WORLD MASTERS - FINAL DAY

Record-breaking performances continued throughout the 4th and final day of the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games at Calgary's Olympic Oval.

New IMSSC world records may have been set in the following events:

1000m -

Ladies 30-34: Although two NOR skaters, including Renate Jeppson, were faster than the current time of 1:25.33, Nina Bjornbeth came out on top at 1:23.33.

Ladies 40-44: Three NED competitors surpassed the existing standard of 1:26.93 including Lijnie Boele and Janine Sloostra with Anja Bollaart setting the new time of 1:21.38.

Ladies 45-49: Although Ans Oudejans (NED) also beat the current time of 1:31.50, the fastest race belonged to Marja Smies (NED) at 1:29.93.

1500m -

Men 60-64: The existing record of 2:10.82 was exceeded by 3 skaters including Knut Nesse (NOR) and Jan van der Meulen (NED) with Kees Verdouw (NED) establishing a new time of 2:04.95.

Men 65-69: Four competitors including Ron Johnston (CAN), Gus Swagemakers (NED) and Peter Reimann (SWI) outskated the standing record of 2:17.59 with Frans Rietveld (NED) clocking 2:14.10 for the win.

3000m -

Ladies 30-35: The current mark of 4:59.39 fell to 6 skaters including Renate Jeppson (NOR), Svetlana Konstantinova (UKR), Claire Scanlon (NED), Nina Bjornbeth (NOR) and Maria Ufkes (NED) but Genevieve Provencher (CAN) prevailed in a time of 4:23.08.

Ladies 35-39: Five competitors bettered the current record of 4:55.45 including Grit Mertens (GER), Irma Woud (NED), Monique Vergeer (NED) and Regula Bergin (SWI) with Nicole Slot (CAN) fastest at 4:34.88.

Ladies 40-45: The existing standard of 4:43.85 was improved by 3 NED skaters including Anja Bollaart and Lijnie Boele with Janine Sloostra posting a new mark of 4:38.24.

Ladies 45-49: Ans Oudejans (NED) - 4:43.47

Ladies 50-54: Three competitors including Ute Zillman (GER) and Noor van der Ster (NED exceeded the current record of 4:56.41 with Galina Petrova (RUS) setting the new standard of 4:38.47.

Ladies 55-59: Ria Slikker (NED) - 4:56.48

Ladies 60-64: Thea Kroontje (NED) re-wrote her own record with a time of 4:48.14.

Ladies 65-69: Mary Lou Dinicola (USA) outskated the current time of 5:53.27, but Liasma Kauniste (LAT) was fastest in 5:27.38.

Men 70-74: Although Ludwig Meijering (NED) was faster than the old mark of 5:02.04, Arne Kjell (NOR) clocked a new time of 4:54.57.

Men 75-79: Three skaters exceed the existing time of 6:05.88 including Gerritt Bos (CAN) and Eugene Kurmey (CAN) with the fastest performance of 5:06 99 clocked by Jaap Bitter (NED).

Men 85-89: Joe McDonald (USA) re-wrote his own record with a new time of 7:38.04.

5000m -

Men 60-64: Although two NED competitors surpassed the current record of 7:51.17 including Kees Verdouw, the best time of 7:32.47 belonged to Jan van der Meulen.

Men 65-69: Four skaters broke the existing record of 8:19.72 including Guus Swagemakers (NED), Peter Reimann (SWI) and Toon Kooymans (NED) with Frans Rietveld (NED) clocking a new standard of 8:07.19.

Canadian records were also broken as follows:

1500m -

Ladies 75-79: Agatha van de Starre may have established a national record of 3:50.26.

3000m -

Ladies 40-49: Five skaters exceed the current standard of 5:56.85 including Sandy Falco, Suzanne Dionne, Anika Bedard and Jo-Ann Johnson with Diane Silzer setting a new time of 4:58.35.

5000m -

Men 60-69: Ron Johnston may have established a national record time of 8:23.74.

All times and records noted here are unofficial until confirmed by IMSSC and Speed Skating Canada.

See complete Results

Congratulations to all competitors including the many who achieved new personal best times. Next year's Masters International Speed Skating Games will be held in Erfurt Germany.

WORLD MASTERS - DAY 3

International and Canadian record books continued to be potentially re-written on Day 3 of the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games at Calgary's Olympic Oval.

