Maine Coast Nordic: 2 MCN Podiums Highlight Tour de Rumford Eastern Cup

Fourteen Maine Coast Nordic skiers participated in the Tour de Rumford Eastern Cup held in Rumford this past weekend. Saturday was an individual start classic sprint. Based on the finishes, five MCN skiers, Holly Whitney, Adele Espy, Nate Niles, Sam Humphries, and Rachel Hall advanced to the elimination heats. The skiers were then sent off in groups of four or six depending on the heat. Hats off to Nate Niles, who advanced from the semi-finals to the finals. In the finals, Nate won the sprint in convincing fashion, beating some of the top J2 skiers in the east.

The Sunday race was a skate event that featured an abundance of hills not seen in Southern Maine. The J2's skied 5k, the J1 women skied 10k, and the J1 men skied 15k. Despite challenges with the hills and the distance, the MCN skiers, across the board, put in a great effort resulting in great results. Adele finished fourth overall! She won the J1 class and finished just over a minute behind US Ski Team member Liz Stephen. In addition to winning her class, she also received an award as the top women Maine Skier in the Chummy Broomhall College Cup.

Again, all skiers put in a great effort. Eastern Cups can be vey intimidating for the club skiers competing against the ski academies. Despite the challenge, the MCN skiers rose to the occasion! The results posted on Sunday really show that club skiers can successfully compete against the best! For full results, go to http://www.chisholmskiclub.org/2008_eastern_cup.html

Rachel getting ready to race