January 14, 2012 (Whistler, BC) – Heidi Widmer (Foothills/ABWC) claimed the Women’s 1.2km FR Teck Sprint victory on Day 2 at the 2012 Haywood NorAM/Trials with Alysson Marshall (Larch Hills/ABWC) in second and Marlis Kromm (Foothills/ABWC) third on the podium.

Widmer qualified second behind Andrea Dupont (Strathcona/NDC Thunder Bay), the fastest in the women’s qualifications. Dupont made the A-Final as well but no one could touch Widmer on the challenging course as snow fell at Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley.

“The course and race tactics were completely different at the Callaghan site than when we trained on the course yesterday. There was significant snowfall overnight and the groomers were working hard to roll the course in preparation for the racing,” Widmer told Trax. “However, this meant that weren’t able to ski the course before the qualifier.”

“I felt really confident with my skis today and my body seemed to have the snap to be able to ski light and relaxed in the new snow. My strategy was to lead the heats and control from the front because it was hard to pass if you weren’t in the main line of the course,” continued Widmer.

“The snow continued off and on throughout the day but everything went to plan, and then some! Being able to watch my bro win afterwards was such a thrill – he makes it look so easy. I was commentating on the race to my mom and brother, who were on speaker phone as they listened in from Banff. I couldn’t have asked for a better day.”

Men’s Race
In the men’s 1.4km Freestyle race it was Philip Widmer (Canmore/AWCA) proving to be untouchable as well as he bested Graham Nishikawa (Whitehorse/ABWC) in second with U23 skier Jesse Cockney (Foothills) taking the final spot on the podium.

Widmer and Nishikawa were the class of the day as the Whitehorse skier qualified fastest with Widmer second. But the Canmore speed king took control in the final when it counted most to earn the victory.

Women’s Qualifications HERE.
Men’s Qualifications HERE.

Women’s Final HERE.
Men’s Final HERE.