Last week I stepped into the role of wax tester and serviceman for the team at the Canmore races. Here's a peek at what coaches and waxers do during races for their athletes. I was able to take notes as this was the least busy day of the trip. All we had to do was test glide and structure. No grip, only one pair of skis (not a pursuit day where you need both) and only one race per athlete (not a sprint where they might do 4). You will understand why I need a vacation after this trip.
Day 4: Skate race day
- 5:30 - wake up
- 6:15 - Breakfast, pack lunch, organize clothes and dress for work.
- 6:30 - Arrive at race site. Temp: -26C
- 6:45 - Start glide wax test skis and structure skis. (3 pairs glide, 3 pairs structure)
- 7:15 - Finished waxing
- 7:20 - Bathroom stop
- 7:30 - Get dressed to test skis.
- 7:45 - Base fluoro wax test (Decision #1)
- 8:00 - Structure test (Decision #2)
- 8:20 - To fluoro coat test (Decision #3)
- 8:30 - Finish testing and go preview race course. Get half way around before John radios to tell me he has another test ski ready and will meet me in the stadium ASAP.
- 8:40 - John has prepped a new test combining all the testing feedback.
- 8:45 - Test the new wax combo ski versus the best of the others. Wow, it feels fast!
- 8:50 - Sunrise! Yeah, warmth.
- 9:00 - Get all test skis off the course. Course is now closed to everyone.
- 9:05 - John applies the waxes while I brush the skis.
- 9:30 - Short break to massage brushing arm while John finishes roto-corking.
- 9:40 - Skis are done, deliver them to the women at the start.
- 9:55 - Head out on the race course to watch.
- 10:00 - Race start, and I will be out cheering until 11.
- 10:15 - Waxing feedback - Megan tucks further than anyone else on the longest downhill and easily passes a group of skiers. Alana does the same; the skis are good!
- 11:15 - Wax men's skis.
- 11:45 - Men's skis ready.
- 11:55 - Head out on course.
- 12:00 - Men's race starts, out cheering until 1.
- 1:15 - Cheering is done, now the athletes prep tomorrow's skis with base layers while John and I clean-up today's.
- 1:45 - John and I head home for lunch.
- 2:30 - head out to the local internet cafe to update XC Ottawa.
- 5:30 - Dinner was a pasta feast prepared by the team.
- 7:00 - Coaches meeting. It only last 20 minutes this time.
- 8:00 - Team meeting.
- 9:00 - Plan for tomorrow's waxing.
- 9:30 - Watch an episode of Dukes of Hazard with Karl and Justin.
- 10:30 - bedtime!
In the next installment I'll pass on tips on how to test grip, glide, skis and structure.
Interesting Reading. . .
"Vauhti Waxes. . . the conditions are always right!"