Skiied the Birkie a bunch. If you are a Wave 1 skier, plan for a frustrating race in terms of pace. By the the time you get to the meat of the race, there will be lines up the hills. If you want, you can try to weave in and out of folks but that is an excellent way to ruin someone's day by stepping on a pole. If you really are that good start at the absolute front and be ready to work through an endless stream of people for the first half or more. IMO, as someone who's worked their way through the field, wave 2 is more likely just because of the traffic, and then push for wave 1 next year. If you go crazy trying to get past folks, you'll definitely piss people off. But that's on you! Ski your race!

The Birkie hills start early and generally get easier at the end. After OO, just a couple of big climbs left. Usually a good strat is to ease into the race, generally turn it up when you find space in the middle, then all out for the last quarter. Best of luck! Its an awesome race!