The words ‘grudge match’ and ‘cross-country skiing’ don’t appear together very often. However, when it comes to Brent McMurtry and Kevin Sandau, the description is apt.
The duo is locked in a showdown for Canadian ski supremecy, and the latest chapter of the fight occurred in Whistler as part of the Callaghan Valley Trials.
“It’s a dogfight between Kevin and I,” McMurtry said.
After losing the three previous races to Sandau, McMurtry exacted revenge with a win in the men’s 15 kilometre classic race on Sunday (Jan. 15). McMurtry’s time of 41:31.1 was enough to defeat Sandau (41:38.3). David Greer was third, followed by Graham Nishikawa and Brian McKeever.
“It’s nice to end up on top,” McMurtry said. “We’re all friends and we all train together, so we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. There’s not a lot of unknown.”
During their battles, only 15 seconds separate the two racers. McMurtry has a points advantage in the standings due to the fact he’s a stronger sprinter, but Sandau has won more races.
“Competition is a pretty big aspect to becoming a successful athlete. It keeps you on your toes. You have to have the guys there to push you,” Sandau said.
In their previous Whistler race – the 30 km ski-athlon, which combines classic and skate technique, Sandau edged McMurtry by a toe, finishing a tenth of a second ahead of his teammate in a sprint to the finish.
“I was surprised. I was hanging on for a top three,” Sandau said. Nishikawa was also in the final push, along with Graeme Killick.
Sandau started slow, but gained energy by the end.
“Over 30 kms, there’s lots of time to find energy,” he said. The result also sets up another battle in Canmore this weekend, as the Canmore Nordic Centre hosts the Western Canadian Championships mini-tour.
The Whistler races helped determine which Canadian athletes will earn a spot on the World Cup stage. They also serve as a qualifier for younger racers, as top finishers are selected to represent Canada at the U23 world championships in Turkey. The team hasn’t been finalized yet, but several Canmore-based racers such as Emily Nishikawa, Janelle Greer, Heidi Widmer, Killick and Jesse Cockney appear to have punched their ticket with top results.
Emily Nishikawa was the northern star of the Whistler races. The Whitehorse-born racer earned a trip to the U23 championships by winning the ski-athlon in a time of 46:03 on Saturday, seven seconds ahead of Alysson Marshall and Alana Thomas, and by winning the 10 km classic with a time of 33:03.1. Amanda Ammar and Zoe Roy were second and third in that race. Nishikawa also won the B sprint final.
“I’m definitely happy with the shape I’m in. I’ve had a steady progression and am happy to see the results improve from year to year,” Nishikawa said.
Alberta World Cup Academy coach Stefan Kuhn said it was a historic weekend for the team, and Emily’s performance is another sign the academy athletes were well prepared.
“Emily has good mental confidence and amazing ability. She has a lot of talent under her belt,” Kuhn said.
She could see herself on the World Cup tour in the next year or two, as she battles it out for a spot as Canada’s next emerging star.
She’s also expected to race at the Western Canadian Championships this weekend, and believes the mini-tour format will suit her. The championships will include a sprint race, plus a classic and skate distance race. Nishikawa is strong in each discipline.
For full results from the Callaghan Valley meet, visit www.zone4.ca
