February 13, 2013 (Gatineau, QC) – Yes, it’s exactly in two days that the Organizing Committee of the Gatineau Loppet will officially open the 35th edition of the biggest Cross-country skiing event in Canada. From February 15th to 17th, more than 2,000 cross-country skiers will be at the start of eight different races offered this year. The organizing committee is extremely pleased to see that elite skiers have responded to the call!

Athletes to watch 

On the women’s side, we have Tara Whitten, Sheila Kealey, Megan McTavish, Robyn Anderson, Martina Stursova and also Marie-Pierre Guilbaud while elite men will be Benoit Chauvet (winner of the Transjurassienne 2013), Phil Shaw (10 times on the Gatineau Loppet podium since 2001), Jan Krsa and Raphaël Couturier from the junior Canadian cross-country team. “All these elite skiers will start in wave A of the new classic 55 km linear race. We can therefore expect a very tough competition from these great cross-country skiing athletes, “says Yan Michaud, President of the Gatineau Loppet.

Trails conditions of the Gatineau Loppet

Even if the temperature “has played several tricks on us in the last couple of months, it is important to note that all the trails of the Gatineau Loppet are open now. The ski conditions are optimal in the Gatineau Park and all that we wanted to have in terms of weather conditions is now here; good layer of snow and an ideal temperature, “says the President of the Gatineau Loppet.

Program

For a second consecutive year, the Carnaval Soleil Polaire, a large neighbor-hood party initiated by the District Councilor of l’Orée-du-Parc, Mireille Apollon, is coming back on Sunday February 17th at noon. Several indoor and outdoor activities are planned as part of the Carnaval including the Mini Sports Échange Outaouais, giant skis, children’s entertainment, inflatable structures, etc. During the weekend, you can also enjoy the Salon du ski, l’Après-Ski chez Lili with a musical program and the 35th anniversary museum, waxing clinics, the Norway giant skis Challenge of the Centre C.A.R.M.E.N and more.

Also this year, “the NCC is pleased to welcome the Gatineau Loppet as a partner of Winterlude and to promote cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park,” said Guy Laflamme, Senior Vice-President, Capital Experience and Official Residences of the NCC. “Both events are celebrating their 35th edition this year, and fittingly we are synonymous with winter in Canada’s Capital Region.”

End of pre-registration

A few hours remain to take advantage of Gatineau Loppet’s pre-registration discount of up to 15%. You have until midnight tonight (Wednesday, February 13th, 2013) to register in the race of your choice. Please note that it will be possible to register on the site at Mont-Bleu High School, this Friday, February 15th from 5:30 p.m.to 9 p.m., Saturday from 6:30  a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

We remind you that the Gatineau Loppet will proceed to the enthronement of the first member of the Trail of Legends (Hall of Fame) and the nomination of cross-country skiers into the Veterans Club (35 participation and more to the Gatineau Loppet). Our first member of the Trail of Legends is an athlete from the region that marked the Gatineau Loppet for both the number of participation in the event and for her outstanding results. The ceremony will take place during the Worldloppet Cocktail, Saturday, February 16th 2013, at 4:00 p.m.

For more information, visit the Gatineau Loppet’s website HERE.