Today was my first ever World Cup race. It was a classic sprint, which is not generally my favourite event but I gave it my best shot and managed a decent qualifying round, avoiding coming in last place (by a small margin!) The experience was incredible and I enjoyed every minute of it. Because I was the last starter, I had a lot of camera time which was sort of distracting but kind of cool too. The snowmobile followed me for the first couple hundred meters and I think I went out a bit too hard because of that. I also had the pleasure of having a close up of my face on the big screen for what felt like forever immediately following the race when I was catching my breath and taking off my skis in the finishing area.
Overall, Canada did well and qualified four skiers in the top 30, Chandra Crawford, Sara Renner, Sean Crooks and Phil Widmer. Chandra had a great quarter final and moved into the semi final. She had a great start in her semi but struggled a bit at the end so moved into the B-final. In the end she finished 12th which was a great classic sprint result. We're looking forward to seeing what she can do on Saturday in the skate sprint!
Here are some pictures:
#25 - Chandra Crawford in the Women's B final.
That's Canada's Phil Widmer (#24) skiing behind eventual bronze medalist Eldar Roenning (#4) of Norway in the quarter final heat . Beside Phil is American Torin Koos (#7). He's demonstrating some interesting technique - trying to use 2 skis in 1 track. It didn't work for him though as he stumbled, stuck his pole between Phil's legs and had it broken.
Sean Crooks (#18) skied and excellent qualifying TT and here he is in the quarter final heat.
Wome's A fianl. Leading in the middle lane is the eventual winner Majdic (#2, SLO), followed closely by second place Astrid Jacobsen(NOR).
Hey who's the guy wearing the wrong suit? The Men's A final was almost an all Norway race! To top it off not one of them used kick wax! They double poled the entire course. Amazing.
"Jessica Spring - Illustration + Design"