The Gatineau Loppet has long been Canada's largest cross-country ski event, attracting close to 3000 participants. As part of the prestigious Worldloppet Circuit, the race typically attracts athletes from many countries, and this year's event will see some great competition. The new snow and weekend forecast should provide ideal conditions for this 35th edition of the event.
Something for Everyone
Ottawa-Gatineau skiers are fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in an international event in their own backyard. Whether you like skate skiing, classic skiing, short, or long distances, there's an event for you! And there's still time to register here . It's the volunteers that make XC ski races happen, so if you're not up to skiing, consider volunteering for the event.
Something New!
To mark its 35th anniversary, Saturday's 55km classic race will be the marquee event, featuring a new point-to-point course from Lac Phillipe to Gatineau. Doesn't this look amazing?
And when you reach the halfway point, it's (almost) all downhill to the finish . . .
Getting Ready to Race, Watch, or Volunteer
Over the years, XC Ottawa has compiled a list of resources to help you out this weekend.
Click here for racing strategies, nutrition, waxing tips, and plenty of other helpful hints for loppet racing. And if it's stories that inspire you, there are plenty of great race tales. Motivated by pictures and videos? We have plenty of those too. It's all here.
Worried About Waxing?
Check back for XC Ottawa's wax recommendations for the weekend. And if you need help waxing, you have some excellent options to consider:
XC Ottawa's Matthias Purdon is offering a Gatineau Loppet Ski Service
at the Cyclery.Fresh Air Experience is offering a Loppet waxing service.
XC Ottawa Racers
While most of our University athletes are resting up for the Ontario University Championships next weekend, other XC Ottawa members are excited to ski in the inaugural point-to-point classic races on Saturday. Come out and cheer on Karl, Megan, Sheila, Katie, and Matthias.
Hope to see you there!
Here are a few videos to inspire you for the weekend:
"Heat Recovery Formula!"