February 19, 2011 (Gatineau, QC) – This morning’s departure had to be delayed by half an hour, to 9:30 a.m., in order to complete the course improvements prompted by yesterday’s mild temperatures. Gatineau Mayor Marc Bureau gave the signal to the valiant participants in the 28km and 50km classic races at 9:30 on the dot, sending them on their way through a heavy snowfall.

President Yan Michaud, who took part in this morning’s 28km race, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. “The day went very well. The skiers I talked to were all pleased with the swift skiing conditions and the attentive work done by the volunteers and the organizing committee in order to ensure an interesting experience.”

St-Bruno Dominates 28km
St-Bruno can be proud of its athletes: two of its skiers were the first two to cross the finish line in the 28km classic race. Sean Thompson was the first to complete the course in a time of 1:24:46.9. He was followed by Timothé Plante, who finished 3 minutes later with a time of 1:27:43.4. American Nicholas Underwood, from New York state, was 2 seconds behind, with a time of 1:27:44.9.

For the women, the results exemplified the event’s international flavour. The Czech Republic’s Kamila Borutova, who is currently training in Canmore, once again took her place at the top of the podium with a time of 1:34:41.6. She was followed seven minutes later by Gatineau’s Anna Crawford, who completed the distance in 1:41:30.6. Third place went to Vermont’s Andrea Vogl with a finish time of 1:46:50.8.

Close Finish in the Men’s 50km
Spectators were treated to a breathtaking display at the finish of the 50km classic. The lead group comprised of Germany’s Juergen Uhl, Ottawa’s Matthias Purdon and Chelsea’s Nanfen Weber, was very tight up until the last few metres. Speeding along at 19.5km per hour Uhl earned the top spot on the podium while Purdon, a member of the elite XC Ottawa club, claimed the silver, and Weber the bronze with a time of 2:32:32 – three seconds behind Purdon and six seconds behind Juergen.

American Women Sweep 50km Podium
The women’s podium for the 50km belonged to the United States. While the gold medal went to Oregon’s Stephanie Howe (2:56:44.9), the silver went to adorn Vermont’s Robyn Anderson (3:07:22.8), and the bronze was scooped by her compatriot Mary Stewart (3:08:53.7).

More Medals for Canada and USA in 16km Race
The signal for the start of the 16km was given under brilliant rays of sunshine – a rare moment on this windy day. By the time the race was over, the United States had two more medals adding its impressive list. William Frielinghaus from Queensbury, U.S.A. had the best time in 45:16.7, followed by Jesse Williams, from Cantley, QC in 51:29.1 and Keith Kogut, from Tupper Lake, U.S.A. in 51:40.3.

Among the women, three Canadians took the honours. First across the line was Orillia’s Soren Meeuwisse, who finished in 1:06:01.2, followed by Orangeville’s Gillian Vaderburgh in 1:06:18.7 and Bewdley’s Jade Penwright-Holmes in 1:06:36.9.

Family Affair in the 5km
The 5km is the race with the highest average speed. Aaron Newell, from Queensbury, U.S.A., was the first to cross the finish line, with a time of 13:31.9 and an average speed of 22.2 km/h. New York State’s Willie Underwood joined him less than two seconds later. Third spot went to Emma Underwood, whose time was 15:42.9. She was followed by two more girls, Alana Hennessy of Chelsea and Rozie Brochu of Cantley. Evan Greenberg, as the eighth place finisher, was the third boy to finish the race with a time of 17:24.8.

Moisson Outaouais Norway Giant Ski Challenge
It was all about fun this morning during the friendly Moisson Outaouais Norway Giant Ski Challenge. Spectators were thrilled to take part by cheering on the six participating teams – the National Capital Commission team, the Société de transport de l’Outaouais team, the Centre Krown Outaouais team, the Génivar team, the Skadi team and the Turbosmoteurs team.

The teams fought it out to the finish in an atmosphere of total camaraderie.  In the end, it came down to just a few seconds difference for the Turbomoteurs to win over the Génivar.

It should be noted that this very special activity is part of the Moisson Outaouais Du coeur… aux ventres major fundraising campaign. This morning’s harvest for the local food bank came to $4,217. Thank you all!

Tomorrow’s Activities
The 33rd edition of the Gatineau Loppet continues on Sunday. We remind you that registration starts again at 7a.m. for the different courses – the 10, 28 and 50 km freestyle at the Ski Show at École secondaire Mont-Bleu (389 boulevard Cité-des-Jeunes, Gatineau).

Course Change for Sunday
In view of the weather over the last few days, the courses will be modified for Sunday. For the 51km F, the cooler temperatures over the last few hours will make it possible to use some of the more technical trails, as compared to the ones used today. The 31km will be modified, as it was today, and will turn into a 28km race. The 10km course will remain unchanged, as is the case with the Mini.

The Mini
We invite you to come out tomorrow and cheer on and meet the next generation of cross-country skiers in the Outaouais. The Mini takes place at noon, over a 2km course. This un-timed race is for children between up to 12 years of age, and this year will include 25 children from École Carl, which won the Dessine tes plaisirs d’hiver drawing contest. More than a hundred children are already registered, but it is not too late to get a bib at the Ski Show at École secondaire Mont-Bleu.

For additional information, call us at 819-790-8074 or visit www.gatineauloppet.com.