Kevin Sandau and Knute Johnsgaard © Pam Doyle

December 07, 2015 (Canmore, AB) – The courses were hard and fast as the men’s 16.5 mass-start, skate race got underway in Canmore, this morning, at -1 deg. C. With large groups of skiers negotiating some sharp turns and tricky downhills it looked like the technically adept skier could have a bit of an advantage as they raced the 4 lap course.

The first lap saw a close race with 22 skiers bunched together at the front, including some of the top skiers from yesterday, taking turns at the front.

Kevin Sandhau © Pam Doyle

Kevin Sandau and Knute Johnsgaard were once again testing their abilities, after dueling it out several times this season in the Haywood NorAms and last weekend’s U.S. SuperTour races.

On the 2nd lap Kevin Sandau of Foothills Nordic and Russell Kennedy of Canmore Nordic, made a bit of a break. They came through the lap about 11 seconds ahead of a chase group of 12 led by Patrick Stewart-Jones of Nakkertok and Knute Johnsgaard of Whitehorse.

On the 3rd lap Sandau and Johnsgaard made a gap on the front pack of 30 seconds, chased by a group of 10 that included the top Junior Man, Philippe Boucher of Skibec. As the next lap progressed, Kevin dropped Knute to gain a 10 second advantage, cruising into the finish 37 seconds ahead.

Brian McKeever © Pam Doyle

There was a 26 second gap back to 3rd place where Brian McKeever won a sprint finish, by half a second, over Patrick Stewart-Jones. Kimberley’s Colin Ferrie was just 1 second later across the line.

Jakob Ellingson from the USA © Pam Doyle

Listen to an interview with winner Sandhau here.

The top Junior Man was Philippe Boucher in 7th place. Sam Greer of Highlands Trailblazers was 2nd and followed 10 seconds later by Zachary Cristofanilli of Orford.

Dahria Beatty leads the pack © Pam Doyle

In yesterday’s women’s race, the 1st year Seniors filled the podium, so today was a chance for some of the more established racers to show their strengths.

There was a large pack of 22 skiers still together, as the women completed their first lap. Dahria Beatty from Whitehorse was setting the pace with Jenn Jackson of Team Hardwood and Cendrine Browne of Fondeurs-Laurentides leading the way.

Dahria Beatty © Pam Doyle

Dahria and Cendrine were joined by Frédérique Vézina of Mont Ste. Anne as the race progressed and then Dahria powered her way to a 9 second victory on the final lap.

Frédérique Vézina was the 2nd finisher, a strong senior race from a skier that a couple of years ago had been a dominant junior. Cendrine Browne was 3rd, 5 seconds farther back. Brazilian racer Jaqueline Mourão added to the international flavour of the event, narrowly missing the podium by 1.5 seconds.

The tight racing and deep field of young skiers bodes well for the future of the Canadian women’s team.

Dahria had raced on the same skis as Kevin Sandau, so they definitely seemed well suited for the conditions. Today’s results should put her in a good qualifying position for the B Tour in January.

Listen to an audio interview with winner Beatty here.

In the junior class, Anne-Marie Comeau of Skibec was 1st (10th overall) with Marie Corriveau of Mont Ste. Anne 2nd, 40 seconds back and Sadie White of Big Thunder 3rd, 8 seconds later.

Haywood NorAm racing resumes on Tuesday with classic, sprint events presented by Buff Canada.

Results here.