The Payak is back and the most prize money in the history of the four-year event is up for grabs.
After the discontinuation of the primes, all of that prize money has been added to the 30- and 50-kilometre races so a total of $3,400 will be doled out on Feb. 22 at Whistler Olympic Park (WOP).
According to event organizers, trail conditions at Whistler Olympic Park have been unparalleled over the past two weeks. They said there is plenty of snow on the trails and they are firm and fast.
"The trails are in very good condition for both classic and skate, some of the best I've experienced at the park," event chair Dirk Rohde said in a statement. "Even if it didn't snow again before race day, we could hold the event."
Organizers said that the biggest return rate for 2014 is women in the 30 km category and men in the 50 km race. There are plenty of spots available for the 15 km race for both genders. However, prize money is only available to participants in the two longer race distances.
"Registration has been a little slow, but we're hoping some snow-capped mountains will turn people's minds off the bike and onto the skinny skis," Rohde said.
There will be a special visit to the event this year from Klister, an eight-foot tall rabbit. Klister is the Cross Country Canada mascot and organizers said he loves showing off his stuff on the skinny skis.
All racers and volunteers will receive a custom Buff headband, and a multitude of draw prizes from Salomon, Fischer and Swix are up for grabs.
It all gets underway Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. with the 50 km racers, followed by the 30 km participants at 10:15 a.m. and then 15 km, sit ski and youth racers at 10:30 a.m. Due to the B.C. Winter Games, the Kids' Tournament and Youth Ski Cross will be held on Sunday, Feb. 23.
For more information, go to www.payak.ca or check out the twitter feed @payakentsut.
