2017 Gatineau Loppet Report
By:  Megan McTavish   (2017/02/25)

The 2017 Gatineau Loppet was arguably one of the best yet! For the point to point classic event on Saturday, the weather was perfect (sunny, -6 at the start, above zero at the end), perfect grooming, fun atmosphere at the feed stations, beer, pretzels and chocolate milk at the finish line. What more could you want?

The start of the elite wave- Photo credit xczone.tv

Sheila, Karl, Megan and Riel were on the start line for XC Ottawa this year. Karl skied most of the race on his own and finished a very strong 3^rd place. Riel surpassed his expectations finishing in 12^th (and is now feeling very confident going into the Vasa Loppet next weekend in Sweden).

Karl all alone at 10km- Photo credit xczone.tv

Sheila and Megan skied together for the first section between Wakefield and the covered bridge, but then as their nice group of five (including men) broke up and Sheila ended up ahead. The two women finished the race skiing alone a couple of minutes apart for 2^nd and 3^rd respectively. Both were happy with their efforts.

Megan and Sheila before the group broke up - skiing under the covered bridge at Lac Phillipe was a fun new addition this year- Photo credit xczone.tv

The winners were both visiting from Thunder Bay and won handily. It was really nice to have some elite skiers from out of town to contest the loppet. Keep coming!

Awesome picture by Dave McMahon showing the competitors near the Lac Phillipe entrance - Photo credit xczone.tv

Karl, Megan and Leena at the finish line

It was also noted by many skiers that the new menu for the post-race meal was much appreciated. Skiers enjoyed the variety and the Québecois flavour.

Leena checking out Karl's medal

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