Winter has flown by this year and XC Ottawa headed out to Whitehorse on Wednesday for the 2016 Haywood Ski Nationals. After enduring a flight packed full of skiers from across the country, most of the baggage didn't arrive on Wednesday, although everyone was thankful to receive their ski bags. We spent the next few days checking out the ski trails at Mount Mac and figuring out creative clothing solutions for skiing until our bags arrived. Luckily our luggage got in late Thursday night, and we are looking forward to the racing, which starts on Saturday.
Ingrid enjoying the scenic trails
Whitehorse is no stranger to host high class ski events, as it was also the host of the 2010 Haywood Ski Nationals. Most of the race courses follow the same trails as six years ago and there are plenty of national and international calibre skiers set to compete. Keep an eye out for hometown favourites, Emily Nishikawa, Dahria Beatty, Colin Abbott, and Knute Johnsgaard as they race on their home course throughout the week!
Yukon ski team member, and XC Ottawa alumni, Colin Abbott racing on his home trails during Nationals 2010.
Another former Yukon Ski team and XC Ottawa member, Lee Hawkings competing in 2010.
The races kick off with a team sprint on Saturday, where Sheila and Kyla will race together. On Sunday, skiers will race a 5/10km classic individual start.
Sheila racing the 5km classic in 2010.
On Tuesday the races will be a 10/15km skate individual start, closely followed by a skate sprint on Wednesday. Juvenile and Junior B categories will do their sprint on Thursday.
The final race will be the long distance classic on Saturday. Men will race a gruelling 50km and women will complete 30km. The final event will be the banquet, which will be held at the Canada Games Centre after the finish of the long distance events.
Stay tuned for race reports throughout the week!
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