The nordic side of the NCAA skiing nationals got underway today in Stowe, Vermont with 10km and 5km individual-start classic races for the men and women respectively. After several days of steady snow and cold, the weather cleared up nicely; conditions were great with bright sun, cool temperatures, and firm tracks.
The men raced first on a two lap course which gave the large crowd of spectators and supportive teammates several chances to cheer on their favorite skiers. The entire field was extremely competitive, with only three athletes per university allowed to race. Even some of the lowest seeded skiers looked to be skiing at near-World-Cup level as they tore out of the start gate directly onto the first uphill.
http://www.ncaasports.com/skiing/championship-results/classical_10k_men )
, Rene Reisshauer (1st – DU), and John Stene (2nd – DU).</font></center><BR><br />
After a short break the women got into action. With only one lap of a little over 5km, it was pedal-to-the-metal all the way for those who wanted to be anywhere near the top. </p>
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http://www.ncaasports.com/skiing/championship-results/classical_5k_women )
http://www.ncaasports.com/skiing/championship-results/team2 )
Friday is the second and final day of alpine competition, after which it will be up to the nordic skiers to battle for the remaining points in the 20km and 15km mass-start skate races. Stay tuned for full coverage of some of the fastest racing on the continent.
