, Rossignol, Patagonia, Pioneer Surgical Technologies, Bell Medical, the Marquette Noon Kiwanis, and many local and regional partners.
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January 17 Update
U.S. 2005 World Championship Team Named
official press release
MADISON, Wis. (Jan. 16) - Thirteen cross country skiers, including seven 2002 Olympians, have been named to compete next month in the World Nordic Ski Championships in Germany, U.S. Nordic Director Luke Bodensteiner announced.
The announcement was made in Madison, a SuperTour race site following the U.S. Cross Country Championships on the 2002 Olympic trails at Soldier Hollow, Utah. Bodensteiner said the team includes eight men and five women. Seven of the eight men were members of the 2003 World Championships Team while two of the women raced two years ago in Val di Fiemme, Italy.
The U.S. cross country squad for the 2005 World Championships Feb. 17-27 in Oberstdorf, Germany (* - member of 2003 Worlds team):
Men - Dave Chamberlain* (29; Bethel, ME), Lars Flora* (27; Anchorage, AK; 2002 Olympian), Kris Freeman* (24; Andover, NH; 2002 Olympian), Andrew Johnson* (27; Greensboro, VT; 2002 Olympian), Torin Koos* (24; Leavenworth, WA; 2002 Olympian), Andy Newell* (21; Shaftsbury, VT), James Southam (26; Anchorage, AK), Carl Swenson* (34; Park City, UT; 1994, 2002 Olympian).
Women - Rebecca Dussault (24; Gunnison, CO); Sarah Konrad (37; Laramie, WY), Kikkan Randall* (22; Anchorage, AK; 2002 Olympian), Wendy Wagner* (31; Park City, UT; 2002 Olympian) and Lindsay Williams (20; Hastings, MN). Konrad also qualified and will compete in the biathlon World Championships March 4-13 in Hochfilzen, Austria.
"This is a strong team with a nice mix of experience and some promising young skiers moving into the international arena," Bodensteiner said. "We have high expectations for these skiers, but perhaps not as high as they have for themselves. This is another good step forward as we get ready for the 2006 Olympics in Torino [Italy]."
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Lake Placid Loppet Delayed Until February 5
official invite
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. ? The 23rd annual Lake Placid Loppet cross country ski races will be held Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Verizon Sports Complex Cross Country Ski Center. The event was originally slated for Jan. 22, but was postponed in the hope that weather conditions would eventually allow additional terrain to open.
This annual event, supported by High Peaks Cyclery in Lake Placid, attracts hundreds of skiers from across the country and Canada. It consists of a 50 kilometer Loppet (30.1 miles) and a 25-kilometer Kort-Loppet (about 15 miles). The Loppet is two 25 kilometer loops and the Kort-Loppet is one loop.
The Loppet and Kort-Loppet are run on a slightly modified version of the 1980 Winter Games course and is more challenging than most citizen race courses. The altitude ranges from 1,860 feet to 2,460 feet with the longest climb being 230 vertical feet. The total amount of vertical climb is just under 3,700 feet or 1,850 feet for the Kort-Loppet.
There will be classic technique and free technique race starts for both the 25K and 50K races. On race day, Feb. 5, bib pick-up runs from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. There is no race day registration. The 50K classic technique race begins at 9 a.m. followed by the 25K classic race at 9:15 a.m. The 50K free technique race starts at 10 a.m. and the 25K free technique race will follow at 10:15 a.m.
Each finisher will receive a commemorative pin, gold for the Loppet and silver for the Kort-Loppet. There will be an awards banquet at the Lussi Rink in the Olympic Center, set to kick-off at
3 p.m. with a pasta dinner and awards presentation.
This year?s event includes a free 10K (6.2 miles) race on Friday, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. that is open to all skiers. All interested skiers can register on-site. Nordic demos will be available Friday starting at 2 p.m. Late registration and bib pickup will run from 3 p.m. in the cross-country lodge with complimentary beverages and hors d?oeuvres until 9 p.m. There is a .5K (less than ½ mile) kids race, set to get underway at 6:30 p.m. outside the cross-country lodge while the ?Waxing for Race Day? clinics are set for 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. All Friday events are supported by High Peaks Cyclery.
For more information on ORDA venues and events, and for web cams from five locations, please log on to www.orda.org
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January 7 Update
official press release Marquette, MI ? December?s blessing of 81 inches of snowfall in Marquette County has organizers of the Noquemanon Ski Marathon very pleased with the condition of the course. The 7th annual Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon, Ski Hall of Fame Hall Half Marathon, and Junior Noque takes place on January 29, 2005.
?We?re relieved that the snow fell fast and furious in the beginning of December. That allowed the Noquemanon Trail Network?s (NTN) groomers to get out on the trail early and begin packing and grooming,? says Jon Mommaerts, Race Director. ?In several recent years, we?ve been scrambling for snow?hauling it in by the bucket loads when we needed it. However, this year looks very good for us. It?s back to a normal winter. With the NTN now owning two large groomers plus their snowmobiles, tidd techs and rollers, we have gotten a head start on trail conditioning.?
