Ending their season with a high elevation race on wet snow, cross-country skiers are obviously gluttons for punishment.
So it’s no surprise two of Canada’s hardest working racers prevailed in such conditions at Mt. Sharkfest on Saturday (March 31).
Kevin Sandau and Alysson Marshall both beat out stiff challenges to claim victory in the 12.5 kilometre and nine km races, respectively. However, shortly after the win, their thoughts were on the month-long break ahead.
“This was a long season. I’m happy it’s over,” Sandau said, who has a trip to Hawaii planned to recover. “I’m exhausted from the racing and travel.”
Despite the tired legs, it was another positive building year for Sandau, who got to spend time racing World Cups in Europe and win several races on the NorAm circuit.
“It was such a good experience to race against the fastest in the world. And to race with (Devon) Kershaw and Alex (Harvey) was great,” Sandau said.
Despite the exhaution, he wasn’t going to miss Mt. Sharkfest.
“I’ve raced this race since I was in Jackrabbits,” Sandau said.
Marshall skied a controlled race in the heavy snow, and had just enough energy in the final 100 metres to edge out friendly rival Emily Nishikawa at the finish.
“I definitely wanted to be in vacation mode, but it’s good for me to race,” Marshall said.
She had plenty of reasons to race this year, as she earned a top 30 finish on the World Cup and had a successful string of NorAm wins.
“I’m still not there yet, but seeing the speed required is good,” Marshall said.
Marshall is one of the few racers without a vacation in the sun planned, as she’s heading back to work before visiting her parents in Salmon Arm, B.C. Then, back to another season of training.
In the men’s race, biathletes Nathan Smith and Scott Perras showed their speed, finishing second and third in the 12.5 km race.
“We finished weeks ago with a bit of training, but the shape went down fast,” Perras said. “Racing cross-country is way different. I just wanted to lay down halfway through the race,” Smith said.
Both stuck close to Sandau for much of the race, however, Smith managed to pass Perras in the final stretch.
“There was a midrace surge and I paid for it,” Perras said.
The duo have some time off before training ramps up again, but Perras already has his goal for next year.
“I can’t seem to beat Nathan on Canadian soil. I gotta work on that.”
Nishikawa was content with second place in the conditions following a successful season. She battled fiercely with Marshall on the NorAm circuit, and is poised to continue those improvements for next year.
“I’m happy with the way the season panned out. I had good results and there’s always room for improvement.”
The highlight of her year came the week before, where she won the women’s skate distance race at nationals.
“That’s what I’m most proud of this year,” Nishikawa said.
Rosanna Crawford finished third in the women’s race. She’s gradually gotten faster as the season wore on, cleaning up at Canadian nationals after missing a shot to go to world championships.
“I’m still happy with the season. I didn’t get to go to world championships, but I got to work with (Canmore Nordic biathlon coach) Roddy Ward on a lot of technique. I was way faster at the end and I hope I can build on that into training and into next year,” Crawford said.
While she’s planning a break as well, she’ll take advantage of the ski conditions in the Bow Valley over the coming weeks.
“I’ll ski as long as I can.”
