February 9, 2007 (Rossland, BC) – Today was the third day of racing at Blackjack Ski Club outside of Rossland. Today’s race, part of the Kootenay Savings Community Foundation Canadian Master’s Series, featured a 10 km Free Technique. Competitors ranged in age from 32 to 76 years and came from as far away as the Northwest Territories and Quebec; as well as visitors from California, Idaho and Oregon. Top finishers in each event earned the opportunity to represent Canada at the World Master’s Championships in Rovaniemi, Finland.

It was an exciting event with seventy competitors. The temperature was around zero making conditions increasingly challenging as competitors skied the second of two 5 km laps. Tracksetters were praised by racers for an exemplary job of grooming and setting the race course under those conditions.

Locals skiers gave fans lots to cheer about. Rossland skier Laara Banner skied to a first place in the Women’s 30-34 event with fellow Rosslander, Seth Bitting placing second in the Men’s competition. From Castlegar, skier Bevan Ferreira placed first in the Men’s 35-39 age group, with Rosslander Peter Plaunt in second. In the Ladies 35-39 age category, Rosslander Gabrielle Campbell placed second. In the 45-49 age group Rosslander Eric Sachs took first for the men’s, with Nelson’s Kim Poole in second.

For the Ladies, well known Rosslander skier, Lesley Beatson was first across the finish line. Rosslander Fred Bushell placed second in the Men’s 50-54 category, followed closely by fellow Rosslander Bob Sawyer. Both Lesley Beatson and Bob Sawyer are past World Masters medallists. For the Ladies Nelson’s Louise Poole came in first in the Ladies 50-54 age category.

Perhaps most inspiration racer of the day, seventy-six year old Al Fisher showed us Nordic skiing is a lifelong pastime as he placed first in the Masters Men 70+ category. Not to be outdone, Al’s wife, Ruth Grubisic placed first in the Women’s 70+ category. Following Al was Rossland’s Roy Hopland in second place in the 70+ Mens category. And at seventy-one years old that translates into a first in the sport of -life. Unfortunately, past World Masters Medallist, Rossland’s Helen Bourchier did not compete due to illness. It was an exciting event for spectators. There is ample room for viewing all racers and three finish lanes showcase some intense sprint finishes.

The final race in Blackjack Ski Club’s week of competition is the annual Blackjack Loppet taking place on Saturday, Feb. 10th. The Loppet is a 32 km long distance, marathon free ski race hosted by the club for the past twenty-five years. This race is open to all ages and skill levels and finds many recreational skiers challenging their endurance and participating in their first ever ski race. All skiers are invited to participate and registration is open until Friday night at 7:00. Participants can register by calling 362-9409 or email jillpeacock@telus.net.

More details and registration forms are available on the Blackjack website at www.skiblackjack.ca.

This year the Blackjack Loppet is incorporated into the prestigious Salomon Marathon Cup Series. The X-C.com tour, representing top cross country ski product manufacturers, will be there with great product demos, ski waxing clinics as well as terrific gifts and prizes. The public is invited to come out and enjoy some great spectator value and skiers are encouraged to participate in this social and fun event. The 25th Annual Blackjack Loppet gets underway at 10:30, Saturday, Feb. 10th at the Blackjack Ski Club up and across the road from the entrance to Red Mountain. See you there!