Marquette County usually receives about 38.5 inches of snow in December. 2004?s snowfall of 81 inches comes close to the record of 89 inches in the year 2000.
?A winter like this helps the ski community a lot. Skiers get excited to get out on their skis at the holiday season and when they can?t, it affects the whole season. This year, they?ve been able to get out nearly a month before the holidays,? offers Carol Fulsher, Race Marketing Director. ?With more skiing under their feet, we expect our numbers to climb a bit.?
Skiers who have already been out on the Lower Noque have noticed a change in one section of the trail. Mommaerts explains, ?Our course has been changed a bit this year. For both the 51K and 25K skiers, two tough hills have been circumvented: the sandpit downhill followed by the aching Kirby?s uphill have been bypassed. The new 3k section that skirts around those hills is filled with more rolling terrain. Skiers will be pretty happy with this new section coming about 8k from the finish line.?
Registration for all the races can be received up until 10 pm on Friday, January 28. Registrations can be found on line at www.noquemanon.com or by calling 1-888-578-6489. For local ski conditions, skiers can visit www.noquetrails.org.
The Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon is a member of the American Ski Marathon Series sponsored by Nature Valley and the North America FIS Marathon Cup.
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official invite
Central Cross Country Skiing FIS SuperTour at Telemark Resort
Location: World Cup Trails at Telemark Resort, Cable, WI
Dates: Jan 26, 29, and 30, 2005
Races open to: OJ, JI, J2, J3, J4, College, SuperTour, Senior, Citizen, and High School/Middle School classes
Group/seeding: SPRINT QUALIFIER: by USSA and FIS points, best out first. 16 each gender to finals.
INTERVAL START RACES: Licensed athletes will be seeded in by USSA/FIS ranking and formed into groups of 15-20. Random seeding within groups. Non-licensed athletes will be seeded in their categories.
MASS START RACES: Arrow start. Best licensed athletes out first by current USSA/FIS ranking followed by non-licensed in categories.
Entry fees: $35-1 race, $55-2races, $75-3 races; JOQ-$25 one race, $35 for weekend, High/Middle School $8/race, J3J4 $5 each race
Last day for all registrations to be received: Midnight SUNDAY Jan 23, 2005
See www.cxcskiing.org for details.
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2005 IDAHO NORDIC RACE SERIES, presented by ROSSIGNOL is a seven race series that focuses on citizen racers. Each Age group is scored separately and awarded separately in the series. Participation in any series race automatically qualifies an individual for the race series.
January 2 SNOWMAKER CLASSIC 15k Classic Sun Valley January 8 IDAHO NORDIC TAMARACK LOPPET 30k Skate Tamarack Resort January 15 TETON RIDGE CLASSIC 28k Classic Driggs, Idaho February 5 BOULDER MOUNTAIN TOUR 30k Skate Sun Valley February 12 TERRACE LAKES 25k Skate Garden Valley February 26 PAYETTE LAKES SKI MARATHON 30k Skate McCall February 27 IDAHO NORDIC CLASSIC 12k Classic Tamarack Resort
POINTS SCORING: A simple scoring system gives points to the top 15 in each age category of each race. The cumulative highest score at the end of the series awards the series champions in each men's and women's age group category.
AGE GROUPS: 18 and Under, 19 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70+
AWARDS: Overall age class winners receive a custom Idaho Nordic Champions Award. Prizes from our great sponsors are also awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each of these age group categories.
For more information and complete race calendar check out www.idahonordic.com
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January 4 Update
2005 National Masters No/Low Snow Contingency Plans
With less than four weeks to go before the 2005 National Masters opens in Minnesota's Twin Cities January 30-February 5, organizers are shifting into a contingency planning mode due to the continuing snow drought across the south-central Minnesota region.
Facing the lowest snow year to-date for the Twin Cities in recorded history, local organizers and executive producer American Cross Country Skiers (AXCS) continue to hope for significant snow to hit the area, but have created a series of contingency plans that will allow the NM2005 to be held regardless of what Mother Nature provides.
Co-Organizing Chairman John O'Connell says, "While trying to decide on the best course of action, we have attempted to keep a couple of key points in mind. One, we want to preserve the race schedule as much as possible because people have made plans based on that schedule. Two, we want to provide the best possible race experience given the local conditions. With this in mind we are looking at two situations that would trigger a change in venue. The first is a low snow condition that would prevent Battle Creek Regional park from being a safe location. We believe that we need at least two 4-6" snowfalls to make that venue work. The second is an absolute no snow condition which further limits our options. Over the last two weeks our course committee has contacted numerous locations, golf courses, resorts etc trying to put together a possible scenario. We will remain flexible throughout the next 3-4 weeks as either region wide or localized snow could change our thinking."
The current NM2005 contingency plan is as follows...
