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Nelson Nordic Ski Club plays host Teck Kootenay Cup

The Nelson Daily Sports
By The Nelson Daily Sports
February 21st, 2020

This past weekend — Saturday and Sunday, February 15-16 — Nelson Nordic Ski Club was pleased to host the final Teck Kootenay Cup races of the 2020 season.

More than 115 Nordic skiers participated, including racers from Fernie, Valhalla Hills (Hills), Revelstoke, Strathcona Nordic, Nickel Plate (Penticton), Larch Hills (Salmon Arm) and Black Jack (Rossland), as well as a strong contingent from the local club in Nelson.

Saturday, skate skiers took over the meadow at Apex for King’s Court sprints in powdery fresh snow. In the morning, the youth racers (U6 to U14) raced in heats to crown their champions and after a short break the U16s faced off against the Masters. Lots of fun and team spirit was shown out on the race course. It was an exciting spectator race for all who attended. 

Sunday, classic skiers raced longer distances on a beautiful course on the club’s Busk and Clearwater trail system, which was upgraded this year thanks to contributions from a Trail Enhancement Grant from Columbia Basin Trust. More fresh snow fell early in the morning but the sun did eventually shine and glazed the tracks making it challenging to wax for the conditions. Nevertheless, racers persevered and kicked and double-poled their way around the course in speedy times.

The youngest racers were only four years old, while the oldest were in their 60s and 70s, but good times were shared by all. As one race volunteer put it to the youngest racers at the start line of their race: “Whoever has the most fun wins.”

As these races were the last of the season for the 2020 Teck Kootenay Cup series, the aggregate award was delivered to Kimberley Nordic, who claimed the Kootenay Cup and bragging rights this year. Congratulations, Kimberley!

Race results can be found at https://zone4.ca/event/2020/F8FCD752/ and Kootenay Cup final standings at www.crosscountrybc.ca

Celebrations were held in the warming hut at Apex and awards were given outside in the great weather. Nelson Nordic Ski Club would like to thank the many local businesses who were so generous in their support, providing food and draw prizes for the race. Without their support, this race weekend would not have been possible. The success of the weekend is also due to the contributions of the many volunteers who set up race courses, marshalled the courses (to ensure everyone made the turns), timed the racers and served soup for lunch.

Competitors, young and old, participated at the Teck Kootenay Cup races at Nelson Nordic Apex Trails this past weekend. — Submitted photo

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