Wirth Park All Set for ‘Super Bowl’ of Cross-Country Skiing
For the first time in more than 20 years, the Cross-Country World Cup is being held in the United States, and it just so happens to be at Theodore Wirth Park in Golden Valley.
The races on Saturday and Sunday will feature the top Nordic skiers in the world. It’s a group that includes Olympic medalist and Minnesota native, Jessie Diggins.
“I think the last time I raced here in the entire state of Minnesota, I was 19 years old,” Diggins said. “It’s been a long time, and this is something that I’ve wanted to do forever.”
Diggins was joined by other members of Team USA on Friday, as they answered questions about expectations for the weekend’s races and the course itself.
“This one is definitely, doesn’t have the longest or steepest hills of the courses that we often ski in Europe, but that also means that there’s no rest,” said Rosie Brennan, one of the World Cup participants from Park City, Utah. “So it makes it very challenging in a different way. There’s also lots of twists and turns.”
Team USA Skier Jessie Diggins spoke to reporters Friday afternoon at Theodore Wirth Park.
The men and women will compete in a sprint on Saturday and a 10k on Sunday.
‘A miracle snowstorm’
The Loppet Foundation, which helped organize the event, worked tirelessly to prepare the Theodore Wirth Park course during one of the least snowiest winters in Minnesota history.
But earlier this week, Mother Nature provided a gift in the form of a half foot of snow.
“We’re so happy that we got this snow, we’re so lucky, we’re so grateful,” Diggins said. “And we’re so grateful to all the people at the Loppet because they were ready to make this all happen, with or without that little miracle snowstorm.”
The event that will draw 30,000 fans and showcase the beauty of Theodore Wirth Park and the Twin Cities.
Considering that the last World Cup race was held in the U.S. in 2001, the athletes are expecting a raucous crowd.
“Get ready, brace yourself, because I think it’s going to be a heck of a time,” said Julia Kern, one of the World Cup participants. “And I just can’t wait to hear — be just numb in my ears — from all the screaming out on course.”
Team USA Athletes Julia Kern, Jessie Diggins, Rosie Brennan and JC Schoonmaker address reporters Friday afternoon at Theodore Wirth Park.
Race Schedule:
Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024
Sprint Races
10 a.m. Women’s Sprint Qualification
10:30 a.m. Men’s Sprint Qualification
12:30 p.m. Women’s Sprint Final
1 p.m. Men’s Sprint Final
Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024
Distance Races
10:30 a.m. – Men’s 10K Individual Start
12:45 p.m. – Women’s 10K Individual Start
Related: World’s Biggest Cross Country Ski Race Comes to Wirth Park
