Haywood NORAM Cup Valcartier - Pictures from Pursuit Races
By:  Sheila Kealey   (2007/12/15)

Centre de Biathlon Myriam Bedard is hosting the third stop on the NORAM circuit, and XC Ottawa racers are finding their racing form.

In Thursdays sprint races, Megan Mctavish finished 9th, and Alana Thomas 15th, while Justin Demers qualified for the quarter final and finished 30th.

Today was the continuous pursuit (classic + skate), with the men skiing 20km, and the women 10km. The woman's race was won by Elizabeth Stephen of the US Ski team, followed by Brooke Gosling of Calgary (XC.com) and Madeleine Williams. The men's race was won by Graham Nishikawa, followed by Robin McKeever then Dan Roycroft.

XC Ottawa had some strong finishes again today, led by Sheila Kealey in 5th, Megan Mctavish in 6th, and Karl in 11th position. Tomorrow are mass start classic races for both the men (10km) and women (5km).

Here are some pictures from today's pursuit race . . .



Men's lead pack at 2.5km (Karl is in there!)



Karl (#15) through stadium at 2.5km



Ed at 2.5km



Justin at 2.5km



Women's start (Sheila, Megan, & Alana in 2nd row)



Women begin the climb out of the stadium



Sheila and Megan chasing leaders



Alana skiing in a strong pack



Megan heading towards finish



A strong race for XC.com's Brooke Gosling - Top Canadian, 2nd overall


Sheila crosses the line in 5th