Cross-country skier Ian Murray is a gracious host.
With his parents in town visiting from Nova Scotia, Murray first took them to Skoki Lodge for a backcountry stay. He followed up the luxurious trip by winning the Rocky Mountain Ski Challenge at the Canmore Nordic Centre (March 18) – a great way to make mom and dad proud.
“It’s a fun race. A lot of the top racers have gone away to ski nationals and this year I’ve done more races close to home.
Murray, who works with the disabled when he’s not competing in loppets, has been busy crossing races off his bucket list.
“As I get older, there are a lot of options. I’ve been training less seriously this year.”
That’s included showings at the Boulder Mountain tour in Idaho, and the U.S. Birkenbeiner – long races for someone who’s been a sprinter throughout his racing career.
He edged retired national cross-country ski team member Gord Jewett at the CNC. Jewett is now studying engineering full-time at the University of Calgary and preparing for the upcoming road bike season after retiring from competitive cross-country skiing two years ago. He hasn’t lost much speed, however.
“Ian is a little stronger, so it was nice to make it a hard day,” Jewett said.
Transitioning from international competitions to recreational races has been a challenge for Jewett, who’s getting accustomed to a new pace of life.
“These races are about keeping fit. I’m gradually getting slower. You can’t sustain it forever.”
Gord’s wife Rhonda Jewett, another retired national team member, won the women’s 30 kilometre race. She also brought a group of young skiers from Calgary, where she helps teach cross-country technique.
“This is a great race for recreational athletes. By the mine scar was slow, but the rest of the course was fast,” she said.
As the temperatures warm, the races become less intense.
“I enjoy this time of year. This is a casual, fun race. You show up an hour before, grab your bib and go,” she said.
The race also included a youth downhill race. Winners included Reed Godfrey, Molly-Jane Strum, Alexander Harvey, Aleksandra Petrova, Maya Fish, John Cummings, Sebastien Parent and Kindrey de Nys.