Assuming sufficient snow does not provide for a scenario closer to the Twin Cities by the week prior to the race week, for the 30K/20K/15km classic races on Sunday January 30 we will be moving the race to the American Birkebeiner trail in Seely, WI. This will allow us to run the full race distances on an out and back course starting at "OO" and heading south. For regional skiers this course will be similar to the 22K Seeley Hills Classic that will be held January 15. The Birkebeiner trail at "OO" is a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from the Twin Cities. In the event that the Birkie trail is not useable, we will move the race to the Troll Hollow course on man made snow at Trollhaugen Ski resort in Dresser, WI. about an hour from St. Paul. In this case the event will be shortened, distances yet to be determined.
For our Tuesday night, Feb 1st 10km Freestyle race under the lights we will be moving to Troll Hollow either in low or no snow condition. Actual distances, number of laps, etc. are yet to be determined.
For the Thursday, Feb 3rd 13km same day pursuit race in a low snow condition we will be on the Phalen Park Golf Course in St. Paul. This was the site of the 30K freestyle race for the 2000 National Masters. If we have brown ground at Phalen we will head back to Troll Hollow on the man made snow.
The Saturday, February 5 Sprint Relays will be held in conjunction with a number of other events surrounding the City of Lakes Loppet weekend and will be on whatever course that they are able to create in Minneapolis. It is notable that organizers of the City of Lakes Loppet remain fully confident that they will be able to provide a wonderful ski race experience on specially-groomed ice covering local Minneapolis lakes. This scenario was the case in 2003 and over 1,000 skiers proved that it can provide a quality ski experience.
O'Connell adds, "In a large part our decisions have been shaped by the receptivity we have received from Trollhaugen, The Birkebeiner Organization and the City of St.Paul. In each case they have made it clear that we are welcomed, they want to help and participate. From a race directors standpoint this is a major issue. Many logistical details have yet to be decided but we do have a framework in place for putting the National Masters on and making sure that the skiers have a great race experience. The Birkebeiner course is a great trail and both Trollhaugen and Phalen Park have lots of parking and large indoor facilities for us to use. By no means have we given up on Battle Creek Regional Park. Duluth received almost 10" this weekend and the Minnesota/Iowa border is getting about a foot of new snow today. There is good snow all around us, but nothing (yet) in the Big Cities."
xcskiworld.com will continue to update the NM2005 venue and snow situation for the remainder of January and into the event week. Readers are reminded that xcskiworld.com is the only official resource of the NM2005 and the American Cross Country Skiers. Information posted on other web resources should not be considered official unless it is from an official press release.
It is also worth noting that -- as with the NM2003 in Anchorage, Alaska that also faced a dire snow situation in the weeks leading up to the event -- the local NM2005 organizing crew is very experienced and very determined to provide a first-class citizen skier championship. On the plus side, unlike the 2003 Anchorage scenario, every indication is that a minimum of three of the four race events have excellent manmade or lake ice back-up venues ready to go within reasonable distance of the planned Battle Creek trails. Of course, one good snowfall could easily change the situation literally overnight such that all races are back to the original venues. All racers (and potential racers) should be aware that every effort will be made to take advantage of natural snow in the Twin Cities. Modifications to venues is possible all the way up to...and including...the actual race week. xcskiworld.com will be your source for the latest info.
Registration for all events will remain open until just prior to each race (late fees apply) and team registration (free with individual entries) will remain open until close of the NM2005 Expo on Saturday evening, January 29. Overall Team Competition (free with individual entries...see NM2004 pages for full details) teams wishing to register via email should do so before 5pm PST on Wednesday, January 26 to avoid complications with your entry due to travel schedules with the AXCS National Office.
No license or qualification of any type is required to participate in the 2005 National Masters. Exclusive discounts are offered to members of the non-profit American Cross Country Skiers (AXCS). For more complete information, visit the National Masters section within the xcskiworld.com Events Center.
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Nordic World Disabled Championships Coming To Maine
From USSA Press Release -- The United States will play host to the Nordic World Disabled Championships March 9-21 in Fort Kent, Maine.
"These will be the first major XC disabled ski races in this country since the Paralympics in 2002," U.S. Program Director Sandy Metzger said. "We've got (an) experienced organizing committee and we've gotten a lot of enthusiastic responses from other countries, who plan to have their skiers competing."
The nordic World Championships in northern Maine, being run by the Maine Winter Sports Center, will be the second time the United States has staged the nordic disabled Worlds. The 1990 championships were held in Jackson, N.H., and cross country "test events" were held in 2001 on the '02 Olympic trails at Soldier Hollow, Utah.
Officials are finalizing details on the championships. For more, go to: www.mainewsc.org.
"Over the last five years, we've had the greatest success for U.S. disabled cross country skiers," said Head Coach Jon Kreamelmeyer. "These championships will give us a good line on how we stand against everyone with the 2006 Paralympics less than 12 months off, at that point. We're excited to be hosting them."
