Kantack and Tory Lead Williams Sweep of Mt. Greylock Rollerski Race

26 racers braved rain and snow to contest the Mt. Greylock Rollerski Race in Lanesboro, Massachusetts on Sunday. The road up the highest point in Massachusetts has been closed for two years for a complete overhaul. The result? Perfect pavement the length of the eight mile climb, and a rollerskier’s paradise.  The race returned to Mt. Greylock after a 7-year hiatus.

The weather, however, did not cooperate and the race was shortened to 4.5 miles. The start was dropped down an extra mile creating a grueling 2 mile climb out of the start featuring the steepest grade of the day. The decision to finish lower down was made less than an hour before start when rain changed to snow, and concerns about ice accumulation at higher elevations became real.

Williams College showed up in force, and dominated both the men’s and women’s races. Keith Kantack step the pace early, and pulled away from the rapidly spreading out field. Ian Nesbitt gave chase, and pulled even with Kantack before the Williams junior put the freshman upstart in his place with a strong finish. Kantack completed the course in a time of 28:22 with Nesbitt just four seconds back in second. Evan Dethier rounded out an all-Williams podium, crossing the line in 29:43.

Sarah Tory made it a double win for Williams, skating to a dominant 2:30 victory over former Berkshire County and UNH standout Celeste Young. While most participants opted to skate, several, including, Young, chose classic. Alice Nelson gave Williams 5 of six podium spots on the day, finishing 41 seconds in back of Young.

Nat Lucy, down from New Hampshire, won the over 40 division, finishing 7th overall and classic skiing to a time of 31:23.

Hannah Hausman, yet another Williams College skier, took the victory in the under 17 women’s division, while local Hoosac Valley skier Dan Dermody was the top under 17 male.

The race was a fundraiser for the Northern Berkshire Special Olympics and honored Special Olympian Jenna Montgomery, a 15 year old resident of North Adams who competed in the World Special Olympics in Boise, Idaho in 2008.  Jenna attended the race and displayed her gold medal.

Thank you to sponsors Berkshire Outfitters, FasterSkier.com, Atomic, and Cricket Creek Farm for making the event possible, and to the volunteers who were willing to spend their Sunday morning outside in the freezing rain.

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