November 21, 2010 (Rovaniemi, Finland) – It was another great day for Canada and the United States at Sunday’s 5/10km classic distance races with Canadian Dasha Gaiazova claiming the win in the women’s 5km with fellow Canuck Chandra Crawford in 5th and the USA’s Hannah Dreissigacker in 7th. In the men’s 10km Frederic Touchette (CAN) topped the North American skiers placing 12th while Tim Reynolds was the top American placing 38th.

These classic distance races concluded the US contingent’s three-week trip to Finland and everyone agrees that it’s been a fabulous experience. We survived the dark, cold days, multiple meals of mystery meat, and laid down some solid race performances.

Will Sweetser (trip leader of the MWSC/NCCSEF team) shared his thoughts on the overall race performances of US skiers here in Finland. “Its hard to expect a big difference in one week’s time, but it looks like the skiers stayed in the same positions for the most part, with the exception of a few skiers who moved up. Fred Bailey had close to his best FIS point’s race ever,” commented Sweetser.

Hannah Dreissigacker, from Craftsburys Green Racing Project, has certainly turned many heads with her impressive performances. “It is starting to look like she is an international calibre skier. She was 8th yesterday and 7th today – just 11 seconds off Chandra Crawford in Sunday’s 5km classic,” he added.

We’re heading home to the States on Tuesday. Thanks to NCCSEF and everyone else who helped make this trip possible! Check out pictures and videos from the races today.

Full Results HERE.

Dasha Gaiazova double poling through the lap

Hannah Dreissigacker getting it done!

Tim Reynolds charging uphill…

Audrey Weber powering up the hill during the women’s 5km.