20 cross-country ski clubs from across British Columbia and beyond were on hand for the Teck BC Cup event at Whistler Olympic Park (WOP) during Super Bowl weekend.
352 athletes participated in Saturday's interval start classic technique. Meja Koshul claimed victory among U8 girls for Whistler Nordics, while her club-mate Michael Murdoch was golden in the senior men's race. Beck Manhard (U8 boys) snatched silver, and Paul Lammens of Spud Valley Nordics took bronze among masters men.
Then, about 372 contenders filled the mass start free technique field on a Sunday when many of their peers may have been watching the Kansas City Chiefs win their second consecutive Lombardi Trophy. Koshul and Murdoch prevailed once again in their respective age categories, while Manhard placed third.
Spud Valley's Luke McGowan locked up a silver of his own in the U12 boys' contest, as did Lesley Clements of Whistler among masters women. Tyler Ng of Sea to Sky Nordics (U23 men) clocked in for bronze.
Athletes represented various locations from Rossland to Prince George to Smithers to Kelowna, and even Ontario and Quebec.
“Participation over the weekend was impressive, with athletes of all ages coming from far and wide to race," said chief of competition Jake Weaver in a press release. "Despite the serious competition, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and smiles were on continuous display during the two-day event.
"Special thanks go to the organizing committee, the many volunteers who provided a fun and memorable experience for everyone, and to Teck Resources’ Catherine Adair who was on hand to award medals to our top finishers.”
More than 60 members of the public helped with grooming, waxing, timing, marshalling, coaching, parking, announcing and overall race logistics.
Full race results are available at https://zone4.ca/race/2024-02-11/d2a4df56/results.
