Two titans of Canmore endurance racing are taking another shot at the 24 hours of ski record, as they plan to glide their way into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Cyd Fraser and Leighton Poidevin will make their scheduled record attempt on March 24 at the Canmore Nordic Centre, where they will try to break the 333 and 433 kilometre records, respectively, on a completely new course.
“We’ve come so close. The condition of the snow is the number one factor. The grooming is critical, as is the setting of the course. I think this could speed us up,” Fraser said.
Last year, Fraser clocked 294 km before succumbing to dehydration and hypothermia, while Poidevin hit 402 km. Fraser said this year she’s paying more attention to her waxing, which has been a weakness in the past. She’s also brought Rossignol on board as a ski sponsor.
“In the past, I’ve come within 21 kilometres. If I can just capture those kilometres, especially in the hollows of despair between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., which seems to be the worst, that will make the difference.”
In years past, the biathlon trails have been used as the 2.2-km loop, but this year, the duo will move their attempt to the stadium, where they believe the snow will be better and the course more forgiving.
Fraser figures if she averages between 15 and 18 km/h over the 24-hour time period she can have the record, which was set in 2000 by Kamila Borutova, with time to spare. Borutova will work to support Fraser and Poidevin during their record attempt.
The men’s record was set in 2010 by Finnish skier Teemu Virtanen.
While skiing for 24 hours straight and risking fatigue and hypothermia doesn’t sound like everyone’s idea of fun, similar races attract huge crowds in Europe. Thunder Bay, Ont. also hosts a similar 24-hour race and Fraser contends the best time to ski at the Canmore Nordic Centre is between midnight and 4 a.m., when the snow is at its best.
Fraser is embracing the challenge. While there will be no formal 24 hours of ski race this year, Fraser said this attempt keeps the spirit alive so it can continue in the future. She also wants to set the record before she turns 50.
“I do this, and many events really, to live life to the fullest. The quote I like best is from Amelia Earhart: ‘When a great adventure is offered to you, don’t refuse it.’ There is nothing we can’t do once we set our minds to it,” Fraser said. “My community inspires me. I want my girls to know that you can do anything.”
The duo will begin their attempt on Thursday at 10 a.m., hopefully finishing on Friday with a new world record.
“We really want to thank Kamila and Richard Boruta for their work, the Canmore Nordic Centre and groomer Paul Ashton for his work,” Fraser said. “Anyone else who wants to come out and ski can join us for a lap or two.”