World records were set as follows:

1000m -

Ladies 50-54: Four skaters including Jo-Ann Johnson (CAN), Ute Zillman (GER) and Galina Petrova (RUS) bettered the current record of 1:33.50 with Noor van der Ster (NED) establishing a new standard of 1:28.19.

Ladies 55-59: Although Ria Slikker (NED) bettered the existing mark of 1:36.11, the record now belongs to Anjo Mensinga (NED) with a time of 1:33.19.

Ladies 60-64: Thea Kroontje (NED) - 1:33.01

Ladies 65-69: Two skaters beat the current time of 1:47.30 including Liasma Kauniste (LAT) with Mary Lou Dinicola (USA) clocking the fastest time of 1:43.83.

Men 70-74: The current standard of 1:34.13 was outskated by 2 competitors including Ramir Kuramshin (RUS) with Arne Kjell Foldvik (NOR) setting the new record of 1:31.78.

Men 75-79: Four skaters lowered the existing record of 1:52.06 including Gerrit Bos (CAN), Anton Zegers (CAN) and Martin Fagna (NOR) with Japp Bitter (NED) shattering the standard in a time of 1:35.18.

Men 85-89: Joe McDonald (USA) - 2:16.17

1500m -

Ladies 30-35: The existing mark of 2:15.27 fell to 4 competitors including Renate Jeppson (NOR), Svetlana Konstantinova (UKR) and Nina Bjornbeth (NOR) with Clair Scanlon (NED) setting a new time of 2:07.97.

Ladies 35-39: Four skaters improved the current standard of 2:15.53 including Regula Burgin (SWI), Irma Woud (NED) and Monique Vergeer (NED) with a new record of 2:11.37 established by Nicole Slot (CAN).

Ladies 40-44: The current record of 2:18.47 was bettered by 3 NED competitors including Lijnie Boele and Janine Sloostra with Anja Bollaart setting the new time of 2:06.76.

Ladies 45-49: Four more NED skaters were faster than the existing mark of 2:20.02 including Lettie Zwanenburg, Joke Koersen and Ans Oudejans with Marja Smies coming out on top at 2:14.91.

3000m -

Men 60-64: The existing record of 4:32.10 fell to 4 competitors including Knut Nesse (NOR), Wim Brand (NED) and Kees Verdouw (NED) with the new time of 4:21.10 belonging to Jan van der Meulen (NED).

Men 65-69: Although Guus Swagemakers (NED) bettered the current standard of 4:45.32, Peter Reimann (SWI) holds the new record of 4:41.80.

5000m -

Men 30-34: Two skaters improved the existing time of 7:19.72 including Thomas Roste (NED) with Jeff Bakal (CAN) establishing a new standard of 7:09.04.

Men 35-39: Danny Frederick (USA) - 7:00.84

Men 40-44: The old record of 7:18.35 was broken by 8 competitors including Atle Vaarvik (NOR), Danny Witkamp (NED), Benoit Lamarche (CAN), Hubert Kreutz (AUS), Jan Duif (NED), Jim Cornell (USA) and Jurgen Meijer (NED) with Rene van Hofslot (NED) establishing a new time of 7:01.08.

Men 45-49: J. Arthur Olafsen (NOR) - 7:12.95

Men 50-54: Five skaters bettered the current time of 7:31.77 including Rolf Amundsen (NOR), Victor van den Hoff (NED), Jacob Heslinga (NED) and Ragnvald Naess (NOR) with a new standard of 7:23.14 set by Geir Hestad (NOR).

Men 55-59: The old record of 7:35.62 fell to six competitors including Ron Postma (NED), Egil Bokn (NOR), Jan Zijp (NED), Ivar Amundsen (NOR) and Karl Eliassen (NOR) with Harrie Doesburg (NED) setting the new standard of 7.19.94.

Canadian records were also broken or potentially established as follows:

1000m -

Ladies 40-49: Jo-Ann Johnson - 1:31.29

Ladies 50-59: All five competitors in this age class improved the current time of 2:04.94 including Brenda Rootham, Margaret Elm, Sheila McGinn and Ann Hanham with Lyse Fournier setting the new record of 1:45.32.

1500m -

Ladies 40-49: Diane Silzer - 2:21.27.

5000m -

Men 30-39: Although there appears to be no established SSC record, Jeff Bakal skated the fastest Canadian time of 7:09.04.

Men 40-49: Benoit Lamarche may have established a record time of 7:11.38.

