The first NorAm races are done! The stakes were high for Saturday’s race as it was the Olympic Trials as well as the trials for the Canmore World Cup in early February. Gord Jewett and Dasha Gaiazova were the top Canadians and while nobody really knows, their results could give them a berth in the Olympics.
XC Ottawa had four skiers competing this weekend. Saturday’s race was a 10/15km skate race. Results were mixed, with Megan and Sheila being happy with their efforts and Karl and Colin feeling a bit rough. Megan finished as the 11th Canadian (27th overall), which puts her in position for the World Cup, however without having the required 120 FIS points to be eligible, she will have to wait to find out what CCC decides to do. Sheila was 15th Canadian (33rd). The American contingent was very strong as these races also count for their Olympic trials.
The overall winners were Garrot Kuzzy and Holly Brooks, both of whom have been dominating the US ski scene so far this season.
Today’s race was a skating sprint. It was not a qualifier for the Olympics, but the field was still very strong with lots of Americans competing. Megan just missed the top 30, finishing 32nd (14th Canadian), and Sheila was 40th (19th Canadian) Karl, who is focussed on the upcoming 50km race in Canmore next week, opted not to race. Colin raced in the Junior category and had a much better day, racing in the heats and finishing in 5th overall (4th Canadian). Nakkertok's Steffan Loyd was the top Canadian Junior finishing 2nd overall.
Results can be found here:
Here are some pictures of XC Ottawa women during the 10k (and alumni - Eva Szabo)
Sheila with son Evan cheering
Sheila and Jackie Benson
XC Ottawa alumni Eva Szabo racing for Foothills Nordic
Next up is the Canmore NorAm which is also an Olympic and Canmore World Cup qualifier. Karl, Megan, Sheila and Alana will be racing there.
"Pack your paddle."