Via Smart Mobs:

This year as many as 15,800 people are expected to participate in Sweden's Vasaloppet Cross-country skiing competition. And every skier will wear a Radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, enabling an electronic reading of their time as they pass through the various checkpoints, reports Sweden.SE.

"The data is compiled into comprehensive time reports which are posted on the internet. In 2004, Vasaloppet�s official website received nearly 19 million hits on race day alone.

Moreover, by signing up to Vasaloppet's short message service, family and friends can follow the progress of individual skiers with information sent direct to their mobile phones."

Hat tip to George at Brewed Fresh Daily.