Elm Creek Wednesday Night Race Results

Conditions: Air Temp 32F(race start time)-30F(race finish time) with strong wind-chill (the temp feels like 15F). The newly arrived wet snow in the afternoon and the evening strong wind made the race course very firm, icy and fast, particularly during the 3rd lap of the skate race and the entire classic race. The tracks are firm and nicely set for the races.

Race course: mass start, 1.3k loop x3 skate, 1.3k loop x3 classic

Summary: Tonight’s ECTT races are the fastest in the season so far. Sam Anderson clinched the title for both skate and classic races. In the women’s field, Marcia Hauer claimed the skate race title. The race packs took off like arrows leaving bows. Sam took an early lead from the packs and never looked back. The strong wind made the packs rethink how to stick together, but the icy condition made drafting strategy seemingly difficult. Sam Nelson broke a pole within 200 feet from the race start but decided to race without any poles against himself and the racers ahead of him. Also, due to the icy conditions, most of the classic skiers decided to stick with their skate skis, double pole techniques and upper body strength. However, the remaining classic skiers found their magic wax.

Next week: Dec. 30, Wed. Best wish to skiers and families, a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Skate

Classic

Race Organizer (Melinda Silbernick, Beth Maus, RJ Ochmann, Amy Xu)