Tour de Finn | 2024-2025 Updates
- Posted on
- By Allie Rykken
- Posted in Tour de Finn
Hey there Sports Fans,
We are BACK for a new and better than last year (has to be, right?) 2024-2025 Tour de Finn, and we are here to share the season lineup, some improvements in the scoring system, and TWO bonus announcements.
A reminder that the Tour de Finn is here to celebrate inclusive participation, community, and the joy of friendly competition in sport.
2024-2025 Lineup
December 9: Minnesota Nordic Opener, Skadi’s Chase, 8k Skate, Elm Creek Park Reserve
December 31: Hiito Relays, 2-partner Skate relays, Battle Creek Regional Park
January 4: Vasaloppet First Chance Race, 10K Skate, Mora Nordic Center
January 11: Low-pet Law-pet Challenge, 17K Skate, Theodore Wirth Park
January 18: River View Loppet, 18k Classic, Brule XC Ski Trails
January 19: Marine O’Brien, 12K Classic, William O’Brien State Park
January 25: pending confirmation
February 1: Mt. Ashwabay 30K Classic, Mt. Ashwabay
February 2: COLL Skate Loppet, Theodore Wirth Park
February 8: Vasaloppet USA, 35K Skate, Mora
February 15: MN Finlandia, 25K Pursuit, Buena Vista
March 2: Pepsi Challenge, 25K Classic, Giant’s Ridge Ski Area
Some improvements to the rules:
- In the event that we have canceled races again, we have given ourselves permission to add in a last-minute alternative race given one-week notice and a reasonable (under $75) entry fee, in an effort to preserve the original number of races.
- Age group incentives will be deepened an appropriate amount (don’t worry, young crowd!)
- This is a big one: there will be participation points for multiple races within an event. For example, if the event is the Vasaloppet USA, and the Tour de Finn series race is the 35km freestyle race, the ranked points will still go to that race - the winner will get 100 points, and so on down to 20 points. BUT, if you choose to do the 42k classic, you can still earn 20 points simply by participating.
- Join a Dirtbag Series race for participation points: 20 points per race*
- We added the Skiwerx Series to include youth participation!**
*What is the Dirtbag Series?
WELL. We decided there should be more low-bar entry racing in the Cities, just a good old-fashioned battle in the woods on a week-day evening, chasing your friends and daylight, and then we can all high-five afterward. So mark your calendars, Wednesday evenings, Jan 8 - Feb 12, 5-10K races and relays, 7 PM race start. These will be most likely at the UMN Les Bolstad golf course (unofficial best golf course skiing, or at least top 3) and the Irondale ski trails (I hesitate to share this gem). Headlamps may be suggested. Look for more details; subject to change due to conditions.
The adults don’t get to have ALL the fun. Kids are invited to join the festivities too! Youth ages 13 & under are encouraged to join this series. Skiers who partake in at least four of the events below earn a prize. Submit info on the MyXC.org website to enter your races (coming soon!)
- Any MyXC Family Relay night (Jan-Feb)
- Jan 11: Low-pet Law-pet Challenge (1K/3K)
- Jan 25: A CXC Youth Cup race
- Feb 1: COLL Next Gen Loppet (1, 2, 3K)
- Feb 9: Vasaloppet USA MiniLoppet (1K/4K)
- Feb 26: MyXC Relays
- Relays races between Jan 8 - Feb 26 - all of these count! Awards ceremony on February 26 following the relays.
REGISTER YOUR TEAMS! This may be one of the best things about the TDF, and we are so excited that clubs and teams are in for some friendly competition. I would also pitch anyone reading this who isn’t necessarily part of a group to go round up your friends, and join in! This team competition was designed for the everyday skier to be a part of this rowdy and loving ski community and racing is for EVERYONE!
Can’t wait to empty the tank and fill up the skiing spirit with you all -
Tour de Finn