The Bulkley Valley Nordic Junior Race Team started the season out with a bang participating in the Haywood NorAm race series.
The Haywood NorAm race series enables the best senior and junior nordic skiers from across Canada and guests from the USA to compete head-to-head, encouraging high-level competition and athlete development.
Four athletes — Zoe Hallman, Jesse Smidds, Conor Murphy and Gregory Baxter — competed in both skate and classic technique races in Vernon on Dec. 7 and 8. All racers had strong races, despite the limited on-snow training so far this season, showing they have all put in the training hours over the summer to have a strong season.
Three Bulkley Valley athletes (Jesse, Conor and Gregory) continued on to Canmore, Alberta to race in three more races in the NorAm race series. These races consisted of a classic sprint, distance skate, and a distance classic race. Again, all racers had strong performances in their respective age categories. At the final race in Canmore, Jesse Smidds raced up an age category with the Junior men to challenge himself, completing a 30 km race in 1:34:24. The 2018-19 season looks very promising for Bulkley Valley Nordic team.
All racers would like to thank the Bulkley Valley Nordic Club for their continued support, as well as coaches Geoff Recknell and Lisa Perry for their commitment and dedication. Next race is scheduled for Dec. 29 and 30 in Prince George, where more Bulkley Valley Nordic racers are planning to compete due to the closer proximity.