Finally! five fanatical skiers found their first race of the season. Northwest Vermont skiers journeyed east to Craftsbury to find 10.5k's of good snow. The temperature was in the low twenties, no noticeable wind, and mostly sunny skies made for the best racing weather yet this season. The race course was in excellent shape as well. The thin but firm and fresh snow held up well as 70 athletes of all abilities took to the rolling course at 30 second start intervals. Starting in the middle of the field and leading off for NWVT was Damian Bolduc. Determined to maintain where he left off last season he wanted to race strong and smart. With team members Perry Bland, and Scott Magnan starting 30 seconds and one minute behind him respectively, he had no choice. With three teammates this close together it is always fun to feed off each other while at the same time fending each other off. Scrambling from the start, Damian was able to stay ahead leading the pack to the finish. After 9k's of having him in his sights Scott was able to make a move, pass Perry and hold him off to the end. All three finished within a 1:30 of each other. Mean while toward the end of the running order, Lary Martell and Kevin Bessett fought their own separate battles. Lary, new to skate skiing, placed well in the field, with only a minimal gap behind Damian, Scott and Perry. His technique improved over race, and he finished exhibiting the power everyone knows and fears with a strong V2 sprint. However it was Kevin who stole the show today. Starting last for the team, Kevin finished first with the fastest NWVT time of the day by a minute. "Kevin's form, focus and fitness allowed him to prevail today" exclaimed one possibly partial on looker. Partial or not, Kevin's improvement will certainly leave an impression on all who compete against him, as he will be an even stronger force in the long races coming up this season. Regardless of how they finished, everybody at the race was pleased with their performance and the conditions today. It sure feels great to have the first race of 05-06 under our belt, and it looks like it will be another great season for NWVT. Let's see where we stand against the best in New England at the Eastern Cup race next weekend at Trapp Family Lodge.