On Sunday, the Outdoor Center teamed up with NENSA to welcome 56 racers to the COC’s first open-to-the-public rollerski race of the year, the Lost Nation Roll. As has become a necessity and regularity to these times, NENSA and the COC took precautions to mitigate the inherent risk of Covid transmission that comes with hosting such an event. NENSA added to the knowledge base with their experience of safely hosting the App Gap race earlier this summer. Only racers from “green” counties, according to the Vermont A.C.C.D. map were allowed to participate and spectators were not permitted to attend. Athletes and coaches were required to fill out a COVID safety questionnaire before arriving at the COC. Masks were required for all coaches and officials, and athletes were required to wear them at all times except when warming up and racing. The athletes displayed some creative methods for having their masks “on their person” during the race! Racers’ bibs and chips were in individual bags, so no contact was needed for bib hand-off. The top 20 seeded men and women raced on matched Swenor rollerskis that were thoroughly disinfected throughout the day. This is all great practice for the winter months.

Finn Sweet rounding the bend at Six Corners. Note a masked coach Jeff Tucker on the left hand side. (John Lazenby photo).

And now to the more nitty gritty racing news! We had 14 CNSC juniors who put their summer and fall training to the test! U14’s and U16’s raced two figure-eight loops for a 5.6k race. Leo Circosta was 2nd for U16’s, while Charlie Kehler was 1st for U14’s. On the girl’s side, Amelia Circosta was the 1st U14 and Anna Isselhardt was the 1st U16.

The open field, both men and women, raced four figure-eights for a total of 11.8k. Finn Sweet, who is training in Craftsbury for the fall while deferring from college, was the 1st CNSC junior in 9th place overall and the 1st U20. Jack Young, star North Country Union High School football player, was 14th and the 4th U20 (who says you can’t play football and ski fast?). Aiden Casey was 17th and the 2nd U18, followed by Tzevi Schwartz in 23rd and the 5th U18. Makail Tipton was 24th (5th U20) and Orion Cenkl was 26th (6th U18).

Quincu Massey-Bierman looking speedy! (John Lazenby photo).

On the women’s side, Quincy Massey-Bierman was 14th overall and the 1st U18, followed closely by Maggie McGee in 16th and the 2nd U18. Isabelle Serrano wasn’t far behind in 18th (3rd U18) and Ayla Bodach-Turner right there in 19th (4th U18).

A huge thank you to the volunteers that made this event possible! Many volunteers were needed because they were strategically located along the course and around the stadium, ensuring safety for all. See full results here. We look forward to welcoming back racers on December 5 and 6 for the Craftsbury Opener.

CNSC Juniors at the Lost Nation Roll