Merino Muster

The 20^th Merino Muster was held in perfect weather and snow conditions. 161 cross country skiers competed in the Merino Muster in the three distances. It was a wonderful international mix with 61 international skiers joining the New Zealanders for the first Worldloppet race held in New Zealand. 18 International countries competed alongside the local New Zealand skiers.   14 Norwegian Worldloppet skiers dropped in just for the race and left early to catch a flight to Australia. They enjoyed the course, sunshine and snow that they plan next year to stay longer and leave middle of next week.
It was exciting racing with the Polish skiers taking honours in the 42 km.

Merino Muster
42 km Men’s Maciej Kreczmer Poland, 2nd Noah Hoffman USA, 3rd Brian McKeever Canada 
42km Women’s 42km Justyna Kowalczyk Poland, 2^nd Sylwia Jaskowiec Poland, 3^rd Joanna Williamson, Wanaka New Zealand

Snow Rake
21km Men’s was won by Tristan McKenzie NZ, 2nd Paul Wright Wanaka, and 3rd Alex Ferneyhough USA
21 km Women’s was won by Birgitte Okland, Norway, 2^nd Brittany Hudak, Canada, 3^rd Yorika Abe, Japan

Straggle Muster
7 km Men’s   1^st Cirque Gammelon USA, 2^nd Louis Jones Wanaka NZ, 3^rd Campbell Wright, Wanaka
7 km Women’s 1st Ella Maluschnig Wanaka NZ, 2^nd Sam Burke Wanaka NZ, 3rd Claudia Basti, Germany.