Listen Live
HomeNewsOpeongo Classic Loppet a Success

Opeongo Classic Loppet a Success

- Advertisement -

The 2019 Opeongo Classic Loppet was a success.

Peter Cruchet, coordinator of the event, says their 5th annual race was appreciated by the Provinces cross-country skiers. After being cancelled last year due to bad weather conditions, he says that the trail conditions were spectacular this year. Despite Saturday morning’s cold temperature, he says the afternoon’s weather was perfect.

“The volunteers were phenomenal” Cruchet says as he states that they made the whole thing happen and kept everything under control.

The Classic had 70 participants two years ago and this year 39 competitors signed up. Cruchet says that he thinks Saturday morning’s weather forecast could have scared away a few skiers coming from out of town. The silver lining is the that many kids from the Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club’s youth program participated. With adults who encouraged them on during their 2.5 or 5 kilometer trek, he says one of the event’s highlights was seeing their faces as they crossed the finish line.

- Advertisement -

The women’s 10 km race was won by Alicia Berthiaume of Pembroke (44:17) and the men’s 10 km was won by Ottawa resident Paul Kadziora (48:38). In the 20 km category, Nancy Manning won the women’s race (1:51:47) and Mark Orzel of Ottawa won the men’s race (1:23:52).

Cruchet says the trail conditions are amazing right now and encourages everyone to take the time and visit the club and the trails. For more information on the Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club, click here.

- Advertisement -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisement -

Continue Reading