WC in Canmore

Hello Nordic Sport Fans!

The last week has been very eventful with Canmore hosting the World Cups. Racing at that level is always a privilege and very exciting. For me, there were no jitters since I have raced a few previously in 2005. Canmore put on a extremely well organized and exciting race series here. Congrats to all the Canadians finishing in the top-30, let's hope this bodes well for the Olympics.

My race on Friday was a tough slog. I started out slowly deliberately, however I never seemed to accelerate into the last lap. There was great motivation out there when the red group (top-seeded skiers) were starting whilst I was on the last 1/3 of my race. Still a great experience, but much to be desired on the results sheet.

Saturday was completely different. I have struggled on the steeper sections at this Canmore sprint course and was determined to ski relaxed and powerful. It was the best sprint qualifier this season. Amazing how focusing on specific details can alter a race. For me, independent of the the result, I had a sense of accomplishment.

Thanks to all the competitors, volunteers, fans and wax techs for making it a great weekend.

On those skis

Photo Compliments of Scott Perras

Olympic Torch, BCRR, Nipika and More!

It has been a busy month! With 2 races in the Canmore area and quite a few longer training sessions, I've managed to stay quite busy.

The BCRR (Bow Corridor Regional Race) is a great series for beginner and experienced skiers. The series comprises of 4 events each winter. Each event is a different discipline or distance from the others. They are always fun races. Nipika, which is a resort immediately adjacent to Kootenay National Park has become a regular loppet for me. Everything was going well in the 20km Skate race until I took a nasty tumble and broke my pole! Unfortunately for me that was the end of my racing. Congratulations to the winner, Nathan Smith.

The Olympic Torch passed through Canmore recently. It was amazing to see all the people out cheering the torch bearers and catching the Olympic spirit. For me, it was a bittersweet experience. Still a great time though.

Keep those skis flat