Race Report: 10 and 15 km Classic - World Junior, U23 Selection Races

It was barely light when the first racers toed the start line in Canmore this morning.  The chinook clouds, tall mountains, and short days all combined for a grey morning, which was to be challenged by the spirits of the racing athletes.

Unlike most races, the Junior Men and Open Men were racing different distances.  This meant that the CVTC team was split into two start times, the U23 contingent racing the 15 km at 9:00 am and the Juniors racing the 10 km at 10:45 am. 

Martin Schrama was the story of the day for the U23 men, finishing 12th overall and 5th U23.  This is a stand out result for Martin, who's had one of the best seasons of his career to date.  Martin tried a new strategy on courses that he was very familiar with, having grown up in Canmore: "I tried to ski the big hills relaxed and easy to be really strong on the transitions and gradual hills.  It seemed to work for me today.  The skis were also really fast, which always helps!"  Geoffrey Richards finished 21st and Benjamin Osorio, 40th. 

The Junior race was brightened by a few beams of sunshine as the CVTC juniors mixed it up with the best in the country.  Colin Foley was the top finisher in 11th place, with Andrew Avis (20th), Sam Morris (22nd) and Liam Patterson (28th) rounding out the team results.  The junior athletes were really feeling the effect of the Canmore hills, with most of them slowing down over the three 3.3km laps.  Sam Morris was the notable exception to this rule, breaking out a negative split for his last lap.  "I don't know if that was planned, or if I just wanted to get across the finish line, but I'll take it," said Morris.

The team races again on Saturday in the skate sprint event.

Summary Results

U23:
Ben Orsorio (40th)
Martin Schrama (12th)
Geoffrey Richards (21st)

Junior:
Andrew Avis (20th)
Liam Patterson (28th)
Sam Morris (22nd)
Colin Foley (11th)

Note: Paul Dupuis and Sebastien Dandurand did not race in preparation for Saturday's sprint race.

Results: http://zone4.ca/live.asp?id=6294