Kris Freeman(25:07) and Ilke Van Genechten (36:26) finished first place in their respective fields in the first of the NENSA Summer Rollerski Series races in New Durham NH. Optimal weather and a fantastic course lined by over 200 spectators made for a great kick off of this series. New England’s top skiers raced on matched V2 850 skate skis generously donated by V2/Jenex. Andrew Johnson finished second in a time of 26:54, followed by Samuel Evans-Brown in 28:08. The Women's race was rounded out with Katrina Howe in second and Danielle Baron third in 37:34 and 41:08 respectively.
The 10k course started off on rolling freshly paved roads where after 5k it shot up 1000 vertical feet to the finish over the second 5k. The top group of skiers climbed the course with great technique and speed. With Freeman and Andrew Johnson V2ing the 12+% grade hill, the speed the top group raced at was incredible!
“This race was both a great training tool and a really fun event…a little bit of racing excitement in the middle of summer complete with fans, a great course, and good competition. Personally I wasn't too close to optimal racing shape today but it was fun to go hard and I'm looking forward to skiing a little better at Mountain Top.” – Andrew Johnson.
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<p>Skiers are gunning for the next series race in Rutland, VT on August 11th. This will be another hilly course consisting of a 5k climb up to the finish at the beautiful Mountain Top Resort.</p>
<p>There is no better way to be fast for the Winter than to expand your ski racing to the Summer! It's pretty nice to put on just a bib and shorts and race!</p>
<p>Plan on attending the New Durham Ridge Roll race next year! The community support in New Durham was exceptional, with the plan to close the course off to all cars next year. </p>
<p>“Exceptionally well organized and welcoming to all levels of rollerskiers…It'd be great to see the development of full master, senior and junior fields.” – Andrew Johnson</p>
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Read the description of the series and view the schedule here.
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