BY KAREN BOSSICK

Betsy and Bob Youngman spent countless hours this winter lapping the trails at Sun Valley Nordic Center and practicing hill climbs.

And it paid off this week as both Bob and Betsy won two gold medals and Betsy added a silver at the 39^th  Masters Cross-Country World Cup at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park just west of Banff.

The Sun Valley couple was among more than a half-dozen Sun Valley-area Nordic skiers who tested their mettle against skiers from around the world.

“Racing can be tough--three to four events over seven days. But the new friendships, stories and laughs overshadow all the pain,” said Kelly Allison.  

 This year’s field was smaller than past years due to uncertainties involving travel during the pandemic. But the week-long event, which ended Friday, still attracted 728 cross-country masters between the ages of 30 to 90 from 18 nations, including Sweden, Switzerland, Finland and Norway.

“The Canmore organizing committee did an amazing job putting on this event,” said Muffy Ritz. “They are pros, after all! They hosted the Olympics in 1988 and several World Cup and big Supertour races. World-class ski trails, great swag for participants, free shuttle service for eight days, over 200 volunteers, beautiful sunny days and scenery to die for.”

Skiers race against those in their age group from around the world at World Masters.

Bob Youngman, an alternate on the 1984 Olympic Cycling Team, took gold in the 15-kilometer classic men’s race and the 10K classic race in the class for those ages 65 to 69. Betsy Youngman, a two-time Olympic Nordic racer, won the 15K and 10K classic races for women ages 60 to 64.

Then she won silver in a women’s relay team made up of herself, Kelly Allison, Muffy Ritz and Mitzi Brown before concluding the week by besting all other competitors for gold in the 30K.

Hubby Bob concluded the week with a bronze medal in the 30K.

Kelly Allison placed third in the 15K skate ski race for those 60 to 64 and Muffy Ritz placed fifth.

Ritz took third in the 30K skate race against a strong contingent of Canadian women. She placed fourth in the 10K classic event, while Kelly Allison was 4^th in the 10K skate.

June Lane was second in her age group in the 10K freestyle race and she won the 5K skate. She was second in the 15K freestyle and won a gold medal in the relay.

Tom and Regan Nelson placed second in their 10K skate races. And Regan placed third in the 30K freestyle, while Tom placed eighth in the 45K freestyle.

Other participants included Sam East and Ralph Johnson.

June Lane said she and Johnson love going to World Masters as it sometimes takes them back to a venue they had visited earlier. They had in 1995 visited Canmore, which is framed by the iconic Three Sisters mountains, as well as Mount Rundle.

“The venues for World Masters are in spectacular parts of the world so it offers a unique opportunity to visit those places, see the local culture and compete against people of varying abilities,” said Lane.  “Everyone over the age of 30 is invited to participate, so I’m not sure there is any other event quite like it.” 

Lane said it’s heart warming to catch up with old friends and make new ones. And taking part inspires and motivates everyone to keep skiing.

“It is a unique experience and, although super hard, the older you get to undertake four races in a week is a huge challenge and satisfying to get it done. Not everyone is an ex-Olympian by any stretch. But there are certainly those that have competed at that level so it's fun to mix it up that caliber of skiers.” 

Muffy Ritz, who just returned from ski racing in Europe, said knowing that she’s headed to World Masters gives her the inspiration to train and anticipate a week of hard racing with people her own age.

“The camaraderie grows throughout the week and by the end you feel such a connection to your fellow racers that you can’t wait to see them at the next World Masters!” she added. “Of course, seeing a new country is another big pull for me! I love travel and adventure! It’s not all about racing either! There’s so much more. I wouldn’t come if it was just serious racing! Of course, I have an occasional glass of wine. I laugh, I watch TV, I visit old friends! “

In addition to the fun, skiers learn a lot about skiing, waxing and technique, said Betsy Youngman.

“We hope to encourage more people to participate in races like these,” said Betsy Youngman. “They’re fun and full of good community spirit.”

The 2023 Masters World Cup will be held March 18-24 in Seefeld, Tirol, Austria. That’s just 370 days away.

And Seefeld, Ritz says, is one of the most beautiful places in the world.