Winter athletes can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The high-stakes Loppet Cup is getting the go-ahead at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, so says the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. Even though Mother Nature seemed to be plotting against the winter sports event with a warmer-than-usual season, the event received the thumbs up this past Friday. Both professional and amateur skiers and snowboarders are gearing up for some fierce competition on American snow—or what's left of it. "We are just doing everything we can to preserve the trail we have and supplement where necessary," the Loppet Foundation's executive director, Claire Wilson, told CBS News Minnesota.
Due to the subpar snow conditions and a weather forecast that seems to be more spring than winter, organizers are placing their bets on man-made miracles. The public has been kindly asked to give the trails a wide berth to keep them in competitive shape for more than 30,000 spectators and athletes coming soon. "We will keep it close, safe and spread it out as necessary," said Wilson in a move to keep hope afloat for the success of the event.
Minneapolis is prepping to host what enthusiasts are calling a historic event—the first World Cup on U.S. soil in 23 years. The Stifel Loppet Cup, slated for February 17-19, will showcase top talent, including the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. FIS's official nod to the venue was a crucial victory for the local organizers who've been grappling with iffy weather conditions. That much-needed green light was reported by U.S. Ski & Snowboard, which is sure to delight all the participants eager for the event.
To ensure the athletes have a snowscape worth battling on, the Loppet Foundation has hustled to cart in snow from locations like Bloomington's Bush Lake Ski Jump and introduced concrete blankets to keep the ground chilly. But as temperatures threaten to reach the 50s with rain possible, Wilson and the team are making tough calls—you know, all in the hopes of laying down the best conditions for competitors such as Minnesota's own Jessie Diggins, who's gunning to clinch her 19th World Cup victory. "It's disappointing that they have to close the trails down, but I think it's what they've got to do in order to get the best conditions," competitor Zach Nelson said in an interview with CBS News Minnesota.
With Diggins set to wow the home crowd, the stakes are high, and Minneapolis is doing everything in its power to ensure the Loppet Cup isn't left out in the cold. If you're planning to attend, be sure to check the official Stifel Loppet Cup website for the latest updates and details on the race.