Men 50-59: Bob Laurence may have set a national record of 7:33.92.

All records and times written here are unofficial until confirmation by the IMSSC and Speed Skating Canada.

See complete Results here.

WORLD MASTERS - DAY 2

World, Canadian and personal records continued to fall on Day 2 of competition in the 16th Masters Internaitonal Speed Skating Games at Calgary's Olympic Oval.

New world records were set as follows:

500m -

Ladies 30-34: Nina Bjornbeth (NOR) - 42.17

Ladies 35-39: Monique Vergeer (NED) - 43.07

Ladies 40-44: Three NED skaters improved the former record of 45.25 including Janine Slootstra and Lijne Boele with Anje Bollaart setting the new time of 41.61.

Ladies 50-54: The existing standard of 46.93 was lowered by 4 competitors including Ute Zillman (GER), Jo-Ann Johnson (CAN) and Galina Petrova (RUS) with a new record of 44.82 by Noor van der Ster (NED).

Ladies 55-59: Ria Slikker (NED) - 47.00

Ladies 60-64: Thea Kroontje (NED) - 47.51

Men 60-65: Jan van der Meulen (NED) - 42.48

Men 65-69: Four competitors were faster than the old time of 45.59 including Stephen Gunther (USA), Gaston Roy (CAN) and Frans Rietveld (NED) with Ron Johnston (CAN) establishing the new standard of 44.81.

Men 70-74: Although Arne Foldvik (NOR) lowered the existing record of 47.19, the new time of 47.03 now belongs to Ramir Kuramshin (RUS).

Men 75-79: Two skaters were faster than the old standard of 53.17 including Martin Fagna (NOR) with a new record of 47.37 by Jaap Bitter (NED).

1500 m -

Ladies 50-54: The existing record of 2:21.69 was improved by 3 competitors including Ute Zillman (GER) and Galina Petrova (RUS) with Noor van der Ster (NED) establishing a new time of 2:14.96.

Ladies 55-59: Ria Slikker (NED) - 2:24.60

Ladies 60-64: Thea Kroontje (NED) - 2:20.69

Ladies 65-69: Liasma Kauniste (LAT) beat the current mark of 2:46.01, but Mary Lou Dinicola (USA) was fastest in 2:40.77.

Men 30-34: Two skaters were faster than the old time of 2:00.85 including Thomas Roste (NOR) with Jeff Bakal (CAN) setting the new record of 1:54.52.

Men 35-39: Although Drew Schemmer (CAN) outskated the current record of 1:58.96, Danny Frederick (USA) took the honours in a time of 1:52.81.

Men 40-44: Ten competitors surpassed the existing standard of 1:59.97 including Hubert Kreutz (AUT), Danny Witcamp (NED), Jan van der Stouwe (NED), Ivar Njos (NOR), Jurgen Meijer (NED), Jim Cornell (USA), Rene van Hofslot (NED), Brian Boudreau (USA) and Jan Duif (NED) with Benoit Lamarche (CAN) establishing a new time of 1:53.85.

Men 45-49: Two skaters were faster than the old time of 1:59.58 including Patrick Kelly (CAN) with J. Arthur Olafsen (NOR) setting the new record of 1:56.92.

Men 50-54: Victor van den Hoff (NED) - 1:57.64

Men 55-59: The existing standard of 2:06.80 was improved by 7 competitors including Rolf Pedersen (NOR), Karl Eliassen (NOR), Ivar Amundsen (NOR), Sallo Spetter (NED), Ron Postma (NED) and Erik Vea (NOR) with a new time of 2:01.70 set by Harrie Doesburg (NED).

Men 70-74: Although Ramir Kuramshin (RUS) bettered the current record of 2:25.21, the new time of 2:22.41 belongs to Arne Foldvik (NOR).

Men 75-79: Two competitors were faster than the old standard of 2:50.92 including Martin Fagna (NOR) with Jaap Bitter (NED) setting a new record of 2:26.93.

New Canadian records were also set as follows:

500m -

Ladies 40-49: The old time of 50.57 was surpassed by five skaters including Karla Cybulsky, Anika Bedard, Sandy Falco and Diane Silzer with Jo-Ann Johnson setting the new record of 46.71.

Ladies 50-59: Three competitors improved the current mark of 1:00.40 including Sheila McGinn, and Ann Hanham with Lyse Fournier establishing the new time of 52.08.

