HAYWARD, Wis. -- Under 28 degree temps and lightly falling snow, Governor Jim Doyle welcomed skiers from around the world to 2004 Subaru American Birkebeiner festivities and proclaimed February 19-22, 2004 Birkebeiner/Worldloppet Days.

Gov. Doyle, who was escorted to the podium by Birkebeiner warriors and Hayward residents Paul Kramer and Tom Blumenberg, spoke of his admiration for the American Birkebeiner, the skiers and competitors from around the world, and the communities of Cable, Hayward and Seeley.

"This is the greatest event of its kind in the world," Doyle said. "This is a spectacle that makes me proud to be the Governor of Wisconsin."

More than 9,000 skiers and 15,000 spectators are expected in Hayward and Cable during the next four days. They'll participate in events for skiers of all ages and abilities including the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, Century Tel Junior Birkie, Cheqtel Communications 10K Family Fun Race, Salomon Elite Sprints, Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints, the 23 kilometer Kortelopet, and the race of all races, the 51 kilometer American Birkebeiner.

Some of the fastest skiers from around the world competed in head-to-head elite sprint competitions on Thursday. Sprint announcer Jay Tegeder said this year's field was the largest and most competitive yet.

"This is a fantastic field," he said. "We have eight or nine men and five or six women that could win the Birkie. The elite sprints foreshadow the competition on race day."

In the men's elite sprints, Gianantonio Zanetel took first place, Kevin Hochto second, and Lars Flora third. In the women's elite sprints, Irene Eder took first place, Hilary Patzer second, and Sara Morse third.

Additional races, the American Birkebeiner Skier Expo and Birkie seminars continue tomorrow in Cable and Hayward.

The American Birkebeiner, often called the "Boston Marathon" of cross country skiing, is North America's largest and most prestigious cross-country ski marathon. Spanning 51 kilometers from Cable to Hayward, the Birkie is part of the esteemed Worldloppet series of 14 international races, part of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Marathon Cup series of eight races, and part of the American Ski Marathon series of 11 races. The event attracts 6,500 skiers from 19 foreign countries and 45 United States as well as 15,000 spectators to cheer them on.

Birkie and Kortelopet registrations will be accepted in person at Telemark Resort beginning Thursday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wave placement will be determined on a first-come, first served basis. If a Wave is full, skiers will be placed in the next lower available Wave. Pre-registered bib and packet pickup will be open until 10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. Only Pre-registered bib pickup will be available on Saturday morning from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Start area.

For more information call 715-634-5025, e-mail birkie@birkie.com, or log on to www.birkie.com.