US Continental Cup Team races Silver Star

Mon, Dec  3, 2007 - By US Ski Team

Three members of the US Continental Cup Team raced today in Silver Star, BC in –13 C temperatures.  Morgan Arritola (4), Lindsey Dehlin (7), and Lindsay Williams (8) skied strong races on what will be one of the most challenging courses that they will see all year. 

This trio was backed by SVSEF’s Kate Underwood (10), Nicole DeYong (14), Mali Noyes (16 and first junior), and Kate Whitcomb (18). 

Dasha Gaiazova, Madeleine Williams, and Tasha Betcherman respectively claimed the top-three spots on the podium.
 
Leading the men’s race was Ivan Babikov winning by over one minute, followed by Dave Nighbor and Chris Butler.  The USST did not start any men in today’s race as Leif Zimmerman sat out with an upper respiratory tract infection. 

Leading the charge from the US in the 15K event was Noah Hoffman (11 and first junior—narrowly edging out Alex Harvey), Ben True (21), Mikey Sinnot (24), Colin Rodgers (29), Alex Howe (31), Taylor Sundali (56), Scott (The Crank) Krankkala (61), Sam Marshall (69), and Ben Page (78).  All of these US skiers represented SVSEF, with the exception of Alex Howe and Sam Marshall from Gunstock Nordic in New Hampshire.

Members of the Continental Cup Team landed late this past Monday afternoon in Silver Star, British Columbia, narrowly edging out their Astro Van-driving coaches. For the next eight days, West Yellowstone SuperTour distance champion Leif Zimmermann (USST / BSF) were joined by Morgan Arritola (USST / SVSEF), Liz Stephen (USST / BMA), Lindsey Dehlin (USST / NMU), and Lindsay Williams (USST / NMU). Rounding out this U.S. contingency of racers was a group of ten athletes from the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Both teams worded together during the week to ensure high-quality workouts and excellent skis for the races.