Men 70-79: Maurice Gagne - 49.33

1500m -

Ladies 40-49: Jo-Ann Johnson - 2:23.83

Ladies 50-59: Five Canadian skaters were faster than the existing 1990 time of 3:56.52 including Brenda Rootham, Margaret Elm, Ann Hanham and Sheila McGinn with Lyse Fournier establishing the new time of 2:40.65.

Men 30-39: Although Drew Schemmer improved his own national record of 1:57.97, Jeff Bakal set a new standard of 1:54.52.

Men 40-49: Two skaters lowered the current mark of 2:00.16 including Patrick Kelly with a new record of 1:53.85 by Benoit Lamarche.

Men 50-59: Nine competitors surpassed the old time of 2:12.86 including Brian Johnston, Paul Shoebridge, Lynn Sugden, Cliff Morrison, Mickey Kupchyk, Lyle Dickieson, Bob Irvine and Bob Laurence with Bill Hoyne setting a new record of 2:03.70.

All records noted are unofficial and subject to confirmation by the IMSSC and SSC.

WORLD MASTERS - DAY 1

The promise of fast ice at Calgary's Olympic Oval held true for competitors on Day 1 of the 16th International Masters Speed Skating Games. As men in 5-year age groups from 30 to 59 years raced 500m and 3000m, multiple records were broken and personal bests were set for many of the 328 participants from 13 different countries who registered for the meet.

In the 500m event, new world records were set as follows:

Men 35-39: Andrew Love (USA) - 37.40

Men 40-44: Benoit Lamarche (CAN) - 37.72

Men 45-49: Patrick Kelly (CAN) - 37.71

Men 50-54: Bruce Connor (USA) - 39.05

Men 55-59: The existing standard of 42.51 was broken by 7 skaters including Rolf Pedersen (NOR), Sallo Spetter (NED), Harrie Doesburg (NOR), Ivar Amundsen (NOR), Brynjulf Maakestad (NOR) and Ron Postma (NED) with a new record of 41.81 set by Erik Vea (NOR).

In the 3000m event, new world records were set as follows:

Men 30-34: The existing time of 4:13.17 was broken by 2 skaters including Thomas Roste (NOR) with a new record of 4:06.76 established by Jeff Bakal (CAN).

Men 35-39: The old time of 4:13.22 was bettered by 3 skaters including Drew Schemmer (CAN) and Frans Verhoeve (NED) with Danny Frederick (USA) coming out on top at 4:06.46.

Men 40-44: Eight competitors surpassed the existing record of 4:12.58 including Danny Witkamp (NED), Jim Cornell (USA), Jurgen Meijer (NED), Benoit Lamarche (CAN), Hubert Kreutz (AUT), Rene van Hofslot (NED) and Brian Boudreau (USA) with a new standard of 4:03.19 set by Jan Duif (NED).

Men 45-49: John Olafsen (NOR) - 4:09.63

Men 50-54: The existing time of 4:20.07 was broken by 2 skaters including Geir Herstad (NOR) with a new record of 4:13.65 established by Victor van den Hoff (NED).

Men 55-59: The old record of 4:24.83 was lowered by 6 skaters including Karl Eliassen (NOR), Ivar Amundsen (NOR), Sallo Spetter (NED), Ron Postma (NED) and Harrie Doesburg (NED) with a new time of 4:17.94 set by Erik Vea (NOR).

New Canadian records were also set in both distances as follows:

500m -

Men 40-49: The existing standard of 40.10 was obliterated by both Benoit Lamarche and Patrick Kelly with Patrick coming out on top by 1/100th in a time of 37.71.

Men 50-59: Eight skaters improved the old mark of 43:35 including Brian Johnston, Cliff Morrison, Brett Arnason, Lynn Sugden, Reg van Drecht, Bill Hoyne and Bob Irvine with Bob Laurence setting a new standard of 41:32.

3000m -

Men 30-39: The existing time of 4:15.36 was broken by 2 skaters including Drew Schemmer with a new record of 4:06.76 established by Jeff Bakal.

Men 40-49: Benoit Lamarche - 4:06.87

Men 50-59: Eleven skaters surpassed the existing time of 4:48.63 including Mickey Kupchyk, Brian Sulzer, Lynn Sugden, Brett Arnason, Andre Gagnon, Paul Shoebridge, Brian Johnston, Lyle Dickieson and Bob Irvine with Bob Laurence establishing a new record of 4:23.56.

