The cross country ski season wrapped up on a positive note for Penticton’s Fred Albrechtson at the recent national championships in Gatineau, Que.
After another strong season of racing, the 16 year old pulled off a fifth place finish out 120 competitors in the 10-kilometre interval classic race and followed that up with a sixth place finish in the 15 km mass start classic and seventh in the pursuit event.
“It was a pretty awesome course, pretty hilly, but really good,” said Albrechtson, whose best finish this year was a third at the Western Canadians in West Kelowna. “It was great competing with some of the best skiers in the country and seeing skiers from Norway coming and kicking our butts was interesting.
“It definitely pushes you for next season, it shows you where you are and where you need to be to achieve your goals.”
READ ALSO: Albrechtson brings home the gold
This was his third nationals, scoring top 10 finishes last year, improving on his 21st place showing from the year before.
“Next year at the nationals I would definitely like to be podiuming. The sprint skates I really need to improve on, it was my downfall this season for sure,” said Albrechtson who turns 17 in September. “But it was a good a good season and I can’t wait for the next one, I just have eight months of work now.”
READ ALSO: Top finishes for Penticton nordic racer Albrechtson
He is also an established cross country runner and will be on the circuit again this summer.
“I hope to compete in some races in the Okanagan and train with the faster guys in town, that’s always fun,” said Albrechtson.
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Mark Brett | Reporter
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