March 12, 2011 (Sovereign Lake, BC) – Canadian women skiers proved themselves today taking four classic skiing golds on day six, the final day competition at the Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup. But it was Russia who continued to demonstrate that they brought over a strong team to compete taking home 13 golds from Friday’s classic distance races.

In the women’s 30km classic Canada’s Doris Hausleitner finished first in the F02 (35-39) category with a time of 1:44; Janice Kitson won gold in the women’s F04 ( (45-49) race; Marg Fedyna took the women’s F04 (45-49) category while Pat Pearce claimed the victory in the F06 (55-59) competition.

American winners included Dagmar Eriksson winning the gold in the women’s F08 (60-69) 30km classic in 2:11 with Lorraine Lund winning gold in women’s (60-64) race with a time of 2:23.

Pearce has become a local champion, winning her fourth gold in at the Masters World Cup. “I feel like I peaked at the right time, and my body was ready,” said Pearce. “I thought I would train and be a part of a group and improve my skiing and look what happened. It just came together.”

Of the event itself, Pearce feels that the Sovereign Lakes club has stepped up by hosting. “We’ve been working together towards this for a year. There is a real feeling of team support and there’s a bonding of adult master skiers who feel a part of something.

“So many people speaking so many languages have come up to me to say that they love the area. The energy put into hosting this event has made something bigger happen,” she added.

The hero of the day was not the fastest racer on course, but one who has put countless hours and long days into making the event happen. Manager of Sovereign Lake, Scott Lemon raced the 45km M02 (35-39) on the final day.

“It was just good to be able to participate in the event,” said Lemon, “To race on the course that we’ve been putting together for the last few years.”

Participants now have a chance to relax and celebrate their medals at the closing ceremonies.

Full results HERE.