It should be noted that all these records are unofficial until confirmed by the International Masters Speed Skating Committee and Speed Skating Canada.

Competition continues with Day 2 events including 500m (Men 60-89 and Women 30-79) and 1500m (Men 30-89 and Women 30-69).

CANADIAN MASTERS OLYMPIC STYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007 CANCELLED

Brett Arnason, Canadian representative to the IMSSC, received the following message from Speed Skating Canada on Februray 15, 2007:

Dear Brett,

As Chair of the CDC, I want you to know that we were making every effort to incorporate our Canadian Master Championship into the World event. Notification of the change went out in November to all of the Branches. We knew by then that the World Masters was going to be a hit with the Canadian Master skating population and that Canada Cup #3 had to be moved to a week day competition thus potentially reducing participation levels at the CC#3. Last year, there were approximately 15 skaters at the Masters. This year, there are over 90 Canadian masters at the World Masters in Calgary.

The CDC agreed to sponsor the medals since the Oval was not prepared to do it in light of their other costs. They were prepared to acknowledge the winners at the end of each day. Unfortunately, it seems that we were to provide all of the fanfare. As a committee who is very much involved in the CWG (three of the five involved in various capacities) and unable to attend the event, we did not have a “soldier on the ground in Calgary”. That is why I had Dawn contact you at Gregg’s suggestion. Now that we have heard your recommendation, I ask you to reflect on the future of the Canadian Master’s Championship.

I am sure that the competition in Calgary will have many lasting memories for you and your skating friends. It might also inspire more masters to continue on the competitive circuit. As you know, we have incorporated the Canadian Masters into the Canada Cup #3. It did not seem to work for the organizers to have it with the Canadian Age Class Mass Start. Like you, I am well aware of the early starts in the dark and late finishes when all officials probably preferred getting ready for the banquet or relaxing at home. Is this the right fit for the competition? A stand alone event has been discussed but finding hosts may be a challenge. The CDC often encounters difficulties finding hosts for the existing list of SSC Championships and selection trials so an addition to the list may create more difficulties. Is there the potential for the master community to approach their branches for a combined Provincial and Canadian Master Championship if the CC#3 combined event is not the right fit?

Please put some thought into this and let the CDC know what you feel would be best for the 2008 Canadian Master Championship. As it stands right now, the 2008 CMC will be held in conjunction with the CC#3 in early March. I will be at the Oval Finale from Mar 12-14th if you care to meet in person to discuss your findings.

Good luck to you and your friends at the World Masters. It has been a great motivator for many athletes. There may have been more skaters coming out of the word work had the CWG not been held at the same time!

Again, please keep in touch with our committee. We usually meet on the first Tuesday of the month so our next meeting will be March 6th if you wish to file a report prior to that time. If not, we can address your comments in early April.

Nancy Goplen

Chair, SSC Competition Development Committee

CANADIAN MASTERS MEETING IN CALGARY

Details of the meeting referred to in CANADIAN MASTERS COMPETITIONS – HAVE YOUR SAY! are now complete.

We hope to see as many Canadian master speed skaters as possible on Saturday February 24, 2007 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in the University of Calgary's Kinesiology Department - Room KNB 132. This room is located in the building just on the other side of the lobby opposite the entrance to the Olympic Oval.

CANADIAN MASTERS COMPETITIONS - HAVE YOUR SAY!

Recent news regarding the the Canadian Masters Olympic Style Championship has prompted several masters skaters to consider proposing changes to SSC regarding masters competitions as outlined in this draft letter

The authors would like to have input from other masters skaters in Canada and would appreciate your comments, suggestions and questions.

Brett Arnason, from Winnipeg and Canada's representative to the International Masters Speed Skating Committee, has arranged for Canadian masters to meet and discuss these and other issues during the upcoming International Masters Speed Skating Games at Calgary's Olympic Oval. The meeting will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday February 24, 2007 at a room TBD in the University's Kinesiology Department.

The agenda could possibly include the formation of a Canadian Masters Speed Skating Association and the election of a spokesperson for that group.

We look forward to seeing as many Canadian masters there as possible.

CALGARY MASTERS GAMES COACHING

Brett Arnason of Winnipeg sent the following message:

I have made arrangements with a National Team prospect training in Calgary to do some coaching for me and a couple of other guys.

He will have a stop watch and a lap board. If you could post this on your blog and let people know that he could easily work with quite a few more skaters I would appreciate it.

