French and Canadian victories at Gatineau Loppet 2024
The Classic style races were dominated by the Canadian skiers. Ricardo Isquierdo-Bernier won ahead of Samuel Picard and Dominique Moncion-Groulx. In the ladies competition Cendrine Browne was the fastest. Hannah Shields finished second and Sophie Carrier-Laforte third. All three ladies are local skiers.
In the Skating races it were Frenchmen who dominated the field. Agnellet Gerard is leading the French triple victory with more than 2 minutes advantage. Second place goes to Dorian Girard, who out sprinted French number 3 Remi Martin. Coralie Bentz was the fastest woman, followed by Emilie Bulle, both French. The 3rd podium place goes to Canadian Darya de Beaumont.
In total 2300 skiers from 19 different nations participated on two race days. While it was freezing cold on Saturday’s classic races, the participants of Sunday’s skating events had to fight agains partly heavy snowfalls.
Honorings at Worldloppet Welcome Party
On Saturday evening the organizers invited all Worldloppet Passportholders to a welcome party. At this occasion our president, Juha Viljamaa, together with Gatinau Loppet’s President Philippe Lebel, awarded four new Masters.
After that, it was time for Worldloppet to get honored. The organizers of Gatineau Loppet have decided to add the Worldloppet Ski Federation to their prestigious Hall of Fame. “Races like the Gatineau Loppet are the soul of Worldloppet. It is an honor for us, to have them on board. For me personally it is always a pleasure to visit this beautiful country, the lovely people and this great event!”, says Worldloppet President Juha when receiving this prize.
The Worldloppet circuit is going to continue coming weekend when the American Birkebeiner is going to celebrate its 50th anniversary and at the same time in Finland, at the Finlandia Hiihto.
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