December 06, 2015 (Canmore, AB) – With temperatures just a bit above zero and partly cloudy, it was a great day in Canmore to kick-off the 2015/2016 Haywood NorAm Cup series. Saturday’s races were classic, interval start races and a chance for the next best skiers in Canada, those not on the World Cup circuit to stake a claim for positions on the “B Tour” and the World Cup.

Senior Men's 10km podium © CCC

On the men’s side the top three skiers double-poled the course, with most others using grip wax. Kevin Sandau came through with the win for Foothills Nordic just under 3 seconds ahead of Knute Johnsgaard from Whitehorse who was celebrating his birthday today. They were closely matched throughout the race.

The NorAm’s are generally considered as the testing ground of the next generation of Canadian skiers. However in 3rd it was one of the older generation, Ian Murray (bronze medal for Nova Scotia at the Nationals sprint in 2003).  Ian was skiing for North Highlands Nordic on Cape Breton.

Para-Nordic star Brian McKeever of Lifesport finished 4th.

Phil Boucher of Skibec claimed the Jr. Men’s title by a 50 second margin over Telemark’s Gareth Williams. Julian Smith of Georgian Bay was 1 second back in 3rd.

Senior Women's podium © CCC

The Senior Women’s event saw four first-year seniors in the top six, as they challenged for Senior NorAm medals. Skinouk’s Sophie Carrier-Laforte won by a 10-second margin over Nakkertok’s Katherine Stewart-Jones. Walden’s Alannah Maclean was 3rd.

In the younger classes their was some familiar names near the top of the results list as sons and daughters of former National Team and Olympic team members and coaches were competing. Those included: Xavier McKeever, son of Milaine Theriault and Robin McKeever; Anna and Sebastien Parent, children of Rhonda DeLong and Alain Parent; and Teo Wadsworth, son of Beckie Scott and Justin Wadsworth.

There was also a large group from Nakkertok ski club participating, that are taking part in an exchange with a western club this week.

Full results all categories here.