Photos- Shared by BKL Families | Results and More Photos
The Mansfield Nordic Club Skiathlon is a full day of racing with adult races in the morning and BKL races in the afternoon. Last Monday the event organizers began to wonder what would happen, “would there be any snow left?” and “will anyone register for the race?”. There was enough snow and in the end we had Thirty Nine (39!!!) Mansfield Nordic Club kids. Many tried ski racing for the first time! The warm weather and short courses made it a great day for spectating. Many stayed to cheer on friends, family and teammates. Once again our friends at Sleepy Hollow did a great job making sure we had courses to ski.
The afternoon races started off with the lollipop classic race led out by former MNC Penguin coach Hanna Holm in her trademark cow in pink tutu costume. It was all smiles on the start line for Claire Dolbec, Johannes Hollenbach, Tanner Magnan, Nathaniel Schroeter and Daisy Tremble. After racing a Molly’s Meadow loop they were rewarded with a lollipop and cookie at the finish line.
Lollipop racers on the start line
The Grade 1/2 race was packed with MNC kids! Margo Dillon, Nora Johnson and Ophelia Popkin were joined by Rory Dolbec, Will Hogan, Ollie Laber and Nathaniel Schroeter. Their 1km classic race went out Acadia Mania and around Potato Farmer before finishing through the fun park. Great skiing everyone!
Grade 1/2 – And they’re off!
The last three categories of the day skied the Skiathlon, starting with classic and changing to skate mid race. We practiced our classic to skate ski changes at practice this week and everyone was ready!
After previewing the course and getting skis setup in the equipment transition zone, Grade 3/4 racers headed to the start line. Our 3/4 contingent included Rowan Crawford, Mazzy Merritt, Maeve Popkin, Lillian Rockwell, Rory Dillon, Charlie Goossen, George Hogan, Guy Sonderegger and Oliver Tremble. Everyone skied great on a challenging course that included 1km classic, followed by 1km skate on Acadia Mania and Potato Farmer.
It was a full start line for grade 3/4 girls and boys
Maeve and Rowan working together on their last lap
The Grade 5/6 race was a 1.5km classic followed by a 1.5km skate (each technique was 2x.75km). The boys started first and Luke Cichanowski, Henry Kelsey, Finn Laber and Gabriel Schroeter spread out across the start line. The girls started next, Georgia Carroll and Kaisa Weaver lined up next to each other. The short loops with lots of racers meant there was lots of back and forth on course and a busy equipment transition zone.
Georgia and Kaisa fast off the start line
With the most Mansfield Nordic starters of any race, the Grade 7/8 boys included Parker Bartsch, Isaiah Bowen, Logan Cichanowski, Oakley Crawford, Liam Dailey, Ansel Sprague and Silas Weaver. It was a mix of kids that race all the time and others that focus on the Skiathlon each year. The girls’ started shortly after and were strong off the line. Gretta Carroll, Linnea Dailey, Mia Gorman and Fiona Repp each skied hard all the way to the finish. Grade 7/8 skier, Emma Connell, raced earlier in the morning in the Try It 5km.
Logan coming out of the ski exchange zone
It was busy out on the race course – Silas, Mia and Oakley racing together for a moment
Thanks to all the MNC racers and families that came to Sleepy Hollow for the Skiathlon. It was great racing and lots of FUN! We also want to thank everyone that came out to volunteer and make cookies for BKL Prizes.
MNC Families – Thanks for all the cheering!
