Local skiers selected for nationals

SANDPOINT — Tom Robideaux, David Lee, David Thompson and Eric Kadzejs of Sandpoint, along with Ken Miller from Lookout Pass, have qualified to compete for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association's Northern Division Alpine Masters in the upcoming U.S. Masters National Championships in Big Sky, Mont., this week.

USSA Masters racers compete on the same runs used for World Cup events in age brackets ranging from 19 to 90. In fact, the oldest racer at this year's nationals is 90 years old, prompting the USSA to create a new age bracket — he'll compete in slalom, giant slalom, and even the speed event known as super giant slalom, where speeds can exceed 60 mph.

Thompson and Robideaux have qualified for all events, including the Bighorn downhill. They'll join Lee in the next speed event, the super G, and then all will compete with Kadzejs and Miller in the giant slalom and slalom, against athletes from across the nation including former U.S. National Team members.

Further race information is available at www.northernmasters.org.