His name is Matt McLean. My suggestion is that whoever wants to work with him is that we each chip in a few dollars per race so he can cover the costs of the work he will miss.

Anyone interested just let me know and I will arrange for him to meet with the skaters at the warm up ice.

My email is brett@arnasons.ca

Brett Arnason
Arnason Industries Ltd.
Ph. 204-633-2567
fax: 204-694-5622

NORTH AMERICAN MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP IN LAKE PLACID

Willem Langenberg, of Edmonton, filed the following report:

Hereby a report on the masters at the North American Marathon Championships in Lake Placid on February 3-4.

Besides the master action in Winnipeg (Results), there was a lot of master skating action at the North American Marathon Championships in Lake Placid. There were some very fast young guys from the States (e.g. Chris Callis, who was 19th in the World Allround in 2003) up front, but for the rest it was all master skating.

Alberta masters Brian Johnston had a 2nd and 4th place in M50-59 and Willem Langenberg had two third places in M60-69 (see Results).

They went on to the Winterlude Festival and tested the ice of Rideau Canal in Ottawa (see Photo - copyright Edmonton Sun).

The Marathon Skating International (MSI) action will now move out West. For the Silver Skate Festival marathons, North American Champion 50K Champion, Jim Cornell and last year's female overall MSI Champion Suzanne Dionne (3rd place Sylvan Lake 200K 2005) are confirmed. They will get competition from Jamie Ivey (and possibly Marcin Goszcynski of the Dutch Viks Marathon Team) and Sarah Gregg and many others. In the Kortebaan sprinting, Jamie Gregg will get competition from the United States (Andrew Love).

After the Masters Worlds, the action goes to Sylvan Lake Marathon. We hope to see many masters at these events.

NORTH AMERICAN LONG TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

Mickey Kupchyk of Regina sent the following report:

This weekend the North American Long Track Championship was held in Winterpeg. Okay, we concede - Winnipeg is the coldest place on the planet. We awoke to -29C Saturday morning with a breeze that brought the wind-chill to -38C. Sunday morning was even colder at -39C with the wind-chill coming in at a balmy -51C. It was so cold – “how cold was it?” – my eye lids froze open after only 3 laps of the warm-up. I’m not joking, I had to go back inside just to close my eyes.

Wayne Fleming (the head referee) had to cancel the second day because it was truly unsafe to skate. It was a tough decision but definitely the right one. The next time they hold a world conference on global warming, it has to be in Winnipeg.

Cold weather aside, we had a great time. The meet was very well organized. The awards banquet Saturday night was excellent. 15 Master skaters from Canada and the USA signed up for the event.

Without a doubt the Women’s Master Divisions were the most hotly contested. In the 1000m race “the Doc” Jo-Ann Johnson broke the Master Women 2 North American Record with a time of 1:43.99 while Leela Braun broke the Master Women 1 record with a time of 1:44.23. In the same race Karla Cybulsky just missed the old MW2 record by .14. Now that’s what I call racing!! I wonder if Cindy Klassen will be as fast as these other Winnipeg natives when she joins the Master’s rank?

Jo-Ann Johnson also broke the 500m Master Women 2 North American Record with a time of 50.49. Is it just me or do you think that maybe she might be spending more time at skating practice then her medical practice? It’s just a thought.

Jan Zurcher traveled all the way from Roseville, Washington to compete. It’s a pity that she didn’t arrive .56 seconds sooner at the 500m finish line – it would have been a new MW3 record. If the temperature would have been a little warmer or the ice even fractionally faster she would have crushed the record. Great effort Jan!

Oh yah, I almost forgot there were some guys skating there as well.

Jean-Francois Godbout kept Randy Plett honest in both finals of the Men’s Master 2 Division. Meanwhile Brett Arnason lost out on a photo finish to yours truly in the Master 3 500m final. See Brett, you should have gone with the 17 inch blades instead of the 16’s.

Brett Arnason dragging Mickey Kupchyk around the track in the 800m final with David Lawler is in the background

Mickey passing Brett on the final corner of the 800m race.

The weather might be cold in Winnipeg but you can always count on a warm handshake or hug from the local skaters there. I’ll be going back.

Photos by Dr. Jo-Ann Johnson's brother.

See also Results

CANADIAN MASTERS OLYMPIC STYLE CHAMPIONSHIP?

