The Merino Muster - the Snow Farm’s annual Worldloppet International cross country race - welcomed international visitors on Saturday (September 2) with a bluebird day and “the world’s fastest course”, according to three time Olympic medalist Jessie Diggins (USA).

The Merino Muster is one of 20 races in the Worldloppet International series, and combines five races: The prestigious 42km Merino Muster, 21km Snow Rake, 14km Double Fleece, the 7km Straggle Muster, and the 1km Mini Muster for the under 10s.

The main race attracts a sizable field of international competitors racing over the beautiful Snow Farm terrain.

Some Merino Muster competitors were completing the last race of this season having raced in many of the 20 races of the series, but Jessie Diggins and her teammates were racing for the first time this season. Jessie and the USA women’s team have been training at the Snow Farm for the past few weeks; she has won the ladies 42km race on previous occasions.

A Cardrona family’s four power-house daughters impressed the crowd.

This year’s field boasted competitors from 17 different countries, including a 21 member Estonian team. 

Worldloppet reported that “the international starting field enjoyed New Zealand’s mountains under sunshine and on a well prepared alternative [34km] race course”.

Jessie Diggins won the women’s race (for the fifth time); her teammate Julia Kern was second, and third place went to Sweden’s Linnea Magnusson.

Czech Skimarathon pro Fabian Stocek took the victory in the men’s class; followed by Germany’s Christian Winker, and Quinn Wilson from the USA in third.

There was also plenty of young Wānaka talent on display, including 15-year-old Lewis Briscall (Double Fleece mens winner), Oliver Wyeth, Baxter Pollard, Nova Gillam, Lulu Pettit, Merritt Graham, and Billy Dean.

A caped crusader enjoying the race.

The USA team supported the under 10s Mini Merino race, dressing up and skiing with the youngsters around the 1km course.

Wānaka World Junior gold medallist Campbell Wright was not racing in the Muster; his last race in New Zealand colours was at last month’s NZ Cross Country Nationals. Campbell will soon head to the USA (who he will represent) for his first Biathlon camp preparing for the new World Cup season.

“We will be watching and he is already supporting our juniors to reach their dreams and will be back next winter to share his new knowledge with us,” Snow Farm trustee John Burridge said.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App