Jan 24-25: Skimo World Cup in Andorra
A couple of US and Canadian athletes took part in this 2nd round of the 2015 Skimo World Cup. The race weekend was a bit chaotic caused by weather and some organizational issues but at the end hopefully everyone understands that we are still volunteers in this sport and can be only grateful that the Andorrans keep up their enthusiasm and sponsorship high year after year.
Vertical race video:
Eric Carter (USA), SkinTrack’s contributor, had his Euro racing debut. Despite jet-lag Eric was going quite well in the individual race until after crossing “the finish line” where he was told he needs to do one more climb, during which he then bonked hard. The misunderstanding was due to lack of clear communication by the organizers but Eric was still happy to get his first Euro experience. Next day, vertical went better for him and he placed 46th.
John Gaston (USA) didn’t finish the individual race and placed 29th in the vertical, reasonable 2.5 min behind the winner, Kilian Jornet. John even beat Matteo Eydallin (ITA) and was only 5 sec behind Alexis Sevennec (FRA).
Melanie Bernier (CAN) placed 9th in the individual (results are showing 10th) and suffered in the vertical and finished 17th. However, by now, Melanie is getting over her health troubles since her arrival to Europe few weeks ago and should be in full strength for the Worlds starting this weekend (see below for more). In the women’s category, both races were won by the untouchable Laetitia Roux.
Katarina Kuba (CAN), only 20-years old, had an eye opening experience as she bravely threw herself right into a World Cup as her first ever Euro race. On one hand, this was great, but on the other, it was quite hard for her as she battled a flu bug for almost two months before her departure for Europe.
» Results are here – Andorra Skimo WC results
Jan 24: 2015 BUFF Canadian Skimo Championships, BC
For second year now, I took on the responsibility as a race director of the Canadian Skimo Champs that have been held at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for the last 7 years. After three days of hard work and lots of help from volunteers we pulled off another great edition of the Dogtooth Dash.
» For full race report read here but in short Nick Elson and Kylee Ohler became the new Canadian Skimo Champions, while Philipp Schaedler (German National Team) won overall.
Jan 24: Berkshire East Rando Race, MA
Full race report (and an entertaining one) and race results from this East Coast classic can be found here.
Anyone that lives on (or travels to) the East Coast should check out the NE Rando Series facebook page for updates – https://www.facebook.com/NERandoRaceSeries
COSMIC races:
With events taking place each week it’s hard to keep up with the Colorado racing scene. This is equally frustrating as it is amazing 🙂 Keep up the good work guys!
Any summary reports from the COSMIC races would be welcome and properly credited.
» For now, for latest information visit Cosmic website
Jan 31: CROWBAR Backcountry Ski Race, UT
The CROWBAR skimo race is one of the very few on the North American continent that is happening entirely out of bounds. Close to 60 racers made it to the start line where beautiful weather welcomed them. Tom Diegel of Salt Lake City won the men’s race division with a commanding 11 min gap, while Meredith Edwards (member of US National Team) took the women’s race division top prize.
This year, we have contributed as sponsors by donating couple of free copies of the Manual for Ski Mountaineering Racing e-book as prizes for the junior and rec categories.
» Full results can be found here and the race’s facebook page here
Jan 31: Canadians racing Torgon SkiAlpi Race, Switzerland
Last weekend was the Torgon SkiAlpi race, a Swiss Cup event, and one of the last nearby races before the opening of the 2015 World Championships in Verbier. Team Canada had a strong turnout with Katarina Kuba, Martha Burley, Travis Brown, and Melanie Bernier participating.
Nearly 400 racers crowded the start line to cover either the Petite Course (1100m) or the Grand Course (1600m). Melanie placed 3rd just 2 min behind winner and Swiss Team member Maude Mathys. The men’s race was dominated by Didier Blanc (FRA) with Yannick Ecoeur (SUI) in 2nd. Martha and Travis placed well in the Grand Course despite both just jumping off flights from North America. Katarina placed 3rd overall in the Petite Course, feeling strong after racing her first World Cup event the previous weekend in Andorra. The race was an excellent pre-worlds tune-up for the Canadians and featured well set, smooth skin tracks, fun skiing in deep powder and a long boot pack.
All photos by Eric Carter who decided to rest before the Worlds.
Upcoming Races:
» With World Championships starting this Friday, athletes from the Canadian and U.S. Teams are arriving in Verbier and preparing to race. The event’s schedule will be as follows:
- Friday, Feb 6 – Sprint race
- Saturday, Feb 7 – Vertical race
- Sunday, Feb 8 – Vertical for junior & cadet categories
- Monday, Feb 9 – Individual race
- Tuesday, Feb 10 – Individual for junior & cadet categories
- Wednesday, Feb 11 – Teams race
- Thursday, Feb 12 – Relay races
» In the United States, there are two races schedule this weekend in New Mexico:
- Saturday, Feb 7 – Santa Fe Fireball Rando Race
- Sunday, Feb 8 – Rio Hondo Rando Raid, Taos
» Alpental Vertfest, WA has been postponed until March 21-22 due to lack of snow!
» No races are schedule in Canada for the next two weeks.
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