December 17, 2010 (Rossland, BC) – Bolstered by the return of some World Cup team members, the Canadian men have thrown down the gauntlet in Rossland. After last Sunday’s trouncing by the American teams at the Haywood NorAm 10/15km skate in Sovereign Lake, the Canadian men swept the top five spots in the qualifications at the Haywood NorAm World Championship trials sprint staged by the Black Jack ski club. Conditions were superb with clear, sunny skies, hard super fast tracks and -6C temperature.

Stef Kuhn took the win on the 1.6km freestyle, incredibly technical sprint course, followed by World Cup teammate Phil Widmer.  NorAm leader Drew Goldsack was third, ahead of George Grey. National Development Center’s Harry Seaton was 5th.

On the women’s side, the Americans fared better. APU’s Sadie Bjornsen (USA) took was the fastest on the women’s 1.4km course.  while teammate Holly Brooks (USA) was second with Alberta World Cup Academy’s Heidi Widmer (CAN) placing third. CXC’s Jessica Diggins (USA) finished fourth and NorAm leader Perianne Jones (CAN) was fifth.

The course at Black Jack is fast and solid, with a number of very technical corners, especially on the women’s course. Big, dynamic skiing coupled with a strong engine will be the winning recipe on this nearly 3-minute course, but with so many technical sections, the most important thing for all racers will be staying on their feet.

Look for fast starters who can get out in front of the action and hold top spot right to the line for the win.

Women’s Qualifications HERE.
Men’s Qualifications HERE.