January 25, 2009 (Rossland, BC) – Under clear blue skies and temps around -8 C (17F) racers took to the trails of the Black Jack Ski Club in Rossland, BC on the final day of the 2-day competition at the Haywood NorAm #5. Hometown favourite and Canadian National team member George Grey did not disappoint easily winning the men’s 15km classic race by 27.7 seconds over second place finisher Graham Nishikawa (Whitehorse). In third was Dan Roycroft of Arrowhead Nordic who was 59 seconds back of Grey’s winning time of 41:31.6.

Madeleine Williams (Edmonton) who battled throughout the 10km classic race in the splits with Shayla Swanson (Foothills) to win by just 2.8 seconds over Swanson. In third place 1:02.4 back from Williams time of 31:40.4 was USST member Laura Valaas.

The Haywood NorAm series will resume next at the Canadian Championships at Highlands Nordic March 8-13.

Complete results here

Results (brief)

Men

1. George Grey (Black Jack) NST 41:31.6
2. Graham Nishikawa (Whitehorse) CNEPH + 27.8
3. Dan Roycroft (Arrowhead) CVTC + 59.0
4. Chris Butler (Big Thunder) AWCA +1:06.2
5. Dave Nighbor (North Bay) NST +1:13.0

Women

1. Madeleine Willams (Edmonton) Fast Trax 31:40.4
2. Shayla Swanson (Foothills) AWCA + 2.8
3. Laura Valaas (APUNSC) APU Elite + 1:02.4
4. Dasha Gaiazova (Skielite) Equipe Quebec + 1:06.9
5. Brooke Gosling (Foothills) AWCA + 1:32.5