2007 Spring Fling

NWVT sent a small contingent of skiers to the Craftsbury Spring Fling. This is a rolling 15 or 30k annual event that has a strong following and fun atmosphere. The day starts with a 500m lollipop race, followed by a 2 and 4k event before the main event gets started with the 15 and 30k skiers. Historically NWVT has had great success at this event with athletes having stellar performances, and everyone having a good time as they share the experience at the post race Bar-B-Q.

Today’s conditions were the best we have seen all year, and are therefore deemed perfect. The sun was out for most of the morning, temps were comfortable in the high twenties and a moderate wind blew throughout the day. The snow was freshly groomed; the trails were solid and at least two skiers wide. The course was the familiar Craftsbury Spring Fling double loop that starts in the soccer field out to Murphy’s Field around Duck Pond back onto the race loop to Ruthie’s Run onto Sam’s Run then the climb up Race Loop, and back to the center for another lap. This is a challenging, but very enjoyable course with diverse scenery for those who wish to look while racing.

Things got off to a fast start with the 120 skier field charging for position out of the stadium. Poles snapped and skis cracked as the eager mass skied over itself to get on course. NWVT got through clean and racing quickly got underway. First out, hanging with the race leaders was Jake Hollenbach. He skied with a group that chased Eli Enman who broke out early and held the lead for the entire race. Jake was among 4 other very fast skiers who worked together until the final climb with about 3k to go at this point the group went into each man for himself mode. Jake held his own to finish 4th overall. Next up was Damian Bolduc. Damian was determined to have a much better race than last weekends flop. Things were on his side today as he nailed the wax, made smart racing decisions and kept his head in the race. His 14th overall finish was the best of the season, but he was most proud of the big pass. He had great position in the race early on. Damian found himself skiing in a pack of four lead by the top female skier of the day, Dorcas Wonsavage. The group was keying off her for pace, technique and even feeds. They worked together as they moved up through the field. At about 20k Dorcas announced that Murray Banks was just ahead. Damian had been watching the demise of Murray as he fell off the pack he was working with at the 15k mark. Damian knew he was tired, but that if Murray latched onto the small pack he would be able to rest and regain composure and be trouble at the finish. Damian waited for a steep hill followed by a feed station to make his move. His hope was to keep the group together and drop Murray , and if Murray did catch on, he would have to skip the feed station as everyone else in the group was self sufficient and Murray , bonking, was dependant on the feed and needed it badly. At the base of the hill Damian closed the gap, and let Murray know he was there, with 1/3rd of the hill to go he shifted gears, blew by Murray and crested the hill with a powerful V2. He did not look back, but after the race he found out that his move was very effective and that in a matter of 1k he gapped the pack by a minute. So that was his accomplishment of the season. Next up was Perry Bland. Perry always has a solid race here. He was anxious to start and positioned himself in the second row behind Eli. Perry meant business. He started quickly and found a fairly clean line though the commotion of the start. No deep snow bushwhacking this week. He settled in quickly and put his skis to work. Perry has been on the upswing with skating technique and today was just a continuation of his recent success. After the race Perry stated “When you have it you just have to keep it going.” in reference to his streak. Ilke Van Genechten was back racing in Vermont after a trip out west to the American Berkie. She skied a solid race to finish as the 3rd woman in the top 25 overall. She had an impressive race as she held position after the group she was skiing with fell apart after the first lap and she was forced to ski against the wind without the support of other skiers around her. Kevin Bessett skied well, but could not find the groove that the other competitors had. He is making a transition to the bike and was feeling the effects of a workout schedule prioritized toward that. He skied the first lap with good company, but fell back a little on the second; he still had a strong finish and looked good coming in. Dhyan Nirmegh suffered the fate that Damian had last weekend. Slow skis. He skied the first lap strong, but as the temperature rose and the sun switched over to a light drizzle his skis bogged down more and more. He dealt with what he had and by the finish found reason to bring it in with a strong effort and salvaged something out of the race. NWVT had two women compete in the 15k event as well. Jen Miller and Samantha Martell both had strong races and enjoyed a great day to ski in Craftsbury. After they ripped up the one loop race they came out to support the rest of the team finishing the 30k.

NWVT’s favorite competition has been absent all season, but made it out for the Spring Fling. Bill Farrell was in shape and ready to go when he suffered 4 broken ribs as the result of a serious fall. He went through the motions of the 15k, and joked about what he has missed out on. It sounds like he will be back next season ready to pick up where he left off last year.

As the season winds down NWVT has a lot to be proud of. We have had an outstanding season, and exceeded many of our goals. We enlisted several new members who have contributed greatly to our success. We have continued to learn and build as a team, and the pay-off keeps getting better and better as we improve together. Each member has strength and something to offer. The competitiveness within the club and for the club has been unbelievable, as we respect and are happy for those who have good days, and are there to help people through an off day with encouragement, understanding and knowing that it could be anybodies day on their best day. I hope that everybody feels the same, and knows that each member is appreciated and valuable to the club’s success.