Gatineau Loppet 2009

February 28, 2009

The week leading up to the Gatineau Loppet was characterised by plus zero temperatures and significant rainfall early in the week, followed by overnight temperatures below minus ten, creating virtually unskiable conditions on the narrower more challenging trails in Gatineau Park. The race organizers have done an excellent job in providing a suitable race circuit for the 29 & 55km classic and skate races that found the right mixture of safety, challenge and interest by using loops largely restricted to the major parkways of Gatineau Park. Both race days were preceded by minus 13C minimums and plus 3C maximums creating the potential for very icy conditions however excellent grooming and trail selection for the modified courses provided for very fast race conditions. Both race days were sunny with little breeze ensuring very comfortable race conditions and good views at the Huron lookout. There was limited interference caused by overlapping of sections of the long and short races with only a few sections of congestion early in the race. Some interference was caused by participants in the 10km race during the last few kilometres of the 53 km course. Food stations were well spaced and staffed with good food and drink selections in the middle and late sections though more limited in the earlier. There was a reception for passport holders in the evening after the classic race, which featured an excellent selection of wines, beers and a variety of foods. Another feature was some Polish vodka cocktails, possibly to commemorate the introduction of the Bieg Piastow this year.

The winners completed the 53km classic in 2hr 25min (men) and 2hr 59min (women) and the 53km skate in 2hr 06min (men) and 2hr 23 min (women).
Some results of IAWLS members are:

Classic race:

Free style race:

This page was last revised on June 4, 2009