Haywood NorAm Mini Tour Results

The end of 2010 finished for me with the Haywood NorAm Mini Tour in Rossland, BC. I am U23 and the results from Friday and Sunday were also Canada Winter Games trials for me. I knew my ability coming into this season and I knew I wasn't in contention for the podium. I was capable of a top 30 overall result but in the back of my mind I was really hoping to test my limits this weekend and have at least one all-out race. The tour opened with a 1.6km Sprint Qualification (Skate) on Friday with the top 30 finishers qualifying for heats and time bonuses. 1st place received a 60 second bonus in the overall tour with 30th earining 2. I had 49th qualifying time which was a disappointment but also gave me the afternoon to re-focus for the next two days. Saturday was my best chance for a good result and maybe make up some time in the overall tour with one of my favorite: a 10km skate. The snow was hard packed and the skiing was really quick for everyone. I finished in 22:55.7 (27th) which, combined with the sprint time, put me in 28th overall. Sunday's 15km classic was a pursuit start and I was starting 2:04 behind the leader. It hurt during the race and it hurts to write it almost a week later but the race wound out where I was on the final lap skiing with 30th and 31st. The feeling of getting dropped, gradually on a long rolling climb is the worst feeling in racing. Ive felt it in cycling, Ive felt it in running, and Ive felt it in skiing! It makes your heart hurt and leaves you so hungry for a re-match... I ended up after the weekend in 32nd. I qualified for Canada Games for Team BC but the last lap on Sunday will stay with me for the rest of the season.

Ill be back in Canmore on the 27th preparing for NorAm #3 (Biathlon) and the second IBU Cup Trials in Lake Placid all in January. I'm taking a brief break before Christmas to clear my mind and come back for the new year fresh and motivated!

Results after Day 2: http://www.zone4.ca/results.asp?id=3266&cmd=viewcat&catid=2

Overall Tour results: http://www.zone4.ca/results.asp?ID=3279&cat=556

Thanks for following!

Photo credit to Jesse Winter (http://www.jessewinterphotography.com)