I"m out in beautiful Silverstar/Sovereign Lake, BC with my family and in laws for a holiday, and the Masters World Cup races, which began yesterday. I thought this place was incredible in November, but in March it's even more of a skier's paradise: unbelievable amounts of snow, perfect grooming, beautiful trails, stunning views everywhere, and nice temperatures.
The event organization has been impressive. My first race was yesterday's 15km free. I really felt the altitude and suffered quite a bit during the race - that uncomfortable "breathing through a straw" feeling - that hopefully will lessen over the days to come. It's strange not knowing your competition on the start line, but easy to figure out in the first couple of kilometers, as one woman zipped by me effortlessly (turns out it was 3-time olympian Leslie Hall - formerly Thomson). I ended up 3rd, skiing much of the race with Canmore's Nancy Burden, who won this race at last year's World Cup in Sweden.
The most impressive thing is seeing so many incredibly fit (and fast) seniors. As I was on the start line, the men's 60-65 category was finishing - an impressive sprint among 5 men (who were skiing faster than I was . . . ). Medal presentations are a formal affair in Silverstar Village every evening. Last night I saw a 93-year-old man stepping up to the podium. Keep skiing everyone!
The event has attracted a wide array of athletes - from former national champions and olympians (e.g., Laura McCabe, Leslie Hall), to former world class marathoner Mike Dyon, legendary skier and cyclist Olav Stana, and even the 2010 World Cup mountain bike Champion Catherine Pendrel is here racing.
Next up is a 10k classic race tomorrow.
Here are a few pictures and a video from yesterday's races:
Women's 45-49 year-old start
At the finish with other racers - my father in law (who raced the men's 70-75 15k race) and husband John (men's 45-49 30k race)
Video of men's 55-59 category race
Full Results:
Ski Trax Report of Day 1
The event organization has been impressive. My first race was yesterday's 15km free. I really felt the altitude and suffered quite a bit during the race - that uncomfortable "breathing through a straw" feeling - that hopefully will lessen over the days to come. It's strange not knowing your competition on the start line, but easy to figure out in the first couple of kilometers, as one woman zipped by me effortlessly (turns out it was 3-time olympian Leslie Hall - formerly Thomson). I ended up 3rd, skiing much of the race with Canmore's Nancy Burden, who won this race at last year's World Cup in Sweden.
The most impressive thing is seeing so many incredibly fit (and fast) seniors. As I was on the start line, the men's 60-65 category was finishing - an impressive sprint among 5 men (who were skiing faster than I was . . . ). Medal presentations are a formal affair in Silverstar Village every evening. Last night I saw a 93-year-old man stepping up to the podium. Keep skiing everyone!
The event has attracted a wide array of athletes - from former national champions and olympians (e.g., Laura McCabe, Leslie Hall), to former world class marathoner Mike Dyon, legendary skier and cyclist Olav Stana, and even the 2010 World Cup mountain bike Champion Catherine Pendrel is here racing.
Next up is a 10k classic race tomorrow.
Here are a few pictures and a video from yesterday's races:
Women's 45-49 year-old start
At the finish with other racers - my father in law (who raced the men's 70-75 15k race) and husband John (men's 45-49 30k race)
Video of men's 55-59 category race
Full Results:
Ski Trax Report of Day 1
Interesting Reading. . .
"Heat Recovery Formula!"