MICO 2010

The 3rd Masters International Canadian Open was run under perfect outdoor weather conditions in Quebec City during January 23 to 24, 2010. The 25 men and 16 women from both Canada and the USA were blessed with sunny skies, little wind and temperatures just below freezing. Canadian skaters came from Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The short all-round competition included olympic-style 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m events as well as fun unofficial pursuit races of 6 laps for men and 4 laps for women. Medals were awarded in 5 year age categories for women 20-24 up to 55-59 years and for men 30-34 up to 65-69 years. Complete results can be seen here.

Many skaters and guests gathered for dinner, drinks and conversation at the nearby Restaurant Le Mundial on Saturday evening.

Additional photos can be seen here. Many thanks to Maryse Poudrier and her team of volunteers for an excellent and fun event.

LAKE MOREY MARATHON

Gaetan Rochette of Marathon Skating International sent the following message:

I would like to let you know about the Skate Vermont at Lake Morey Resort (LMR). See the press release attached.

This will be a fun weekend including two marathons which will be included in the MSI Series.

Lake Morey Resort is a Hotel located on the shore of Lake Morey Vermont. The Resort is preparing a groomed track of 1000m long for the marathons and a 5-mile ice path all around the lake for public skating.

As you may know, marathons have been organized several times some years ago and LMR would like to put it back on the schedule.

Here are some interesting facts :

No need of SSC or USSC affiliation since LMR is providing insurance. It is a good opportunity to try an ice skating marathon.

Skaters will benifit of special room rate till the race day.

And, there are activities for spouses and families such as a culinary competition on the ice, a snow sculpture contest and a torch-lit parade.

We would appreciate if you can get the word out to your mailing list.

Gaetan can be contacted at grochette@gmail.com.

MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN - DINNER INVITATION

Thank you to Anika Bedard for extending the following invitation -

You are cordially invited to a dinner during the Masters’ International Canadian Open Speed Skating Meet on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 18:30 at the restaurant Le Mundial located at 965 Route de L'Église, Québec.

Please confirm by e-mail your attendance and the number of people accompanying you to anikabedard@hotmail.com before January 20.

For directions from the Gaétan-Boucher Oval.