January 31, 2015 (Nakkertok, ON) – The weather once again played a part in the Haywood NorAm series as cold delayed the race’s expected start time to 11 am. The course was firm, the sun was out and it warmed up to a balmy -15 deg. C. for the afternoon races. Today’s races were interval start, skate competitions.

Cross Country Canada’s “Klister” mascot was making the rounds of the race site at Nakkertok and made a few new friends, as well as finding time to join the celebrations on the podium.

Kevin Sandau © Fred Webster

While the temperatures were cold, there was some hot racing. The men’s race was a15k skate, a distance and technique that seems to be a favourite on the NorAm circuit for Lappe’s Michael Somppi. With yesterday’s Buff sprint win, Somppi was on a roll with 3 NorAm victories in a row and the NorAm Leader’s bib. However Foothills Nordic’s Kevin Sandau was in striking distance of Somppi for the NorAm lead.

Michael Somppi © Fred Webster

Kevin went out hard on the 3 lap race, building up a 9 second lead over 2nd place Somppi in the first 5 k. The 2nd lap was even, down to the 10th of a second. On the final lap Sandau managed to add a few more seconds to his lead, to win by 15 seconds. Jack Carlyle of Soo Finnish came through with a strong 3rd lap to claim bronze, his 1st podium placing on the NorAm circuit.

Junior Men's podium © CCC

In the junior competition it was a trio of local racers, Nicolas Pigeon and Antoine Blais of Skinouk and William Dumas of Chelsea that grabbed the honours.

The women’s race was also a close competition. Emily Nishikawa of Whitehorse started strong and had built up a 21 second lead on the first 5k.

While Emily managed a strong start, Foothills racer Heidi Widmer was undeterred. Heidi gained back 15 seconds on the final lap, to finish 5 seconds from the lead in 2nd.

Emily Nishikawa © Fred Webster

Third place went to Rocky Mountain Racer’s skier Andrea Dupont. Of note Jennifer Jackson continued her strong performances on her return from breaking a leg in December. Jennifer was 7th today, following up on yesterday’s Buff Sprint performance where she was 6th.

The junior women’s race was also a closely contested affair. Ember Large of Rocky Mountain Racers had a 9 second lead on the first lap, however Marie Corriveau of Mont Ste. Anne fought back on the 2nd lap to post a 4/10ths of a second victory. Andrée-Anne Théberge of Skibec was 3rd.

Marie Corriveau © CCC

Para Nordic competitions also took place at Nakkertok, with Caelan Flannigan of Temiskaming winning men’s the sitski competition.

Tanya Quesnel of Laurentian Nordic came first in the women’s sitski competition ahead of Draga Culjak of Highland Trailblazers.

The Haywood NorAm Eastern Canadian Championships conclude on Sunday with mass start classic races. The forecast high is -18 deg. C. Which may mean there is a narrow window for racing, with temperatures warm enough to compete, before many of the top skiers need to catch a flight out of town.

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