February 15, 2015 (Gatineau, QC) – Spirits were high and the snow was deep as more than 1,000 skiers at the Gatineau Loppet lined up at the starting line on this first day of competition, with tracks somewhat on the slow side, and temperatures definitely at the low end around -20 °C.

The first two classic style races, which started simultaneously on the trails of Gatineau Park this morning, were the 51km, from P17 in Wakefield, and the 27 km, from École secondaire Mont-Bleu. The 51km classic was back again this year as a linear race to the great delight of all skiers.

“We want to congratulate all of the winners and to thank all of the skiers who took part in our first day of competition,” indicated Gatineau Loppet President Yan Michaud. We want to highlight the fact that, in view of the expected cold weather, out of concern for the safety of everyone, the races on Sunday, February 15 will be shortened, and the first ones will start at 9 a.m. as expected. Details (maps included) are currently posted on the Web site. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day featuring, among others, the Carnaval Soleil Polaire, the snowshoe races, the XC Ski Show and the conference by Pierre Lavoie at 1 p.m.

For additional information, consult the Gatineau Loppet Web site here.

Results

51km Swix Classic and Long Distance Loppet Championships

Men
1. Ian Murray (Canmore, CAN) 3:29:58
2. Christopher Ziegler (Winooski, USA) 3:30:56
3. Karl Saidla (Chelsea, CAN) 3:31:37

Women
1. Hongxue Li (Beijing, CHI) 3:39:45
2. Sheila Kealey (Ottawa, CAN) 3:50:24
3. Emma Spelt (Toronto, CAN) 3:55:43

27km Otto’s BMW/Subaru Classic

Men
1. Jian He (Beijing, CHI) 1:45:03
2. Nicholas Pigeon (Gatineau, CAN) 1:46:21
3. Bruce MacNeil (Rosemère, CAN) 1:48:04

Women
1. Ariane Carrier (Jonquière, CAN) 2:04:04
2. Louise Martineau (Québec, CAN) 2:10:05
3.  Heidi Underwood (Kattskill Bay, USA) 2:12:28

15km Classic
Men
1. Antoine Cyr (Gatineau, CAN) 00:54:10
2. Mathieu Tremblay-Gravel (Gatineau, CAN) 00:54:54
3. Adam Roberge (Prévost, CAN) 00:55:18

Women
1. Alia Sanger (Ottawa, CAN) 1:08:16
2. Josée Delisle (Laterriere, CAN) 1:11:02

5 KM METRO NEWS Classic
Men
1. Steve Boivin (St-Basile-le-Grand, CAN) 25:16
2. Daniel Larrivière (Bois-des-Filion, CAN) 25:48
3. Étienne Deslauriers (Mont-Tremblant, CAN) 26:55

Women
1. Molly Marland (Ottawa, CAN) 19:21
2. Roxanna Kemp (Carleton place, CAN) 22:43
3. Mathilde Inkel (Rouyn-Noranda, CAN) 23:19