Gatineauloppet 2010

February 28, 2010

Global warming seems to hit even Canada. Whereas in many previous years we had cold temperatures, this year the weather was ideal for XC skiing: a mild cold of -6 or -7 C in the morning, remaining a bit under the freezing point during the day. There was some wind but it did not really disturb. Snow was abundant and we had some new snow falling during the races.
Mild temperatures of the previous days led to a change of the course. The 53 km races were shortened to 49 km. From the start at the Mont Bleu school the track went directly up to the Pink Lake climb. The challenging Ridge Road climb began at the 8 km point. From the second food station at 13 km we made a 3 km loop to the right on the park road before attacking the little climb to Huron. Thereafter the track went through forests to the turning point at around 23 km and returned on the park road via Huron to the Pink Lake descent. Finally, a 7 km loop to the south took us back to the 1 km point and from there to the start and finish area. The 29 km races were shortened to 27 km.
On Saturday Feb 20 the 49 km and 27 km classic races took place. The 49 km and 27 km FT races were on Sunday Feb 21. In addition, as usual 5 and 10 km races were organized.
Gatineau Loppet organized for the third year a Challenge: ski the 49 races on both days. There are many fit skiers nowadays able to achieve the Challenge. A special plaque was awarded to the best skier with the lowest combined time. The winner was IAWLS member Phil Shaw who does a lot to promote XC skiing in Canada. (An identical plaque was awarded to the eldest skier who was Hannes Larsson, 79 years).
A nice reception for Worldloppet Masters was offered on Saturday evening, with wines and snacks.

Some results for members of IAWLS.

49 km CT, winner's time 2.50.53, 356 finishers:

49 km FT, winner's time 2.16.02, 389 finishers:

27 km CT, Winner's time 1.36.16, 251 finishers

27 km FT, Winner's time 1.21.14, 272 finishers:

This page was last revised on May 9, 2010