MSS News received the following message from Speed Skating Canada today:

Last October the Competition Development Committee (CDC) met to discuss varies competition related topics, of which the Canadian Masters Championship was one. At this time, they were also advised that the Canada Cup #3 dates were changed and would be run mid-week. In reviewing the history of the Canadian Masters Championships, and considering that last year only 15 individuals participated, CDC was concerned that the number would be reduced because of the mid-week competition. The decision was then made to approach the Olympic Oval in Calgary and see if they would use the 16th Masters International Championships as the Canadian Masters Championships. There are well over 300 Master speed skaters registered this year, which will make for a wonderful event. The Olympic Oval agreed to this request. On November 08th , 2006, a memo was sent to all branches advising them of the change of date and venue. They were also advised that since the 1000m for men aged 30 - 65 is not an International All Round event, it would not be included in the competition.

If Master speed skaters wish, they can participate at Canada Cup #3, but as a senior skater...and should a skater break a Masters world record during this event, the skater will be recognized accordingly.

I apologize that the SSC website was not changed to reflect the change in host and date...but it has now been updated to reflect this.

Should you have further questions please contact me directly.

Thank you...

Dawn L. Currie

Sport Development Director

Speed Skating Canada/Patinage de vitesse Canada

45 Christopher Cres.Moncton, NB

E16 0A4

506.855.5567 NEW

www.speedskating.ca

PROVINCIAL SINGLE DISTANCE MEET / GAETAN BOUCHER OVAL

This account was sent to us by Yves Garneau, Québec:

"An additional experience"

On February 2, the news informed us that the groundhog that came out of his hole did not see his shadow and that spring will be at our door step in 6 weeks.

Already…

This news reminded the masters skaters that the World masters will be soon a reality and that many of us will be leaving Québec City to be on the starting line on February 22 to 25, 2007 in Calgary.

This past weekend was another great opportunity for the skaters to gain more experience by participating in the provincial meet at the Gaetan Boucher oval.

Every one had their own objectives.

With steady winds at 30 km/h and sometimes up to 50 km/h, the masters skaters showed the best of themselves. They even showed that nothing is impossible when one makes the effort. In all, a good weekend to work on the "mental" aspect for Calgary. They understood that there is no limit to what they can hope for and succeed at it.

The following masters took part in this event: Anika Bédard, Lyse Fournier, Geneviève Provencher, Thierry Arbour, Yves Durand, Pierre Gagné, André Gagnon, Yves Garneau, Benoît Lamarche and Gaston Roy.

Congratulations to all skaters and many thanks to the organizers, volunteers and coaches that help us achieve our goals.

Yves Garneau

See complete Results

TRAINING SCHEDULE / CALGARY 2007

The Calgary Oval website has just published a Training Schedule for the Calgary Games.

See Schedule

PIERRE GAGNÉ CHALLENGE

Last Saturday, Pierre Gagné from Québec City did his yearly challenge with the help of André Gagnon and other skaters. This year, the event took place on a short track ice surface in a shopping centre in Québec City. André send us this note:

No wind, a perfect ice and a big crowd cheering Pierre Gagné, 74 years old, for his 500 laps-91km. It only took 4 hours to skate the distance- under his predicted time.Pierre started doing these challenges many years ago to help raise money for the Sourdine Foundation that helps children with hearing problems. I decided to skate with him for an hour, but with my pride helping, I finally did the last 375 laps with him.

Congratulations Pierre!

André Gagnon

CHARLES JEWTRAW ALL-ROUND

Masters skaters were well represented amongst competitors in this short all-round meet organized and sponsored by Dimon Sports in Lake Placid during January 27 - 28, 2007. Although blessed by no wind; non-stop light snow and cold temperatures made ice grooming difficult with conditions somewhat better for Sunday's 1000m and 3000m than Saturday's 500m and 1500m races.

Nevertheless, excellent efforts were put in and a good time was had by all competitors including 5 Canadians - Patrick Kelly (Lake Placid), Bob Laurence (Cambridge), Larry Magloire (Brampton), Tavi Moga (Montreal) and Ross Hanham (Burlington).

Although a meet protocol is not yet available, overall results were dominated by Patrick and Jim Cornell (Rochester).

Many thanks to John Dimon and his team for organizing another excellent event - this one named for the legendary Charles Jewtraw who grew up in the Lake Placid area and, by winning the 500m in Chamonix in 1924, became the first gold medalist at the first Winter Olympics.