If youthful energy could be converted into electricity, yesterday's middle school nordic races in Cumberland would have lit up a small city.

About 130 boys and girls from Cumberland, Falmouth, Portland and Yarmouth competed in a classical (no skating allowed) race held on the Twin Brook area. The enthusiasm shown by the kids was contagious -- which bodes well for the future of cross-country.

Boys line up for the start of yesterday's classical cross-country race in Cumberland
ALL PHOTOS SCOTT ANDREWS

Racer out on the course yesterday in Cumberland

Double poling halfway through the race

Two girls from Falmouth await the call to line up

Girls line up for the race

There wasn't much snow on the open fields used for the competition but groomers and snowmakers cobbled together a really fine course with beautifully set tracks.

Twin Brook is an example of a new public-private paradigm in cross-country trails. The land is owned by the Town of Cumberland and Bill Landis, director of parks and recreation, is the chief groomer. Following the races, I skied the course and complimented Bill on his efforts.

But it's not all public money. Coastal Nordic Ski Club (no current website) spearheaded the fund-raising for the snowmaking equipment, a snowmobile-grooming drag combo plus a Pisten Bully large groomer.

This public/private model is becoming more widespread in Maine, and its growing importance is generating considerable discussion within the state's tiny nordic ski industry.

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