More solo competitors, fewer teams and another tight finish highlighted the 32nd annual Ski2Sea race in Kelowna last weekend.
The Bike Barn crossed the finish line in first place overall on Sunday in the six-stage, multi-sport race. Ken Pommier was the top solo male finisher and Tannille Stickley was the top female soloist in the unique event.
Once again a team of physiclaly challenged racers also took part as Team Ability completed the event in just over five hours.
“We were very pleased with the race,” said co-organizer Kelly Blair. “The weather is the one thing that you can’t control but we were very happy with the way it turned out. It was sunny and there was exceptionally calm water for the canoeists.”
The Ski2Sea features downhill skiing, cross country skiing, mountain biking, road cycling, running and canoeing with teams or individuals competing. The event—now heading to its 33rd year—is traditionally held on the final weekend of skiing at Big White and is a unique event that highlights Kelowna’s reputation as a four season playground.
“There are not many places in the world that have the climate, the geography and the political stability to pull off an event like this,” said Blair. “It’s very popular and well received.”
Entries this year were down in the team events while more solo competitors tackled the course by themselves. Also this year the Ski2Sea lost its longtime title sponsor and is now looking for a new partner to help pull off the event.
“We had enough resources to cover ourselves even without the title sponsor this year,” said Blair. “It’s important we find a new sponsor though. As a non-profit any money that we make gets put back into the community.”
Each year the Ski2Sea race ends up donating its profits to community groups such as People in Motion, Search and Rescue and the ham radio group.
Blair says they could also use a few more committee members to host the annual event, which will take pace next year on Sunday April 14.
“We’re always looking for new blood on the race committee,” he said “It’s not a huge commitment of time. It’s a good group of people.”
Here are the top two finishers in each of the Ski2Sea’s race categories.
Solo Women
1. Tannille Stickley
2. Sheena Miller
Solo Men
1. Ken Pommier
2. Greg Redman
Open Team:
1. The Bike Barn
2. Kelowna Cycle 1
Open Mixed Team
1. Forced Effort
2. Avocodos
Junior Team
1. Black Jack
2. Skookum Jun
Corporate Team
1. Freshair Experience
2. Freshair Concept
Rec Team
1. McCulluch Station Crew
2. Some Fit Some Fat
Open mixed Team
1. Forced Effort
2. Avocodos
Masters Team
1. Bent Beaten and Bullied
2. Running Bruch
Women’s Team
1. Kuku for Cookies
2. Voco Sass and Swass
