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Ski Tour Canada 2016 at Jacques-Cartier Park on March 1st, 2016
By:  Ski Tour Canada   (2016/02/15)

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Gatineau, February 12, 2016 – The Organizing Committee for the Gatineau Stage of Ski Tour Canada 2016 today unveiled the highlights of the competition and its complementary activities, and encouraged folks to attend this exceptional free event, the first stage of which will take place on March 1 at Jacques-Cartier Park. Ski Tour Canada 2016, which is part of the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup, will run from March 1 to 12. The next stages of the 2016 World Cup finals will take place in Montréal, Québec City and Canmore. The announcement was attended by several dignitaries, including Stéphane Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Persons with Disabilities, and Member of Parliament for Argenteuil – La Petite Nation, Stéphanie Vallée, Minister of Justice and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region, Mireille Apollon, Deputy Mayor of Gatineau, Maryse Gaudreault, Member of the National Assembly for Hull, Manuela Teixeira, President of Tourisme Outaouais and Pierre Lafontaine, Chief Executive Officer of Cross Country Ski de Fond Canada.
 
Between March 1 and 12, the eight (8) cross-country ski competitions will attract the 150 best skiers from 25 countries. For the very first time on Canadian soil, they will try to win the coveted Crystal Globe, which will go to the best cross-country skier in the world in 2016. “Watching top Canadian athletes such as Alex Harvey take on the best in the world here in Gatineau, against the backdrop of the Parliament buildings, is truly a unique opportunity that should not be missed!” pointed out Évènements Nordiques Gatineau President Yan Michaud.
 

2016 Ski Tour Canada comment by Chandra Crawford from Ski Tour Canada on Vimeo.

A spectacular first stage in Gatineau!
 
The first stage of this historic tour, a free technique sprint, will take place at Gatineau’s Jacques-Cartier Park on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. The backdrop for this 1.7 kilometre race will be downtown Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History, and Canada’s Parliament Hill. The course will use structures from Winterlude. Approximately fifty international media representatives are expected to attend the Gatineau stage, and the events will be telecast in more than 125 countries. This is an extraordinary showcase for the country, and a tremendous opportunity to celebrate excellence in sport.
 
Families and fans, turn up the volume for the skiers!
  On Tuesday, March 1, families and fans from both sides of the river and throughout Quebec and Ontario are invited to come and cheer on the skiers at Jacques-Cartier Park, where 2000 little bells generously donated by Québecor will be handed out to the first people to arrive at the site. “We are lucky to have this opportunity to host the sprint, which is the most spectacular stage of the competition. This is a free activity, and given that it is happening during March break in Gatineau, we are hoping for a big show of very loud support for the athletes,” indicated Mayor Pedneaud-Jobin.
 
Organizing Committee President Claude Laramée outlined the complementary program lineup accompanying the competition. A family area will be set up and open as of Sunday to give everyone a chance to watch the athletes train and to have some fun with things like the giant inflatable structures, climbing walls and fat bikes. “On Sunday, February 28, we will give skiers of all levels a chance to try out the World Cup course. A unique experience. Bring your equipment!” he added.
 
An exhilarating event!
 
The kick-off will be at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1, with the qualifying events. The main event will be at 1:45 p.m. with the fastest qualifying skiers racing head-to-head in heats of six to decide the winners of the day. A TVA Sport Fans Zone will be provided, where the race will be shown on a giant screen. The competition will be aired live on TVA Sports and live streamed on CBC Sports across Canada. This major competition will give Canada’s cross country ski team, which includes Alex Harvey, one of the best in the world and the event’s spokesperson, a chance to compete at home in front of their families, friends and fans.
 
For program details and the course outline for each stage of Ski Tour Canada, check skitourcanada.com
 
On March 1, the whole world will be watching Gatineau, a number one cross-country ski destination. Be seen and be heard!!

 

Full Press Release and Details

COMPLETE SCHEDULE

Saturday, February 27

  • 9 to 11 a.m. – Athlete training (non-official)
  • 1 to 9 p.m. - Chelsea Super Sprint Jeunesse

Sunday, February 28

  • 8 to 10 a.m. – Athlete training (non-official)
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Family day*
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – World cup course open to one and all – Come and test your skills!
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Free introduction to cross-country skiing for youth aged 5 to 13 , presented by Rossignol (Registration from 9:30 a.m. to 3 pm)
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Open house and family area at Jacques - Cartier Park*
  • 7 p.m. – Opening ceremony at the Canadian Museum of History

Monday, February 29

  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Family area open*
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Official training

Tuesday, March 1

  • 10 a.m. – Site open for spectators
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Family area open*
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – TVA Sports Fan Zone
  • 11:15 a.m. – Sprint Qualifiers
  • 1:45 p.m. – Men’s and Women’s Finals (Men’s Finals sponsored by Quebecor)
  • 3 p.m. – Flower Ceremony*

Family area and activities for everyone, including:

  • • Tethered hot air balloon rides (weather permitting)
  • • Subway inflatable structures, obstacle course and climbing walls
  • • Exhibits and food concessions
  • • Fat Bike demonstration and initiation
  • • And much more...

Schedule subject to change

 
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