February 07, 2016 (Cantley, Quebec) – There was a light dusting of new snow on the tracks as Race Day 2 of the Haywood Eastern Canadian Championships got underway at Nakkertok Ski Club in Cantley, Quebec. It was a few degrees below zero and overcast as the women began their 10km, interval start skate race.

Fondeurs Laurentides and NorAm leader, Cendrine Browne was slightly behind her club teammate Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt on the 1st lap, but managed to continue a strong pace on the 2nd to claim the victory by 9 seconds over Dahria Beatty of Whitehorse. Bouffard-Nesbitt faded a bit on the 2nd lap and finished 3rd, another 12 seconds back.

Audio interview with Cendrine Browne

 

If you had to bet on a Haywood NorAm 15km skate winner, you wouldn’t go far wrong with betting on Lappe’s Michael Somppi. In 8 previous NorAm 15km skate races Michael has had 3 bronze and 3 silver medal finishes.  Today he added a 3rd gold to that record with a convincing 25 second win over Haywood NorAm Series leader Kevin Sandau of Foothills Nordic. 3rd place went to Russell Kennedy of Canmore, another 6 seconds back.

Audio interview with Michael Somppi

In the junior race, Skibec’s Philippe Boucher made it 2 wins in a row with his teammate Antoine Blais again in 2nd, 5 seconds later. Sadie White of Big Thunder made it to the top spot on the podium for the 2nd day in a row with a half minute lead over Marie Corriveau of Mont Ste. Anne. 3rd place went to Nakkertok’s junior girl racer, Alison Pouw.

Audio interview with Philippe Boucher

Audio interview with Sadie White

After the race today these are the COC leaders based on STC selection criteria at the end of today (athletes only count once in a category):
Overall leaders (best 6 races): Kevin Sandau, Cendrine Browne
Distance leaders (best 6 races: Brian McKeever, Dahria Beatty
Sprint Leaders (best 3 races): Julien Locke, Andrea Dupont

Results Para-Nordic results

There was also lots of other great younger junior racing, with a total of 79 clubs represented at the Haywood Eastern Canadian Championships.

Check this link for lots more great photos.