From Ice Luge to Snow Drift: Classic preview and race

It was a remarkable transformation: We previewed the race trail at Augusta yesterday afternoon at sunset and were kept on the edge of our skis the entire course, as the track was icy and frequented by winding downhill turns. Because of the icy conditions the last downhill on the course, which wound three times around steeply banked turns through trees, seemed to replicate a standard Olympic luge.
That downhill was decidedly cut from the course during the coach's meeting that evening (for safety reasons), leaving many racers pretty relieved. It was also decided that the races would be shortened and the scheduled long-distance, mass start format would be moved to the Dartmouth Carnival (change noted on blog schedule).
Expecting to race a long chunk of kilometers, our racers had to re-wire themselves mentally to prepare for the shorter race. But no one was prepared for how the race actually went down: the forecasted 2-4 inches of snow turned into over a foot of humidity-heavy powder.
And because the snow started so late in the morning, the course marshal decided not to re-groom for either race, leaving the racers to plow their own tracks. The soft snow and soft track led to shearing, but though getting kick was tough, it was very easy to race hard.
The men raced first, and they did a pretty good job of stacking the top thirty: 7 in the top 31. Dimitri tied his season best, with another great classic race; in fifth place, he was just 2 seconds behind 4th. Keith Kantack had a solid 13th and Mark Johnson was our third score in 20th. Another third place team finish!!
The women ended the day in 9th place, but they were just 4 points out of 6th. Sarah Tory was our top score, in 25th; Christina Knapp was 29th, and Kirsten Johnson placed 34th.
We were well-fueled for the snow fest due to a delicious lunch fed to us at the Jones' house yesterday afternoon. Thanks to Casey's parents, Emily and Spencer Jones, for hosting!!

It was a gorgeous evening for a cruise through the woods. Orange of the sunset matched the frequent orange markers and fencing.

Rethink "downhill" on cross country skis: the Luge.

Kirsten and Maddy dish up for a hearty pasta lunch at the Jones' house.

Casey and the team digging in.

Sarah Tory

Erik

Casey, Ian, Mark. Keeping warm while post-race chillin'.

Hannah and Maddy showin' snow

Part of the parents' cheering section: Nancy Nylen, Dick Nesbitt, Bob and Anne Kantack. Thanks SO much to all parents who came and stood in the cold to cheer and also brought us post-race goodies!!