February 07, 2016 (Craftsbury, Vermont) – Annie Hart from Stratton Mountain School T2 (SMST2) took her first Supertour victory in the women’s 5km FR at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, round #5, besting Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center’s (APUNSC) Chelsea Holmes by 2.8 seconds. Erika Flowers, also from SMST2, finished third as the competition was moved from Stowe due to snow conditions.

Women's final podium (l-r) Holmes, Hart, Flowers © Rosie Frankowski

The men’s field was stunned by Patrick Caldwell, skiing for Dartmouth College, who earned nearly forty seconds to win the men’s 10km race, finishing in front of Tad Elliott of Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, while Kris Freeman of Team Freebird claimed third.

In the women’s race Holmes took an early lead over Hart by 11 seconds after the first 2.5km lap, According to Holmes, she got a split from a coach coming into the final 500 metres of the race saying she had a 10-second lead. Knowing she was not a strong finisher, Holmes said she pushed through a sharp right-hand turn coming into the mass start area.

“I was trying to get a last couple free skates,” Holmes recounted, “There was an icy spot and I knew about it, but I still fell. My left foot just slid out. It definitely cost me some time. I’m definitely bummed but at the same time I know that that’s part of it. Annie was a stronger racer today.”

Hart, for her part, was ecstatic about her win after a string of second and third place results since US Nationals in Houghton, MI, this January. “To win a race in an increasingly competitive field of women takes a lot of things coming together – good body feelings, great wax and always a little bit of luck…and it came together today,” she commented, “It’s always a good day when you’re on the podium, but I must say I was getting a little frustrated with seconds and thirds. So I’m excited, and looking forward to giving it another go on Sunday.”

Hart said another key to her race was pacing: she described herself as someone who likes to start hard and after an interval workout with her coach earlier this week she realized that she could ski faster by pacing. “The goal today was to have a faster second lap and ski the first lap conservatively, and I accomplished that goal. I felt good with 2km to go and was really able to push all the way through the line instead of struggling to the line,” she explained.

Paddy Caldwell ©

In the men’s race, Caldwell stole the show with a massive win that saw most of the rest of the field separated by mere seconds. While the Dartmouth skier put 38 seconds into second place, the remaining top spots were separated by less than two seconds. He started before many of the top finishers and led after the first lap. “I had really good energy, felt better than I have all year,” said Caldwell post-race, “It was definitely conditions and a course I liked. It was good for big, slow tempo skiing.”

Caldwell’s victory was his first this season in addition to being his first race this year for the Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association (EISA) division. He told us that he decided to reunite with his Dartmouth university team and continue his education while racing the NCAA circuit. Caldwell will focus on the Eastern college circuit before heading to the U23 Worlds later this February. “I’m hoping to have more race like this today,” he said, “I’ve struggled with having good energy this season.”

Elliott, the 30km FR National Champion, used a strong last lap to take second place. He credited getting a ride off of another skier on his third lap with allowing him to recover and shoot from fifth to second, just ahead of Freeman. He was proud of his race, but gave credit to Caldwell. “He is the skier I look up to when it comes skate technique and skate racing,” said Elliott, “He showed he was the best today. I know he has had a few obstacles this year and to overcome those and win like that is awesome to see.”