Robert Douglas and Ilke Van Genechten outpaced the field in the 10km Climb to Mountain Top – the first event in the NENSA Summer Rollerski Series. The pack stayed together for the first several kilometers, spreading out as the grade increased. Winner Douglas broke away from Montana State University skier, Norwegian Anders Folleras on the final climb to take the victory by an impressive 50 seconds. Jessed Downs claimed the third spot, +1:13.
In the women's race, Van Genechten (Madshus) won by an identical 50 second margin, with Alex Jospe (Alpina/CSU) taking second. Seventeen year-old Keely Levins finished third, +1:53.
Skiers raced on matched V2 850 rollerskis, making for an equal playing field. Twenty-seven athletes participated, rising to the challenge of hot humid weather and a brutal course climbing more than 1000 feet.
All photos courtesy of Augie Levins
