February 22, 2009 (Hanover, NH) – Adele Espy, home from representing the United States at World Junior Championships, and Olympian Justin Freeman earned victory at Saturday’s TD Banknorth Silver Fox Trot Eastern Cup at Oak Hill. Good snow and lots of sun made for a fun day of skiing for competitors from the top to bottom of the results.

Hillary Rich (Stratton Mountain School) was the next fastest woman, 44-seconds behind Espy, but 28 ahead of the 3rd place finisher Jess Snyder (JLS Sports.) Stratton’s Karmen Whitham was 4th and local standout Heidi Caldwell grabbed an impressive 5th place finish.

For the men, Justin Freeman was chased by fellow Olympian Patrick Weaver and earned the narrow 12-second victory over the challenging 10 kilometer course. Fred Bailey (Maine WSC), Sam Tarling (Burke) and Dartmouth’s Eric Packer rounded out the top 5.

In the separate J2 races it was local skier Patrick Caldwell (Ford Sayre) earning the boys win over New York’s Charlie Bencze and Cambridge Sports Union’s Jackson Rich. For girls, Cambridge Sports Union’s Corey Stock edged Elena Leuthi (GMVS) by just 5.5 seconds, and Tara Geraghty-Moats (Craftsbury) was third.

Today was the second-to-last New England Junior Olympic Qualifier and TD Banknorth Eastern Cup Series Race. Both conclude tomorrow with the TD Banknorth Gunstock Eastern Cup in Gilford, NH. Athletes will race classic technique, five kilometers for J2’s and women, ten kilometers for men. At the conclusion of the races, athletes will gather at the Margate Inn for New England Junior Olympic team naming, a highlight to the season for many of the region’s juniors.

Link to Today’s Results

Link to Junior Olympic Standings

Link to J2 Qualifier Standings

Link to TD Banknorth Eastern Cup Standings