January 3, 2010 (Valcartier, QC) – Some of the best Canadian cross-country skiers were on the start line for the Teck Sprints on the second day of the Haywood NorAm Canada Cup in Valcartier, QC. In the Open Men’s category, Phil Widmer of the National Ski Team (NST) who trains out of the Pierre-Harvey National Training Centre (CNEPH), bested a strong field of sprinters.

Just behind him was Stefan Kuhn (NST) and Lenny Valjas (NST/CNEPH) in second and third respectively. As the top U23 skier Valjas will be heading to the 2010 U23 Nordic World Championship at the end of January in Germany.

On the women’s side, it was no surprise that Dasha Gaiazova (NST) took first place again as she did on Saturday. Perianne Jones (NST) and Andrea Dupont (Rocky Mountain Racers) rounded out the podium in second and third.

The Junior racers continued to impress with Joey Burton (Overlander Ski Club) the fastest but he was followed closely by Raphaël Couturier (Skibec) and Andrew Stewart-Jones (Nakkertok). Heidi Widmer (Foothills Nordic) was the top Junior woman, with team mate Marlis Kromm (Foothills Nordic) in second and Rebecca Reid (Black Jack) in third.

Over 340 competitors took part in the sprint competitions which also serve as selection trials for the 2010 World Junior and U23 Championships. The third race of Valcartier Haywood Canada Noram Cup resumes on Tuesda, Jan. 5 with the individual start classic races. Be sure to stay tuned to see the Haywood Noram Cup leaders, Dasha Gaiazova and Brent McMurtry, battle with their competitors!

Click here for full results.

Results (brief)

Open Men
1. Phil Widmer (NST)
2. Stefan Kuhn (NST)
3. Lenny Valjas* (NST/CNEPH)

Open Women
1. Dasha Gaiazova (NST)
2. Perianne Jones (NST)
3. Andrea Dupont (Rocky Mountain Racers)

Junior Men
1. Joey Burton (Overlander Ski Club)
2. Raphaël Couturier (Skibec)
3. Andrew Stewart-Jones (Nakkertok)

Junior Women
1. Heidi Widmer (Foothills Nordic)
2. Marlis Kromm, Foothills Nordic
3. Rebecca Reid, Blackjack Ski Club

*U23