RESULTS: Wakeley and Callison win Frosty Freestyle

The 2020-2021 Michigan Cup Season started with a whimper: the opening two races were cancelled because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, a marathon was cancelled, another turned into a 12 day virtual event, and another turned into a 3 day event. That dropped 5 races off the Michigan Cup race calendar before the first race was even held.

We were not sure if we could hold the Frosty Freestyle or Krazy Klassic this year. We did some initial planning but it wasn't until the State of Michigan's rules for outside events became less restrictive that we decide to bite the bullet and get the final arrangements in place.

And it was not easy: First, we had to determine how best to protect skiers and volunteers. Then we struggled to find a timer because several of the timing companies were not timing races because of COVID. Huron Meadows Metropark locked down the building, making it inaccessible to skiers during the race. Then we were hit with numerous cost increases,  new and unexpected costs, and last minute contract negotiations. We persevered because we wanted to set a precedent for showing that a COVID-19 era race could be safety held, and maybe pave the way for other race directors to feel comfortable holding their own races.

We required online registration. Even after numerous notifications of the policy, a number of skiers missed the deadline. We provided a little flexibility, and we're able to accommodate those skiers.

The course

The weather cooperated. Although we had to race on man-made snow of Buck's Run and not the natural snow course, numerous racers said course conditions were the best in the history of the Frosty Freestyle. There was minimal wind and although it was cold when racers started arriving, the bright sun warmed things up nicely. Adam Haberkorn did an expert job marking the course to ensure no one went the wrong way. There was complete snow coverage and a firm base.

If felt like racing on a World Cup course! Great markings! Photo by Mike Muha. Remaining photos by Karla Cordova

We changed the start format this year, with waves of around 10 skiers starting every 5 minutes. This gave racers plenty of space to social distance. Because the race was chipped timed, racers could start anytime during their 5 minute wave window. Racers wore masks until they started the race, and put masks on after finishing the race.

In past years, the start and finish were in the same place. The longer start waves made it impossible this year since some skiers could still be starting while others were finishing. We created separate start and finish areas and wider outbound and inbound lanes near the lodge. 

Above: New start area for the Frosty Freestyle this year to handle waves that were spread-out time-wise while dealing with laps and finishing skiers.

Skiers on the right of this photo have just completed a lap and are back on the course. Skiers on the left just started and are merging onto the course. 

End of one lap, start of the next after a hard turn to the right. 

Skiers could race two distances: a 13k race (it was supposed to be 15k but ran a little short) or 5k (which also turned out to be a little short). The race course was a loop about 2.16k long. Skiers did either 6 laps or 2 laps.

The snow conditions, firm with a light cover of softer snow at the start, became more sugary with the passing laps.

So who won?

Full results are further done this article - pop there if you want to see your time!

In the 13k, Jorden Wakeley led from the start and was untouchable. He finished in 34:14.6, almost 3 minutes ahead of Brandon Halcott (37:11.5) and Michael Davis (37:12.7) who had to fight to determine second and third.

Elizabeth Callison pulled ahead to win in 46:00.6. Team NordicSkiRacer's Skye Schultz was second in 48:33.0, with Heather Compton (one of the owners of the Cross Country Ski Shop) in third in 48:45.8. Good last minute decision by Compton to race!

In the 5km, Daniel Castiglioni finished first in 14:03.1, followed by State LaMarra (23:38.1 and Noah Segerstrom (25:01.2). Sarah Cuclos as the top 5km women in 13:53.9, followed by Giulia Castiglioni (17:49.4) and Susan Segerstrom (25:04.7).

Yes, there was an awards ceremony

Ken Roth announcing age group awards.

We purchased an FM radio transmitter for the race. It played music and announcements for the event. Since the lodge was locked, racers had to hang out in their cars to change, warm, or test. The transmitter was also attached to speakers in the start area. Radio Free Frosty!

The awards ceremony was held outside, and racers were spread through the parking lot and sidewalks to social distance. Skiers started coming up individually to receive awards...until we discovered errors in the results. The had to postpone awards until we sorted out the results, and awards will be given out as part of Sunday's race (for skiers doing both races) or provided in some other manner. And we had nice awards, especially for the overall top three in each race!

Doug Johanningsmeier readies to handout the overall winner awards

2021 Frosty Freestyle Results