the BLUE HILLS ASCENT 2003
Photos from the start: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12
Photos from the kid's race: 1  2
Photos from the finish: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7

Sunday, January 5, 2003
[alternate course at Audie Flowage in 2003 due to low snow conditions]

Race results (NOT considered accurate) can be reviewed at http://home.centurytel.net/bluehills/results2003.pdf.  Subtract your wave # from the posted time, then add one minute.

We thank the many racers that have communicated with our timer (Mr. Schneider) with hopes of establishing a correct order of finish.  Despite many hours spent by our timing service reviewing the finish sequence, the results from this year's race cannot be considered reliable.  The times listed are accurate, but the sequence of finish remains in question.  This is the result of a mixup of the bib tearoffs at the finish area.

To quote Mr. Schneider: "I take full responsibility for the mishap!  No fault lies with the local race management or the individuals who were involved in the mishap.  An accident happened.  Period.  The fault lies in not having a video-tape back up.  I see that now.  I am a runner, not a skier.  I have run, directed, and helped at hundreds of races at least.  In races of less than 500 or so competitors, I have never seen a video tape back-up.  That is why we did not supply one.  I see the error in this now.  Unfortunately it is too late for you.  For that I am deeply sorry."

Rusk County Trail Association sincerely apologizes for the lack of reliable timing results.  To compensate skiers involved in the January 5, 2003 race, we are offering a refund option as part of a January 17th mailing to all of our registered racers.  High school team members can expect their mailing to be directed to their respective coaches.  Please contact us if you fail to receive this mailing (use our email address below, or write RCTA, PO Box 251, Bruce, WI 54819).

Our organization thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to put all of you on snow.  We've learned from this mistake, and plan on improvements (involving registration, course start/finish areas, and timing) that will make the Blue Hills Ascent racing experience more enjoyable in the future.  We hope to see you back at next year's race, and will continue our efforts to provide excellent cross-country skiing in the Blue Hills.

Sincerely,
Tom Paulsen
2003 Race Director, Rusk County Trail Association
bluehills@centurytel.net

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