More than 60 racers turned out to the opening race in the Kokanee Valley Race Series on Thursday, Dec. 13, which was a giant slalom on Ross’s Gold.
The conditions were icy and fast, with snow falling through the day to make things more interesting for the racers. Event organizers took a little extra time before starting the race, marking some early season terrain features and slipping the course between the first and second run
Akiko Takemoto won the draw prize for the Atomic Skis. Also notable was the expansion of the Men’s 70-Plus category, which debuted last season with one skier — for the first race of this year four 70-Plus racers came out. In the women’s age categories, Janine Linder Joris posted the fastest time of the day while racing in the 50 to 59 age group — one minute, 45.46 seconds after two runs. Kim McKnight, racing in the women’s pro category, posted a time of 1:38.28.
The fastest time of the day was 1:33.06 by Nozomi Nakashima, racing in the men’s 19-29 age category.
The next race is another giant slalom on Blackcomb, set for Jan. 10. Advance registration is available for $20 at Whistler-Blackcomb Guest Relations and Ski School Sales desks. Day of event registration is $25 until 9:45 a.m. at the Rendezvous Lodge.
The race is open to skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers 19 and older, and all participants are eligible to win draw prizes.
Dec. 13 GS Results (Top Three)
Women 60-Plus
1. Grace Oaks — 1.52.09
2. Anna Zach — 3:01.95
Women 50 to 59
1. Janine Linder Joris — 1:45.46
2. Pam Thompson — 2:04.20
Women 40 to 49
1. Akiko Takemoto — 1:47.18
2. Terry Daly — 1:47.64
3. Cindy Avery — 2:15.08
Women 30 to 39
1. Justine Luhm — 1:51.62
Women 19 to 29
1. Christine Findlay — 1:46.61
2. Mayumi Ueno — 2:06.54
3. Rebecca VAnweerd — 2:42.31
Women Pro
1. Kim McKnight — 1:38.28
Men 70 to 79
1. Bob Switzer — 1:43.26
2. Douglas Deeks — 2:11.30
3. Jerry Stolar — 2:11.34
Men 60 to 69
1. Jules Lajoi — 1:47.93
2. Roger Joris — 1:55.23
3. Larry Moore — 1:59.54
Men 50 to 59
1. Peter Lyall — 1:37.22
2. David Johnston — 1:39.94
3. Paul Psutka — 1:40.81
Men 40 to 49
1. John Muzzillo — 1:37.17
2. Tom Jackson — 1:37.36
3. Geoff Gerhart — 1:38.35
Men 30 to 39
1. Nicholas Binnington — 1:36.78
2. Chris Simpson — 1:40.87
3. Ross Nicholl — 2:24.71
Men 19 to 29
1. Nozomi Nakashima — 1:33.06
2. Paul Hothersall — 1:41.91
3. Ian Stirk — 1:43.22
Men Pro
1. Philip Beauregard — 1:33.37
2. Jean Francois Bernier — 1:41.26
3. James McLean — 1:45.91
Women Snowboard
1. Tkiyoko Ishibashi — 2:26.82
Men Snowboard
1. Todd Carr — 2:54.67
