December 6, 2008 (Pinkham Notch, NH) – Nearly one hundred skiers raced the Atomic Sprints at Great Glen Trails on Saturday, December 6. The race was the first in New England this winter. Skiers from the University of New Hampshire won both the Men’s and Women’s Divisions.

Thanks to more than a foot of natural snow in last week, skiers were treated to fantastic early season conditions at Great Glen Trails. Ninety-eight skiers raced around the Geepers Loop; most were from New England colleges and high schools, but the field also included a number of junior and master skiers. In sprint racing, racers are slotted into qualifying heats with all but the first and second skier eliminated. In the latter heats, skiers need to finish first to advance until ultimately only four skiers remain for the final heat.

In the Men’s Division, Dan Guiney of the University of New Hampshire battled to the victory in a hotly contested final heat. Guiney’s teammate Steven Bedard took second with Sam Tarling of Burke Mountain Academy a close third. Sam Evans-Brown of Bates College was fourth.

On the women’s side, last year’s runner-up, Marjline Cook from the University of New Hampshire moved up to take the win. Kirsten Gill of Bates College edged out Alpina’s Alex Jospe for second. Katie Walsh from the University of New Hampshire was fourth.The Junior Division, ages 15 and under, was won by Calvin Swombley of Litchfield, CT.

Photos and video available at www.greatglentrails.com