February 13, 2012 (Mt. Orford, QC) – The Haywood NorAm series rolled into Mt. Orford, Quebec, this past weekend with classic and skate distance races in chilly conditions. With many of the domestic circuit’s top stars away at international races, some new faces emerged over the weekend, particularly on the women’s side. Brent McMurtry (CNEPH/Foothills) and Kevin Sandau (AWCA/Foothills), meanwhile,  continued their duel for NorAm supremacy.

Saturday featured short classic distance races, 5km for the women and 10km for the men. In the women’s race, Kate Brennan (AWCA/Kanata) came out on top, winning by a 7-second margin over Andrea Dupont (Rocky Mountain Racers). Saturday’s victory was a first for Brennan. Amanda Ammar (Canmore), meanwhile, continued her successful comeback season with a bronze medal finish.

McMurtry continued his fight for the Haywood NorAm overall leader’s crown with a victory in the men’s 10km event, followed by veteran Drew Goldsack (AWCA/Rocky Mountain Racers) and Gerard Garnier (Banff Ski Runners). McMurty’s arch rival in the NorAm series, Sandau, finished just over a minute back in 5th place.

Sunday saw skiers toe the line for mass start skate races in frigid -17C weather. The women’s 15km event provided plenty of excitement with the top eight women sprinting to the finish line together. In the end, Andrea Lee (NDC/Strathcona) edged out Brennan for the victory in a photo finish. This was also Lee’s first ever NorAm win. Four more finishers crossed the line within less than three seconds of Lee and Brennan, with Ammar taking the bronze once again.

In the men’s race, however, Sandau skied in a class of his own, winning the 20km mass start race by a 31.4 second margin over second place Pate Neumann (Canmore). McMurtry finished in third place at 1:42.2 off Sandau’s pace.

Full Saturday classic race results HERE.
Full Sunday mass start skate race results HERE.