Gatineau Loppet

While from France the sad news of cancellation still echoes, snowy conditions are seen in Canada

Yesterday the notice about La Transjurassiene race cancellation hit everyone after the press conference where the CEO of the French Worldloppet race announced the impossibility to hold the event due to the heavy rains and non-winter-like temperatures in the area. The race that was due to be held on the upcoming weekend will not take place, but the “Le Salon international du Nordique”, the Nordic Ski Expo, and the side animation will still be held.

On the other side of the world news are coming from Gatineau Loppet, where the annual race will welcome skiers from all over the world on the weekend 14th-16th February. Promising good conditions are awaiting participants:

Race: Gatineau Loppet
Km ready at the moment: 100% of 200 kilometres of trails for classical cross-country skiing, which includes over 125 kilometres of trails shared with skate skiers.
Snow condition (Feb 3, 2020): Snow Base at P8 Parking Lot: 22.5 cm Temperature Min and Max (° C) : Feb 3, 2020: 1° C with fresh snow 2 cm.
Expected temperature for the race weekend: -7° C Frequency of preparation: Daily grooming for unbelievable conditions.

The Canadian Birkebeiner is also taking place this weekend

Global Ski Calendar race – The Canadian Birkebeiner Society is anticipating some great weather for the upcoming 30th Canadian Birkie Ski Festival from Friday, February 7th through Sunday, February 9th. Volunteers and staff have been working hard to maintain the tracks, which are in excellent shape, to ensure a wonderful experience for all racers.

Birkie Saturday (February 8th) will be held at Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area and the Ukraine Cultural Heritage Village. The day features the flagship race, the 55 kilometre Torskeklubben Birkebeiner, where skiers carry a 5.5 kilogram pack on their backs. The pack represents the legendary story of Birkebeiner warriors who carried a future Norwegian Crown Prince to safety in the middle of winter. Among the other popular races are the 31 kilometre Birkie Tour and the 13 kilometre Global Edmonton Mini Birkie.

Participants have registered from all across Canada, including seven provinces and two territories, and also worldwide, including the United States and Europe (check out an interactive map of participants here – https://goo.gl/maps/ffooSGg9LyaDyNBE6). The oldest competitor registered is 95, while our youngest racer is just five years old.

“It is great to see the Birkie and cross-country skiing so well supported within Alberta, Canada and across borders,” said Jim Black, President of the Canadian Birkebeiner Society. “Looking at the current conditions, this is going to be one of our better Birkie years.”