December 14, 2014 (Rossland, BC) – The weather continued to co-operate in Rossland on Day 2 of the opening round of the Haywood NorAm series as the 11/15km CL races were held with temperatures just below freezing. The freezing conditions made for a fast and icy course, with some challenging downhill corners. A good binder wax was necessary to ensure sufficient grip on the uphills.

Kris Freeman © file photo

Familiar faces were once again on the top step of the podium as yesterday’s winners, Alyson Marshall (AWCA-NST) and Kris Freeman (Freebird) made it 2-for-2 on Sunday. U.S. skiers swept the Open Men’s podium led by Freeman’s strong performance as he skied a consistent race with each of his three lap times differing by a second.

The 14-season World Cup competitor, took charge winning his 2nd race of the weekend by a 29.7s margin over Sun Valley SEF skiers, Matt Gelso in 2nd and Benjamin Lustgarten another 21 seconds back in 3rd.

Once again the top Canadian was Lappe’s Michael Somppi, with his club teammate Andy Shields in 7th overall and Skibec’s Raphael Couturier crossing the line in 8th overall. Couturier was the top U23 athlete and as such made his mark towards possible selection for the Junior/U23 Nordic World Championship team. The top junior and U23 athletes of each gender from this and next weekend’s races put themselves into strong contention for a spot on that squad.

Quebec skiers filled the podium on the junior front it again led by Skibec’s Phillippe Boucher with Ricardo Izquierdo-Bernier of Fondeurs Laurentide in 2nd and Zachary Christofanilli of Orford in third. Ty Godfrey of Canmore was a a mere 10th of a second back in 4th.

Alysson Marshall © Angus Cockney

On the women’s side, Marshall of Larch Hills Club, powered her way to top spot with a commanding 21 second margin over Whitehorse junior sensation, Annah Hanthorn who posted the fastest final lap time. In doing so, the rising star relegated U.S. standout, Jennie Bender, to 3rd. This was the second podium placement in 2 days for Hanthorn who seems to be staking her claim for a position on the  Junior World championship team.

Cendrine Browne of Fondeurs Laurentide finished as the 4th Canadian at three seconds behind Bender. The U23 athlete looks to be making a case as well for a trip to Kazakhstan for the Junior/U23 Nordic Worlds.

Rounding out the Junior Women’s final podium in 2nd and 3rd were Maya MacIssac-Jones of Rocky Mountain Racers and Sophie Carrier Laforte of Skinouk in 9th and 10th overall.

The volunteers made a tremendous effort in difficult conditions to pull off an excellent weekend of racing and MacIssac-Jones expressed it well following yesterday’s race commenting, “Huge thanks to the race organizers who helped make it happen.”

Next up Haywood NorAm race weekend #2 from Sovereign Lake Ski Club, B.C. The weekend of racing starts on Friday, Dec. 12 with Buff classic sprints.

Full results here.