It's that time of year again! Snow is on the ground, the temperatures are dropping... race season is coming! XC Ottawa will be attending a variety of races this year, from World University Games, to Haywood NorAms, the Gatineau Loppet and everything in between!
Silverstar, Dec 7-8
The Haywood NorAm season kicks off in Silverstar once again, with a 10/15km free and a classic sprint. Known for its spectacular scenery, and tough courses, this will be an exciting start to the race season! Sheila will be the lone skier from XC Ottawa to tackle the tough courses at Silverstar.
Matthias Purdon in Silverstar in 2011.
World University Games, Trentino Italy, Dec 11-21
After having the location and date changed, the World University Games will occur from Dec 10th to 21st in the beautiful, mountainous region of Trentino. Peter, along with XC Ottawa alumni Lee Hawkings and Matthias Purdon will all be racing on the courses at Val di Fiemme (the same race trails used in the 2013 World Ski Championships). Also keep an eye on Carleton ski-star Kendra Murray. Racers will compete in a 5/10km skate, 10/15km skiathlon, 4x5/10km team relay, classic sprint and a 15/30km classic mass start.
Craftsbury, Dec 21-22
XC Ottawa first raced at the TD Bank Eastern Cup in 2011 and we've come back ever year since! This year will include a skate sprint followed by a 10/15km mass start classic.
Ingrid racing at Craftsbury in 2012.
Duntroon, Dec 28-30
Ocup #1 will arrive just in time for skiers to notice exactly how much they really ate over the holidays. This event will feature a sprint, individual start distance, and mass start distance races.
Andre, decked out in Carleton uniform, racing the sprint heats at the Duntroon NorAm last year.
Canmore, Jan 8-12
Perhaps the most exciting race of the year in Canada, this year Canmore will host the World Junior/U23 trials along with Olympic Trials. Featuring 2 skate sprints, a 10/15km classic, and a 15/30km skiathlon over 5 days, this will be an action packed weekend of racing in beautiful Canmore!
Megan racing in Canmore last year, where she qualified to compete at the Quebec World Cup!
Easterns, Jan 31, Feb 1&2
Held at the wonderful Nakkertok trails, Easterns will continue it's 3-day tour format once again. Featuring a skate sprint, 10/15k free and a chasing start 15/20km classic, this will once again be one of the best events of the year! This year Easterns is also the Para-Nordic National Championships.
Katie racing at Easterns in 2012.
Gatineau Loppet Feb 14-16
This year's main event for the G-loppet will be the 51km skate, held on Sunday Feb 16. You can expect to see a few blue XC Ottawa suits mingling with the loppet skiers here!
Megan and Sheila on top of the podium for the 55km classic at the Gatineau Loppet in 2013.
Cornerbrook, March 15-22
Nationals has moved out east this year, to the beautiful province of Newfoundland! Racing will take place on the trails of Blow Me Down, with 5 races occurring over 8 days.
Katie tagging off to Sheila at the team sprint at Whistler during Nationals 2013.
Stay tuned for upcoming race reports!
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