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Race report: NENSA Season opener
By:  Kyla Vanderzwet   (2016/12/20)

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The small but mighty XC Ottawa crew had a great weekend of racing at the NENSA Season Opener at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont last weekend. The format was a 2-day pursuit, with men skiing 10km both days and the women skiing 5 and 10km. The fields were large and competitive and included World Cup athlete Ida Sargeant racing on her home course. All races were run on a 2.5 km loop, and with well over one hundred racers in each category it felt like skiing in a roller-derby at times!

The excitement didn’t end on the ski course...with temperatures fluctuating by over 20 degrees celsius, plus snow and rain, driving was tricky at times. By the end of it we were well-practiced at getting cars out of the ditch! Other highlights included entertainment from Leena, and of course, Sheila’s baking. Notably, Megan and Sheila finished in the top 20 (15th and 17th) in the 10km skate pursuit on Sunday. The full results are available here.

The Ottawa-Gatineau area was well-represented with athletes from the Nakkertok Nordic Racing Team, Chelsea Nordic, Skinouk and Carleton. As usual, Craftsbury and NENSA did an amazing job putting on the event and we thank all of those who were involved!

Next up is the Boxing Day Burnoff - we hope to see you there!


Thursday’s pre-ski was cold and clear


Megan and Ingrid in the 5km classic race


Karl skiing in the men’s 10km classic


Sheila and Ingrid, with the Rode wax of the day


Megan and Kyla shortly after Sunday’s 10km skate


Leena was the best company to have around for the weekend!

 
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