Strathcona Nordics racers cover lots of ground travelling to races in the B.C. Interior every winter, and it pays off. Last weekend, they brought some aggregate awards back to the Island from the B.C. Championships in Salmon Arm.
In provincial standings, Avalon Wasteneys (Campbell River) placed second in the Juvenile Girls category, Alec Stapff (Campbell River) placed third in the Juvenile Boys, Michael Ravensbergen (Courtenay) placed third in Junior Boys, Sylvia Watkins (Royston) placed first in Junior Women, and Masters racer Andy Brown (Comox) placed second.
Of the third and final race in the BC Cup series, head coach Dave Battison said, "Our small Island club had fantastic results! We are very proud of the team. They all persevered through challenging, changing snow conditions."
In racing action in Salmon Arm, the following racers placed in the top five in the classic distance race: Brian Stamp (Campbell River) second, Andy Brown (Comox) fourth, Sylvia Watkins (Royston) second, Michael Ravensbergen (Courtenay) fifth, Jamie Wasteneys (Campbell River) fifth, Ariel Becherer (Merville) fourth, Alex Brown (Comox) fifth, Alec Stapff (Campbell River) fourth, Avalon Wasteneys (Campbell River) third.
Battison observed that the team will now switch to training for long distance racing as they prepare for next month’s Vancouver Island Loppet—a traditional Nordic citizens’ race, where everyone challenges themselves to a good long ski.
The VI Loppet is 30km, with a 15km half-loppet for recreational skiers, and shorter distances for children. Watch for details on the March 31 VI Loppet on StrathconaNordics.com.