December 7, 2005 – Screaming fans, clanging cowbells, and a strong field of World Cup and Olympic-bound racers from around the world turned Silver Star Mountain Resort into a rockin’ venue at the first annual Silver Star Night Sprints Dash for Cash on Tuesday night. In the womens’ final, Manuela Henkel (GDR) posted a 1.5 second victory over Marit Bjoergen (NOR), Sara Renner (CAN) and Chandra Crawford (CAN). The margin of victory on the mens’ side was a mere .3 second, with Bjoern Lind (SWE) holding off a charging Christoph Eigenmann (SUI) and Thobias Frederiksson (SWE). Canadian Phil Widmer made a gallant charge but finished just out of the medals.

The 700 metre Silver Star course proved a stiff challenge for the world’s best sprinters, with exhilarating downhills, sweeping banked turns, and lung-searing climbs; all done under the lights, with fans hanging off the balcony and boardwalk of the colorful Victorian village. Frosty winter temperatures and crystal clear night skies added to the ambience, as hundreds of fans lining the course lustily cheered on the racers from many of the great vantage points. Sprint racing is a relatively new Nordic format, and the tight course entertained.

Men’s winner Bjoern Lind admitted to being challenged by the course, but praised both the snow conditions and the format of the race. Silver Star Mountain Resort Nordic director Glenn Bond received rave reviews from racers, coaches, and spectators. “We really have it all right here. Spectators were able to cross the course and watch the action unfold.”

Henkel and Lind both took home $2,500 for their night of work, with cash prizes supplied by Silver Star Properties / ReMax, Red Bull, TELUS Park and SW Audio.