March 18, 2014 (Corner Brook, Newfoundland) – Race Day 3 at the Haywood Ski Nationals had tamer weather than the previous day, with -7 deg. C temperatures and a wind that the race results said was howling, but the Blow Me Down club members thought was mild…. Today was a medium distance, skate, interval start race day.

It was a day, at least in the women’s race, for Olympians, with a victory for Heidi Widmer of Foothills, followed by Dasha Gaiazova of Mont Ste. Anne and Amanda Ammar of Canmore. Chisa Obayashi of Japan added some international flavour to the event finishing 3rd, but isn’t eligible for National Championship medals.

Sr Women's podium © CCC

On the men’s side Ivan Babikov was the class of the field by an 18 second margin, even though he was fresh off the plane from the Falun World Cup finals.

After he posted on Twitter and added a picture of his medal.: “I know it’s been a long, tough season, with lots of traveling and ski racing, but it always fun to race at @SkiNationals”  Ivan’s presence was much appreciated by all the young skiers in attendance.

Sr Men's podium © CCC

The silver medal in the men’s race went to Whitehorse racer Graham Nishikawa, with Lappe’s Michael Somppi 3rd.

Scott Hill of Hardwood was the Jr Men’s champ (as well as the top CCUNC skier for Lakehead) over another Lappe skier Evan Palmer-Charette, with Nakkertok’s Colin Foley in 3rd.

Jr Men's podium © CCC

On the Jr. Women’s side Anne-Marie Comeau of Mont Ste Anne was the top skier, an impressive 4th Canadian overall, with Dahria Beatty of Whitehorse 2nd and Katherine Stewart-Jones of Nakkertok 3rd. Jennifer Jackson was the 4th Jr Women and also was the top CCUNC skier, giving Lakehead another title.

Juvenile Girls podium © CCC

In the Junior Girls class Emily Dickson was the top skier with Ali Pouw of Nakkertok topping the Juvenile Girls field.

Jr Girls podium with medals presented by 2 time Olympian Perianne Jones © CCC

On the boys side Quebec filled the top 5 on the Jr Boys, led by double gold medalist Zachary Cristofanilli of Orford with a narrow win over Philippe Boucher of Quebec. For the Juvenile Boys Félix Longpré of Mont Ste. Anne was the top skier.

Jr Boys podium © CCC

Results
CCUNC Results

After Race Day 2, the club standings showed Whitehorse in 1st followed by Skibec and Nakkertok. In the Divisional Standings Ontario leads over Quebec and Alberta.

Lots of Ski Nationals pictures

Next up, younger junior category sprints on Wednesday.