2005 Subaru American Birkebeiner Media Information

2005 Subaru American Birkebeiner

The American Birkebeiner is North America's largest and most prestigious cross-country ski marathon. Spanning 51 kilometers from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin, the Birkie is part of the esteemed Worldloppet series of 14 international races, part of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Marathon Cup series of eight races, and part of the American Ski Marathon series of 11 races.

Participants are lured by the challenge of skiing the hills and the flats as well as the opportunity to experience the camaraderie and diverse gathering of cultures from around the world. Skiers come from 19 foreign countries and nearly 50 of the United States. Aside from the United States, the top five countries represented are Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Norway and Russia.

MEDIA HEADQUARTERS:

Thursday & Friday, Feb. 24-25: Telemark Resort, Miley Room, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; 715-798-4183 phone; 715-798-4185 fax

Saturday, Feb. 26: Telemark Resort, Miley Room, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; 715-798- 4183 phone; 715-798-4185 fax

  Sunday, Feb. 27: Birkie Office, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; 715-634-5025 phone

  MEDIA CREDENTIALS: Thursday & Friday, Feb. 24-25

Credentials, vehicle passes and press kits will be available at Telemark Resort in the Miley Room from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Please make arrangements for pickup after 5 p.m.

PRE-RACE PRESS CONFERENCE: Friday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m., Telemark Resort, Laukka Theater:

Shirley Riedmann, Executive Director of American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Bill Pierce, Board President, and Denis Kruse, Board Vice- President, will be on-hand to answer race-related questions. Jay Tegeder will then introduce elite athletes, and media will be able to ask questions of those in attendance.

POST-RACE PRESS CONFERENCE: Saturday, Feb. 26, ~ 10:45 a.m., First Congregational Church, 408 Main Street (across from post office).

We expect the top men to finish at approximately 10:30 a.m. and the top women around 10:50 a.m. The press conference will begin around 10:45 a.m. following awards and podium shots.

MEDIA VAN: Saturday, Feb. 26

One media van will be available for those who need transportation from the start to the Birkie finish. The vehicle will leave the start area at 8:30 a.m. and go directly to the finish line. Reservations are required. We will provide a ride back to the start area for those requesting transportation.

START AREA PHOTOS

The photo stand along the start line is reserved for Birkie sponsors. A second stand is available 200 yards down the course. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

FINISH AREA PHOTOS

The best vantage for Birkie finish line photography will be along the course on Main Street in Hayward. The best vantage for Kortelopet finish line photography will be at Telemark Resort in Cable. There will be a photo area adjacent to the finish chutes.

RACE DAY RESULTS

Media can access Birkie 2005 Results on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Finish Line Sports web site.

Media Results Site (Password Protected) http://www.finishlinesports.com/raceresults/2005birkiemedia

   Username: media
   Password: birkie2005

Searchable Results Web Site (Open to the public and media) http://www.finishlinesports.com/raceresults/2005birkie

Both sites will be live starting at about 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. Searchable results will be updated about every 15 minutes or less and the PDF files will be updated about every 30 minutes.

715-682-5824 - Fax: 715-682-2205 - E-Mail: leslie@birkie.com

PRNewswire -- Feb. 22