Submitted by Nelson Nordic Ski Club
The Nelson Nordic Ski Club was pleased to host the final Teck Kootenay Cup races of the 2020 season on Feb. 15 and 16.
More than 115 Nordic skiers participated, including racers from Fernie, Valhalla Hills (Hills), Revelstoke, Strathcona Nordic, Nickel Plate (Penticton), Larch Hills (Salmon Arm) and Black Jack (Rossland), as well as a strong contingent from the local club in Nelson.
On Feb. 15, skate skiers took over the meadow at Apex for King’s Court sprints in powdery fresh snow. In the morning, the youth racers (under-six to U14) raced in heats to crown their champions and after a short break the U16s faced off against the Masters. Lots of fun and team spirit was shown out on the race course. It was an exciting spectator race for all who attended.
The next day, classic skiers raced longer distances on a beautiful course on the club’s Busk and Clearwater trail system, which was upgraded this year thanks to contributions from a Trail Enhancement Grant from Columbia Basin Trust.
As these races were the last of the season for the 2020 Teck Kootenay Cup series, the aggregate award was delivered to Kimberley Nordic, who claimed the Kootenay Cup and bragging rights this year. Congratulations, Kimberley!
Race results can be found at https://zone4.ca/event/2020/F8FCD752/ and Kootenay Cup final standings at www.crosscountrybc.ca.
Celebrations were held in the warming hut at Apex and awards were given outside in the great weather. Nelson Nordic Ski Club would like to thank the many local businesses who were so generous in their support, providing food and draw prizes for the race. Without their support, this race weekend would not have been possible.
The success of the weekend is also due to the contributions of the many volunteers who set up race courses, marshalled the courses (to ensure everyone made the turns), timed the racers and served soup for lunch. Thanks also to the families who brought delicious baking for our food table and helped out in other roles. There are endless hours of work to organizing these races and it’s always rewarding to see a successful event weekend.
Finally, thanks to Teck for sponsoring the Kootenay Cup race series. Their title sponsorship of Nordic ski events is appreciated by the race hosts in the Kootenays and elsewhere in B.C.
