Stowe Derby pins make comeback

In 2009, parts of Stowe Derby history are making a comeback. This year, like in the days of the first races, buttons will be awarded to the Derby's top skiers.

Pascale Savard, the race's organizer said a company in Burlington is producing the pins which are sponsored by none other than Allan’s Coppock Sports Precision Timing. Coppock fully endorsed the idea after seeing a mock up of the pin design.

The timing guru liked the idea so much that he also came up with a formula which we believe will work perfectly for the 64th edition of the legendary downhill, cross-country ski race on February 22, 2009. Here's how this will work. The Gold pin will be awarded to racers skiing at the winner’s time plus 10%, the Silver at 20% and the Bronze at 30%. According to calculations here is how many medals would have been handed out in 2008. Skate - Gold 15, Silver 26 and Bronze 34 - a total of 75 medals. Classic - Gold 5, Silver 15 and Bronze 9 - a total of 29 medals.

Erling Strom, one of the races founders couldn’t have summed it up any better.

"A hard earned button, however small it may be, is of ever so much more value to a skier than the hundreds he can buy. I should like to see our Derby button develop into one of the most cherished possessions of an American skier, and one he can proudly display wherever skiers congregate".

Online registration is open and more information is available at www.stowederby.com Contact Pascale Savard at stowederby@teammmsc.com with questions.