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frozen thunder classic sprint

Frozen Thunder Day 1:  Locke Wins Qualifier for World Cup Spot; Valjas Outlunges Thompson in Final

Clouds heavy with building snow and a winter-storm warning already in effect cast a second anticipatory shadow over a jittery group of racers gathered on Wednesday for the first Frozen Thunder race of the season at the Canmore Nordic Centre in Canmore, Alberta. At stake for some of the top Canadians participating in the day’s classic sprint was the opportunity to secure the final spot on the men’s World Cup team for the first period...

Slightly Shorter But Still Sprint-Worthy: Frozen Thunder in Photos

It wasn't easy, but the crew at the Canmore Nordic Centre got it done. "We have a slightly smaller loop than we had before because we had so many warm temperatures last February and March," Canadian head coach Justin Wadsworth explained. But the Frozen Thunder classic sprint was held on snow Monday with more than 50 competitors, and Emily Nishikawa and Lenny Valjas emerged as this year's winners.

Sargent, Newell Climb to Top in Frozen Thunder Classic Sprint (with Photo Gallery)

There are a couple things one can count on in Canmore, including solid tracks and quality snow, even in October. At the first unofficial sprint of the North American season on Friday, more than 120 racers found both for the Frozen Thunder classic sprint, and organizers added what could be a new tradition to the mix: a zero-elimination format.