The Whistler Nordics sent a team to Revelstoke this past weekend to take part in the B.C. Midget Championship races, open to kids born 2000 to 2003. Overall the team placed fifth out of 18 teams from clubs around the province.
The athletes also did well individually. In the classic time trial race Michael Murdoch placed first overall in the 2000 group, followed by teammates Fraser Doak, Sam Johnston and Ian Davidson in sixth, seventh and ninth respectively. Joe Davies was fourth in the 2001 group, and David Mehta and Ben Hepditch were 17th and 22nd in 2002.
For the girls, Benita Peiffer and Lauren Kilfoy Mckay were second and eighth in the 2000 group, while Elle Johnston was third in 2003.
The boy's team placed first overall in the team relay, which had two skiers on classic skis and two skiers on skate skis for each team. A second men's team was eighth overall (second in the unofficial category for additional teams submitted by clubs), and the female team was sixth overall (first in the unofficial category).
The athletes also took part in an elimination sprint format, which got harder as the day went on and the snow got warmer and softer. Sam Johnston, Michael Murdoch, Fraser Doak and Ian Davidson all made the finals, placing fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth respectively. Joe Davies was first in the 2001 group, and David Mehta and Ben Hepditch were 13th and 22nd in 2002.
Benita Peiffer won her second silver of the weekend in the women's event, while Lauren Kilfoy Mckay was eighth in the 200 group. Elle Johnston also picked up another podium, this time winning the 2003 category.
Next up for the team is the Teck Coast Cup Series at Mount Washington this weekend.
Second to last Loonie tonight
The Whistler Nordics are hosting the second to last Toonie Race tonight, Thursday, Mar. 7, inviting all members to come out and have some fun.
The format for the event is "guess your time," and athletes will be racing the same course that will be featured in the final Toonie event on Mar. 14.
The event is a pot luck, and registration is at 5:30 p.m. at Lost Lake Passive House for a 6:15 p.m. start. The cost is $2 for members, and one-time memberships are available for $5.
