Williams wins Brick Wheels ski race

Tue, Oct  26, 2010 - By Mike Muha

It took hours of work, "snow" from more than one ice rink, and prayers that three hours of rain would not wash all that hard work away. And it worked: the first North American cross country ski race of the season was held at Brick Wheels in Traverse City on Saturday, October 23, 2010.

All photos by Eli Brown

Three hours of rain threatened the course on Saturday. Swix/Fischer Rep Mike Wagnar recommend salting the snow to absorb excess water. That and covering as much of the course as possible allowed Eli Brown to save 75% of the snow cover and hold his race.

Around 25 skiers time-trialed two laps each around the 70 meter loop. Over 150 spectators were on hand to watch and feast on food and drink at the Vasa Ski Club Season Kick-Off Party.

The fastest loops were in the 15 second range. Ross Williams, training year-around for cross country ski racing, put in the fastest time trial at 27 seconds; Milan Baic was a couple seconds behind. In pursuit-style showdown, Williams and Baic started at opposite sides of the course and raced to catch the other. After six laps, Williams was gaining on Baic and the race was called in Williams' favor.

Eli said, "Maybe we can do this in September next year!"

 

Full results are forthcoming...

The end of the snow....