Nations gather for Merino Muster
At least 110 international athletes from 21 countries, and a similar number of Kiwis, will line up at the Snow Farm’s Worldloppet Merino Muster on Saturday.
Among the athletes are US team members Noah Hoffman and Jessie Diggins, Merino Muster director Mary Lee said.
Korea has nine skiers in the endurance races. A Scandinavian tour group of 28 has also entered.
‘‘This year it is really exciting because the US team are doing their training later,’’ Lee said.
Four Wanaka juniors, who raced hard in the 7km Kangaroo Hoppet at the week- end, are keen to stamp their mark on the 7km Straggle Muster, also this Saturday.
The New Zealand Cross Country development team in Australia comprised two sets of siblings, Campbell and Daniel Wright, and Louis and Olivia Jones.
Campbell was second overall and second in his under-16 category. Daniel was third in the under-12 category and 42nd overall. Louis was fifth overall and third in his under-18 category, while Olivia was 17th overall girl and sixth in her under-14 category.
Entries are accepted on the day for the 42km, 21km and 7km Merino Muster races.