Race Report: CVTC Happy with Double Pole Extravaganza

The second day of the Alberta Cup was built for the upper body.  Doing 3 laps of a flat classic technique course for a total distance of 11.25 km, the CVTC guys found their arm and back muscles mangled and sore at the finish.  The field was again peppered with top athletes, including Paralympian, Brian McKeever who won the day on skate skis.

CVTC athletes fared extremely well, placing the entire team in the top 30, and the four juniors in the top 6, including two on the podium.  Colin Foley was the top CVTC racer of the day, finishing 13th overall and taking the top step of the podium in the junior category.  "The skis were great," said Colin Foley.  "I felt really good, too.  It's great to have the first race finished and we're really looking forward to racing in Vernon next weekend."

"My arms a bit sore... so glad we have a hot tub at the hotel," commented Sam Morris, a sentiment echoed by the rest of the team as they headed out to cool down.

The race was an individual start over three laps.  Most of the CVTC athletes were entering their second laps at the same time the top seeded seniors were starting.  This allowed them to match strides with national team members and test their mettle.  Paul Dupuis followed Graeme Killick for nearly a lap, while Martin Schrama was able to match strides with Phil Widmer for at least the same distance.  "It was great to see the guys pushing hard and fighting some top skiers out there," said Chris Manhard, CVTC head coach.  "The team stoke is high and after the great results and efforts this weekend, we'll be heading into the first NorAms in good shape."

The team departs Canmore tomorrow for Vernon, where they'll contest the NorAm cups on December 7 and 8.  The races in Vernon will be conditional selection races for the World Junior and U23 championships, so top performance will be critical.

Summary Results:
13 - Colin Foley (1st Junior)
17 - Martin Schrama
19 - Sam Morris (3rd Junior)
20 - Sebastian Dandurand
22 - Liam Patterson (4th Junior)
23 - Paul Dupuis
26 - Geoffrey Richards
28 - Andrew Avis (6th Junior)
29 - Benjamin Osorio
 

Full Results: http://zone4.ca/live.asp?id=6118&cat=66&lap=F&c=1

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/CallaghanValleyTrainingCentre