Nancy A report on the Canadian Ski Tour
At the last minute I decided to take the metro and bus downtown to catch the World Cup (how many chances does one get to see it in one’s own backyard?). I arrived late, but caught the end of the women’s race, where the Norwegians definitely dominated, even having to finish straight into the wind. They announced it was the coldest these athletes have had to do a world cup race in 2 years or so.
With 2 hours to kill, I explored the site and found it well organized. McDonald’s had a free truck serving hot chocolate and Mocha with whipped cream and other coffees, Gruyere gave out free cheese samples, Redpath gave out free shortbread cookies. In the middle, there were 3 metal barrels with fires going and long sticks with marshmallows for people to roast them.
Long before the start, the men were out trying out the course. I was quite impressed with how easy they skied with the perfect style and kick back. Some had their wax technicians skiing with them and then switching skis to try another set of waxed ones to get the right wax.
Before the start there were the volunteers going along the whole course to make sure it was all OK and then 6 going back and forth over the start line on their skis to ensure it was all smooth.
The racers lined up in their pole positions with a Norwegian dominance in the front 2 rows of 6, but our Canadian Alex was included. Once they were off, I raced up to stand by short steep hill. The 1st time they came around, it was a bunch up with them going up in twos and some passing and the others bunched at the bottom waiting to have space to start climbing. Alex arrived 5th at the hill. The 2nd time around, Alex was 6th and someone passed him on the hill. By now the Russian was in 1st place, followed closely by 2 Norwegians. The 3 had pulled away from the pack. Each time they came around Alex had slipped one farther back. On the last, lap the Russian had lost his lead…and we all raced to see the finish with the 2 Norwegians taking 1st and 2nd.
It was great to actually be there (too bad I didn’t know the players though).
Now that I am on a roll, I am thinking of driving to Ottawa to see the Canadian Men’s Curling championship this weekend or next. 🙂