FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CXC Marathon Team Embodies SISU in Ironwood

A lot of things went right for the CXC Marathon Team at the SISU Ski Fest over the weekend. Being the first time attending the race, I was extremely impressed by the venue, the volunteers and the course. The CXC Marathon Team prepped for the race with a surprising amount of calm at ABR. I love coaching/waxing at races like SISU. I was able to park immediately next to the wax building at the start line. I had great access to feed locations. I was able to make my way to within two blocks of the finish line to catch the race winners as they crossed the line. The start was delayed due to cold weather (a good call in my opinion) and shortened to 31km from the original 42km.

At the 14km mark, the CXC Marathon Team was holding on to 1st (Andy Brown) and 2nd place (Chris Pappathopoulos) in the Men’s Classic, 1st (Natalia Naryshkina) and 3rd (Nikki Reker) in the Women’s Classic. The skate race was going well for the team with 2nd (Cory Ellertson) and 3rd place (Scott Johanik) at the half way mark.

At the finish line, it became clear that something had gone wrong on course. The first 30+ racers had crossed the line and Andy Brown and Chris Pappathopoulos were nowhere to be seen. Nikki had finished her race in a very respectable 2nd place, but Natalia had not crossed the line. Our skate skiers finished strong and still no sign of the classic race team.

Finally they turned the corner onto main street. They had completed the full 42km instead of the shortened 31km course. As they were the first racers on many sections of a course that had been changed the day before due to the weather , one turn had not been marked properly and they were sent to complete an extra lap of the ABR trails. A costly mistake in an otherwise flawless festival. By the time Nikki and the other racers encountered the junction, there was a course volunteer at the junction directing traffic.

After the race there was an expected level of frustration on the athletes part. But after a discussion with the race director over hot pasties and stew (also a highlight for this coach), we felt that the SISU Ski Fest would do their best to right the situation.

There is no way to say that the CXC Marathon Team athletes would have held on to the positions they were in at 14km despite my confidence that they would. Full credit is due to the athletes who crossed the line first. They did nothing wrong and deserve recognition for races well won. The SISU race director and I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the efforts of the CXC Marathon Team. They too deserve recognition along with their sponsors.

In all other respects SISU Fest was an incredible event, and I fully expect to be back with our athletes next year. The course was in great condition, the volunteers were tremendous and the accessibility of a smaller marathon was extremely appealing. Thank you to all who helped to host this great race.

CXC Team Sponsors:
AVANT: Trail Maintenance Equipment
Bjorn Daehlie: Uniforms and Clothing
Fitt: Socks
Rossignol: Skis and Boots
Rudy Project: Sunglasses and Helmets
Start: Poles
Toko: Ski wax, Hats, Water Belts and Gloves