Posted by Christian Byar on Feb 11th 2026
Masters World Cup Recap!
I recently returned from the Masters World Cup (MWC) in Sappada, Italy, which took place from January 29 to February 6. This event serves as the World Championship for cross-country skiers over the age of 30.
This was my fourth consecutive MWC, following trips with my wife, Diana, to Austria, Finland, and Switzerland. Before joining the MWC circuit, I focused on Worldloppet races. While I enjoyed those events, I became curious about the MWC after hearing positive feedback regarding the venues and competition level. After reviewing past results, I realized I could be competitive in the 50-54 age group.
Following a disappointing, illness-hindered experience last year in Switzerland, I was hoping for a better week in Italy. After 34 hours of travel, we arrived in the beautiful mountain town of Sappada to incredible views of the Dolomites. My pre-race ski revealed a challenging technical course with excellent natural snow. I felt confident I could get some good results even though the terrain didn't quite suit my strengths in longer climbs.
This year, I used Boulder Mountain Sports for wax service. This saved me from the stress of preparing my own skis, which proved vital when I arrived late for the 20km classic due to a bus delay. Despite a rushed warm-up, I finished 17th, just over a minute out of the top 10. The following day, I improved to 16th despite a fall on the course's fastest and most technical descent. I don't usually crash in races often, but the competition here is so high that you really can't afford not to take the downhills at full speed.
The highlight of the week for me was the relays at the Carnia Biathlon Arena. I skied well enough in the previous races to earn the second leg for the M06 (55-59) team. With steady snow and around-freezing temperatures I tested both my Peltonen Infra X Universal's with hard wax and my Peltonen Infra X Zero's. I opted for my hard wax skis. Our scramble leg, Seth Downs, skied an incredibly fast time and brought us in with the lead group in fourth. I maintained pace with the Finnish team and handed off just seconds out of third place. Our skaters, Chad Ricklefs and Tom Wood, ultimately passed the Finns and held off a charging Ukrainian team to secure the bronze medal.
At the awards ceremony, medals were presented by Italian Olympic legends including Maurillio De Zolt, Silvio Fauner, Fulvio Valbusa, and Pietro Piller Cottrer. Maurillio De Zolt was one of my ski heros growing up and having a member of the 2006 gold-medal Olympic relay team place a bronze medal around my neck was an unforgettable experience. My wife had a front row spot to capture the moment in pictures to prove it actually happened.
Although a cold prevented me from competing in the final 30km classic, I was very pleased with the week. I am already looking forward to improving my results at the 2027 MWC in Tromso, Norway and getting another chance at a relay medal. For now, my next focus is the 50th anniversary of my hometown race - the North American Vasa in Traverse City, MI and then the Birkie! Enjoy Winter!