March 30, 2012 (Mont Saint Anne, Quebec) – The Academy has wrapped up their very successful season last week at the 2012 Canadian National Championships, hosted at Mont Saint Anne, Quebec. Warmer than seasonal weather made for an enjoyable week for spectators, but led to tricky waxing and skiing conditions for the athletes and wax techs.

Individual races started off with the 5km and 10km classic races, where waxing proved to be tricky for the team. Emily Nishikawa finished 3rd in the Open Women’s category, 26 seconds back from the lead. Kate Brennan finished 7th. On the men’s side, Graham Nishikawa and Jesse Cockney finished 6th and 10th respectively.

The 10km and 15km skate races followed a day later, with Emily Nishikawa claiming the National Champ title over Alysson Marshall, who had just returned from Europe the night before. Rebecca Reid finished 11th overall, and was 2nd in the Junior Women’s field. The men struggled with soft and warm conditions, with Kevin Sandau finishing 10th.

The skate sprint followed two days later. Phil Widmer finished 3rd, right behind Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey. In the B-Final, Drew Goldsack, Graham Nishikawa, Graeme Killick, and Jesse Cockney were 7th, 8th 10th and 12th respectively. Alysson Marshall finished 6th in the women’s race, while Marlis Kromme won the B-Final. Rebecca Reid finished 2nd is the junior heats, with Janelle Greer taking 4th spot.

The final day of racing was the long distance 20, 30km, and 50km classic races. Despite warmer weather throughout the week, it had cooled off the night before making for a relatively solid track. The men’s race went off first, with Graham Nishikawa finishing 4th with Kevin Sandau finishing a spot behind. Jesse Cockney crossed the line in 7th. Rebecca Reid took home her 3rd 2nd place finish, while Janelle Greer was 4th in the 20km. Emily Nishikawa posted the fastest AWCA time in the women’s 30km, finishing 6th.

Most of the team has now returned to Canmore, which some racing the final Alberta Cup at Mt. Shark this weekend. Afterwards, training takes a break and recommences early May.