Craftsbury, VT
The University of Vermont Carnival concluded today at
Craftsbury Outdoor Center. Both the men and the women arrived
under grey skies to race a 10 km individual start classic race. With start
intervals reduced to 15 seconds to accommodate the more than 450 racers, the
race loop was fast and chaotic. Unseasonably warm temps forced skiers to choose
between klister and skate skis for the race. With some racers opting to double
pole their race on classic skis, they were challenged by the lone steep hill
which forced all but the best to herringbone.
In the women’s 10 km classic it was Alayna Sonnesyn who took
the win, becoming the lone UVM woman to make the top 5 on the day. Half a
second off the pace it was Middlebury skier Annie Pokorny, who finished second
ahead of yesterday’s winner Lydia Blanchet of Dartmouth. Corey Stock of
Dartmouth finished 4th, well ahead of current classic leader bib holder
Kelsey Phinney of Middlebury.
The men’s 10km race was once again dominated by UVM and
Dartmouth, with the two teams claiming 8 out of the top 10 spots. Cole Morgan
of UVM took the top spot, narrowly edging out teammate Jorgen Grav. Fabien
Stocek of Dartmouth took the last place on the podium, ahead of teammate Patrick
Caldwell. The men’s top five was rounded out by Peter Holmes of the University
of New Hampshire.
On the weekend it was Dartmouth College that emerged
victorious. They once again denied the University of Vermont, this time at
their home carnival.
Racing resumes next weekend with the 106th
Dartmouth Winter Carnival. The circuit will return to Craftsbury Outdoor Center
for the one day carnival with a women’s 15km and men’s 20km classic races.
