January 15, 2012 (Whistler Olympic Park, BC) – Brent McMurtry (CNEPH/Foothills) and Emily Nishikawa (AWCA/Whitehorse), both members of Canada’s Senior Development Team, wrapped up the weekend with wins at the Haywood NorAm and World Junior/U23 Trials at Whistler Olympic Park on Sunday.

After today’s win in the women’s individual start 10km classic race, Nishikawa is a shoe-in to represent Canada at the U23 World Championships in Erzurum, Turkey, to be held next month. McMurtry, a perennial bridesmaid in NorAm races, finally landed on the top step of the podium in the men’s 15km classic event.

Nishikawa (AWCA/Whitehorse) completed the women’s race in a time of 33:03.1, followed by veteran skier Amanda Amar (Canmore Nordic) and Zoe Roy (Rocky Mountain Racers).

McMurtry (CNEPH/Foothills) crossed the line in 41:31.1 in the men’s race. Kevin Sandau (AWCA/Foothills), winner of Thursday’s Skiathlon event, traded places with McMurty today, placing second, followed by David Greer (CNEPH/Whitehorse), who was the top U23 skier in the race, a result that should earn him a trip to Erzurum.

In the Junior events, Dahria Beatty of Whitehorse took her second victory of the trials with a win in the Junior Women’s 10km classic race, punching a ticket to Erzurum to represent Canada at the Junior World Championships. She was followed by Anne-Marie Comeau (MSA) and Marte Haakenstad Braaten (Rocky Mountain Racers).

Raphael Couturier won the Junior Men’s race, also his second victory of the trials, followed by Knute Johnsgaard (Whitehorse) and Zach Holland (AWCA/Banff Ski Runners). Couturier is also assured of a trip to Erzurum. Johnsgaard, with three second place finishes at these trials, is a likely candidate as well.

Final team selections for the  Junior/U23 World Championships will be announced shortly by Cross Country Canada.

Men’s 15km results HERE.
Women’s 10km results HERE.