October 15, 2018 (Jericho, Vermont) – On Saturday over 170 Nordic skiers amped for winter strapped on a set of rollerskis to participate in the NENSA Rossignol Fall Rollerski Classic presented by Mansfield Nordic Club at the Ethan Allen Biathlon Range in Jericho, Vt. It was a chilly morning replete with the first snow of the year on Mount Mansfield as a backdrop, but everyone in attendance was fired up. The Open Field competed in a 10-kilometer event in the traditional style, and several other distances were offered for younger competitors. The event was round #4 of the NENSA Bag Balm Rollerski Race Series, presented by SkiTrax.

Bill Harmeyer (UVM) won the field with a time of 22:09.6 with Adam Martin (Craftsbury Green Racing Project) and Kyle Bratrud (SMS T2) tight on his heels. Thirty seconds later two UVM skiers, Karl Schulz and Ian Moore came in. Bratrud remains the Series leader with 1st and 3rd-place finishes to Martin’s two 2nd-place results. Canadian Nick Clifford (Carleton University) sits in third but Ben Saxton (SMS T2) currently 4th hopes to move up at the Trapp Race finale.

Olympian, Caitlin Patterson (Craftsbury Green Racing Project) took the field for women with a time of 25:14.4 with Ida Sargent (Craftsbury / US Ski Team) close behind. Evelin Sutro (UVM) was the third woman overall. Katharine Ogden (Dartmouth) and Alayna Sonnesyn (SMS T2) had a photo finish less than a minute later.

Patterson takes a commanding lead in the Series with two victories, Sargent sits in third but could move up at the final race as Zoe Williams in second overall may not be at the Trapp Race finale. Zoe Pekos who sits 4th overall is also not confirmed at the final round. Currently 5th, and in the running for the final podium, is Katharine Ogden (Dartmouth/ SMS T2).

After the event competitors were able to try out an exciting new agility feature, a ramp that many describe as a pump track for cross-country skis.  The whole day had a carnival-like feel – with a balance of world-class competition and camaraderie. NENSA has two more rollerski competitions before winter, culminating with the Trapp Invitational Race in Stowe, Vermont where the Overall Series winners will be awarded.

The next event The Maine Event: Agility Sprint Festival will happen October 27th at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine. NENSA will be hosting the first open Rollerski Cross Country Cross event in the world. The course will be set on a 400m loop including 3 ramps (Bicycle, Speed Whoop and Step Down Jump) and other agility components including: 180 into backwards skiing, stop and start, Nokian Tyres – Figure 8, one-legged balance, grass skiing and several turning features including slalom.

NENSA is a catalyst for growth and performance in cross country skiing in the northeast US. With a small paid staff and a huge grassroots component, NENSA relies on contributions and an annual auction to provide a framework for clubs and venues to host successful – and FUN – ski events for all ages. The primary goal of the New England Nordic Ski Association is to create an environment that promotes the athletic development of New England cross-country skiers, supports skiing organizations, and encourages the growth of the sport of cross-country skiing.

Prize money for the Series is generously provided by Marty and Kathy Hall for both men and women – $500 (Overall), $300 (2nd place), $200 (3rd place). All podium prizes for the Series are made possible by Swix Sport.

NENSA Rossignol Fall Rollerski Classic results here.