XC Ottawa managed to get in touch with a number of prominent skiers who grew up skiing in Ottawa. We asked them for their thoughts on the season just passed, their goals for next year, and their focus for the upcoming National Championships. We’ll post a new one every day as Nationals goes on!
Today we are talking to Chris Jefferies. Chris grew up skiing with the Nakkertok Ski Club. He now lives in Canmore (AB) when not chasing the World Cup circuit around Europe and Scandinavia. As you know, Chris skis for the Canadian National Team and was a member of the Torino Olympic Team.
Question: How has your season
progressed up to this point? Have you been happy with the way things
have gone? What were the highlights of you season?
Answer: Honestly… I feel
fortunate to have secured a job for next season. A season of many
racing lows and only a couple highs, namely a 24th finish
in the Oberstdorf World Cup. Experiencing the Olympics and domestic
World Cups with teammates, family and friends were definitely memorable.
Question: What are your plans
for next season? Do you have any specific training or competition goals
for the spring/summer, and for next winter?
Answer: Finishing the season
are first and foremost. Following the last races at Shark, a spring
break from training is definitely in order. Afterwards, I think
a whole lot of change is in order. If your not evolving and progressing
in your training, your not getting faster, and I think I need to make
this a priority.
Question: Are you going to
Nationals this year? Do you enjoy racing at Nationals, and if so, why?
Answer: I love Nationals and
can’t wait to get there. It’s just a great way to wind down
the season. Spring weather is starting to arrive, the racing is
great, and it is always an opportunity to see all your friends again.
Also, after a long season of international racing, it’s nice to be
back in Canada.
Question: What are your goals
for Nationals? What race will you focus on at Nationals, and why?
Answer: I won’t be focusing
on any one race at nationals this year, but just hoping to ski as hard
as possible each day. By this point in the season, fatigue is
definitely becoming a factor, so I’m definitely looking forward to
not racing another 30km this year.
Question: What was your favourite
National Championships you’ve ever been to? Why?
Answer: Charlo! Great
weather, great people, and beautiful area I had never been to.
Question: Do you like Lappe
Nordic Centre (host of this year’s Nationals)? If so, why?
Answer: Lappe and thunder bay
is like my second home. I spent my first 3 years of senior here
and I think they have the greatest Nordic community in Canada.
Lappe is a special place to race; it’s a racing club and Reijo and
the others live for good racing.
Question: Who are your picks
to win the following races:
Men’s Club Relay: Nakkertok, represent!
Women’s Club Relay: Edmonton
Nordic
Men’s Sprint: Sean “50 sprint” Crooks (sorry Widmer)
Women’s Sprint: Perianne
Jones (Nakkertok, represent!)
Men’s 50k: Me, bring it!
Women’s 30k: Dasha
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