February 14, 2009 (Zweisel, Germany) – It was a strong day for Canada at the OPA cups races in Zweisel, Germany. This is the first stop of the U23 trip for the Canadian squad and it started off in a big way. Len Valjas (NTDC – QC) won the open men’s 15km classic with Kevin Sandau (Foothills) in 5th. Graham Nishikawa (NTDC – QC) and Frederic Touchette (NTDC – QC) finished 7th and 8th respectively.

In the men’s junior race Graeme Killick (Banff Ski Runners) won by over 40 seconds and would have been 5th overall in the open men’s category. David Greer (NTDC – QC) was 3rd on the junior race. In second on the day was Giovanni Gullo of Italy, followed by his countrymen Fulvio Scola. It should be noted that Scola has recorded top 30 results on the World Cup thus adding to Valjas’ impressive result.

In the women’s 10km classic race Brittany Webster (NST) was third followed by Madeleine Williams (Edmonton) in 5th and Amanda Ammar (Edmonton) in 6th. Stefanie Boehler of Germany won the race ahead of Ursina Badilatti of Switzerland.

In the FIS results the juniors have not been removed. Athletes born in 1989 or later fell in the junior category.

Complete men’s results here
Complete women’s results here