February 03, 2014 (Cantley, QC) – A pleasant -3 degrees C. at Nakkertok ski club, as the Haywood Noram, Eastern Canadian Championships got underway with the Buff, skate sprint qualifier on Jan 31st. Almost 700 racers competed in an event that also includes the Para-Nordic Nationals. Clubs from as far away as Canmore and the Yukon also competed in an event that has morphed into one of the largest domestic events in the country.

Men's podium (l-r) Raphaël Couturier 1st, Michael Somppi 3rd, Bob Thompson 4th. (Graham Nishikawa 2nd absent) © CCC

In this morning’s skate qualifiers, Skibec’s Raphaël Couturier led the way with a 5-second margin over Graham Nishikawa of Whitehorse. On the women’s side Andrea Dupont of Rocky Mountain Racers was the top qualifier.

When it came to the finals Raphaël Couturier looked to continue his winning ways from the qualifier taking the lead from the start with strong opening pace. Graham Nishikawa matched Couturier’s efforts but was unable to overtake him, settling for 2nd at the finish line. Third place went to Michael Somppi of Lappe.

In the women’s event, Alysson Marshall of Larch Hills edged out the fastest qualifier from the morning, Andrea Dupont, for the win. Four skiers finished in a photo-finish for 3rd, with Erin Tribe of Team Hardwood prevailing over Alannah Maclean, Marlis Kromm and Jennifer Jackson.

Emilie Stewart-Jones © CCC

In the Junior categories, Nakkertok’s  came through as the champion on her home course, beating out Sadie White of Big Thunder Nordic and Ember Large of Big Thunder.

For the Jr. Men, Evan Palmer-Charrette of Lappe was the winner followed by another Thunder Bay skier, Victor Hopper of Big Thunder and Nicholas Pigeon of Skinouk.

In the Haywood Para-Nordic Nationals categories, Tanya Quesnel of Walden and Yves Bourque of Mauriski won the sitski categories.

In the standing men’s category Alexei Novikov of Kanata beat out Louis Fortin of Wostowea and Gabriel Denis of Temiskaming. Robbi Welden of Lappe and guide Grahan Nishikawa were the victors on the women’s side, followed by Margarita Gorbounova of Kanata with guide Emily Ertol. Chelsea’s Caroline Bisson was 3rd.

The younger junior categories were run later in the day.

Dya 1 results here
All results at Zone4.ca