November 27, 2003 (Vernon, B.C.) – The snow is covering the ground, the
tracks are set and the names of the winners in the opening event of the
2003-04 Haywood NorAm Canada Cup campaign are in the history books.Canada's
Beckie Scott of Vermilion, Alta. and George Grey of Rossland, B.C. powered
their way to the top of the podium through the 10 and 15 kilometre classic
events at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club on Silver Star Mountain near
Vernon, B.C. on Thursday.
 
Scott continued her dominance of the women's North American cross-country
ski scene after crossing the line first, posting a time of 31 minutes 56
seconds in the 10 kilometre women's event. Scott and teammate Sara Renner
of Canmore, Alta., who are both taking their final tune-up races this week
in Canada before heading to Europe for the World Cup season, were well
ahead of the pack of 35 athletes representing Canada, Russia and the United
States. Renner, who completed a strong race, narrowed the gap between
herself and Canada's first Olympic cross-country ski medalist, grabbing the
silver medal position 24 seconds behind Scott.
 
Dasha Gaiazova of Montreal was the next fastest to cross the line +2:23
behind the leader. Canada's Milaine Theriault of St. Quentin, N.B., who was
competing in her first race since delivering a baby this year, finished
fourth +3:06 off the pace.
 
Meanwhile, on the men's side of the field, Canada's George Grey transferred
his strong early-season training onto the 15 kilometre course, capturing
the opening event of the year. The 24-year-old Grey posted a time of 39
minutes 12 seconds for the victory.
 
“It is certainly a good feeling to stomp down some authority early and get
the season off to a fast start,” said Grey, who is expected to be one of
the leaders on the Canadian men's team throughout the season. “It's early
in the season, the competition is going to get stronger, and I have to
continue to work hard to improve, but this is a great start.”
 
Sandwiched between two Canadians on Grey's heels was Russian Ivan Babikov,
who finished +8.6 seconds behind. Canada's Chris Jeffries of Chelsea, Que.
rounded out the top-three in a field of 75 athletes one minute four seconds
behind the leader.
 
Canada's junior athletes also faired well in the opening event of the
season. Viktoria Koskenoja of Sault-Ste Marie, Ont. was the top junior
female on the day, finishing +4:10 off Beckie Scott's leading mark, while
Dave Nighbor of North Bay, Ont. was the top junior male on the day
finishing 1:41 behind Grey.
 
The Haywood NorAm Canada Cup, the best developmental series for
cross-country skiing on the continent, continues on Friday with the sprint
competition, which is also the opening event of the Madshus Sprint Series.
Designed to encourage and promote Canadian cross-country skiers as sprint
specialists, the series awards athletes with instant cash for podium
results.
 
HAYWOOD NORAM CANADA CUP TOP RESULTS:
 
Women: 10 Kilometre Classic
Name                          Hometown                 Time Behind
1. Beckie Scott             Vermilion, Alta.              (leading time 31.56)
2. Sara Renner             Canmore, Alta.              +:24
3. Dasha Gaiazova       Montreal                        2:23
4. Milaine Theriault        St. Quentin, N.B.           3:06
5. Chandra Crawford    Canmore, Alta.              3:52
6. Viktoria Koskenoja    Sault-Ste Marie, Ont.     4:10 (top junior)
 
Men: 15 Kilometre Classic
Name                          Hometown                 Time Behind
1. George Grey         Rossland, B.C.            — (leading time 39.12)
2. Ivan Babikov            Russia                           +:8.6
3. Chris Jeffries          Chelsea, Que.                1:04
4. Devon Kershaw      Sudbury, Ont.                 1:15
5. Gordon Jewett        Toronto                            1:24
6. Drew Goldsack       Red Deer, Alta.               1:28
7. Dave Nighbor          North Bay, Ont.               1:41 (top junior)