Back in the Groove

After a month of extensive travel, I'm finally back home and enjoying a bit of time 'off'. There's nothing worse than working in an industry that you're passionate about - and not be able to enjoy it yourself! One of the main reasons I do what I do, is to ski! If I can't ski, then something has to change...

I've always been one to tell people "We all have a choice"...or..."Take the time"...Well, it's time to 'make a choice' and take back control of my lifestyle. Following the end of the 2007-08 racing season, the Team X-C.com (racing team component of X-C.com) will be terminated.

As much as I hate doing it, it's the right thing to do...for me.

The reality is that nordic skiing is a tough market at all levels. X-C.com was essentially created to fill a void in the development ladder of skiing in Canada. The program started as a development racing team in 2001 but thin budgets forced an evolution of the program to become a complete nordic-sport marketing program which offers promotional services to industry manufacturers, sampling opportunities for nutritional companies, a nordic sport 'how to' resource and service provider, and much more. Everything was aimed towards generating support for the racing team - to support skiers that were 'chasing the dream' - and it worked!

2002-03 Team X-C.com

The main challenge with X-C.com's promotional programs is that they are still unable to generate enough funds to build a sustainable business. Companies want more for less...it's a constant battle that hasn't improved over the years. The program demands full-time attention...which was ok, for a while...but after 7 years, I've (unfortunately) had enough.

X-C.com Nordic Event Tour - Just one of the program X-C.com offers to generate more funds

What would it take to keep the team going? Cash, lots of it...two full-time techs and involved team members...Is this realistic? Absolutely. Anyone interested in taking over...?

So, unless a new sponsor comes on board offering some fat cash, X-C.com will take a new direction and refocus on providing nordic-sport resources to cross-country skiers, trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Racing service will be part of the program at some level...just not sure to what extent. I still have to put a lot of thought into the new program but I'm motivated to make a change that will free up a bit of time on my schedule.

Change is good. I'm looking forward to it!