December 11, 2010 (Sovereign Lake, BC) – Perianne Jones (CAN) spoiled the American podium sweep, taking 1st place at the Haywood NorAm Tech Sprint season opener this afternoon.  And tit for tat, Mike Sinnott (USA) spoiled the men’s Canadian dominance, though he had to settle for 4th.  Drew Goldsack (CAN) took the win, with Fred Touchette (CAN) in 2nd and Graham Nishikawa in 3rd.

Both Jones and Goldsack skied commanding heats, always in control though only driving to the line when absolutely necessary.   Saving their energy worked well for the Canadians, as they won their finals with apparent ease.

It wasn’t all calm and collected however. The men saw their share of contact in the heats.  Eighth place qualifier Garrott Kuzzy (USA), whose past success at Sovereign pegged him as a favourite, crashed and went out in the quarterfinals.  The spill forced Mike Sinnott (USA) momentarily off course; some fancy footwork just barely keeping him on his feet as he skirted a v-board.   Sinnott said his agility was tested again in the final.

“The better [move] was on the lower corner,” said Sinnott after the final. “Nish didn’t see me coming up on him, and our skis got tangled.” According to Sinnott, it was just one of numerous close calls that happened on the new and challenging course.

The women’s sprint finals went smoothly for Jones, who raced tactically, only driving for the line when she had to. She won her quarterfinal heat handily, easing up at the line.  Jones finished a cool 3rd in her semifinal heat, safe in the knowledge that the top three would advance to the final.  Even in the final she seemed unconcerned when she got momentarily caught up with two other skiers on the first climb. She skied smooth and calm, waiting till the final 300 meters to make her move. And move she did, dropping Sadie Bjornsen (USA) and Jennie Bender (USA) to take the win.

Sunday is a classic race, a 10/15km freestyle individual start. Jones and Goldsack will be looking to continue their dominance, but with many Americans registered, they’ll have to contend with an extremely deep field.

Women’s Sprint final HERE.
Men’s Sprint final HERE.

Perianne Jones Wins Women’s Tech Sprint Opener

Drew Goldsack Wins the Men’s Tech Sprint Opener