Small but mighty - the men's team of two covers the full spectrum of experience levels in the sport of cross country skiing. With Mark a "relative" newcomer to the sport and Karl an experienced veteran, they both provide lots of energy and dedication to the team.
KARL SAIDLA
What I do when I'm not skiing
Ph.D. student at the University of Ottawa (research is about the promotion of walking, cycling and public transit use in Ottawa an Helsinki)
Being “Papa”
Member of the Gatineau Loppet Board of Directors
Skiing highlights/accomplishments
World Cup national group racer, Canmore 2005
World University Games team member, 2001
World Junior Championships team member, 1996
Gatineau Loppet 53k skate winner, 2002
Jackrabbit Speed 60 badge (1987)
Favourite Ottawa-Gatineau Trail
Pleasant Valley (#34) Gatineau Park
Favourite Race
Gatineau Loppet 51k classic (point to point course!)
Amercian Birkibeiner 50 skate (point to to point course!)
Viking Loppet (Morin Heights) 32 k classic (point to point course....see a pattern?)
30k skiathlon ( seems like the best test of overall skiing ability)
Favourite Workout
Long ski or trail run in Gatineau Park. The variety and the scenery
Personal Sponsors/Supporters
Alpina/Rottefella
Caldwell Sport
Infinity
Racing Goals for this Season
Get the most out of myself at some events including the following:
-Eastern Canadian Championships, Nakkertok
-Gatineau Loppet 51k classic
-American Birkebeiner 50k skate
Favourite Quote
Do you feel lucky, punk? I counted, and you fired six shots, so yeah, definitely.
SOCIAL MEDIA
I blog about sustainable, active transportation, especially in places with winter.
MARK RAJACK
What I do when I'm not skiing
When I'm not skiing, I'm substitute teaching throughout the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board :)
Skiing highlights/accomplishments
Competing at the 2015 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun, Sweden
Competing in the 2016 FIS World Cup Ski Tour Canada
Favourite Ottawa-Gatineau Trail
The Penguin climb to Ridge Road and eventually returning on Burma.
Favourite Race
Any race where I feel I've raced to my potential that day.
Favourite Workout
Variety is the key for me. So no one workout can become a favourite.
Racing Goals for this Season
Competing at the 2017 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Lahti, Finland
Qualifying for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeonChang, South Korea.
Personal Sponsors
Alpina Boots
Rossignol Skis
Exel Poles
Apogee Sports
Jessica Spring, Illustration and Design
Social Media
Website: http://markrajacktto.wixsite.com/markrajacktto
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MarkRajackTTO/
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