QUEBEC MARATHONS

The first event of Marathon International's 2008-09 competition season was held during November 29-30 at the 400 m Anneau de Glace Gaetan Boucher in Ste-Foy, Quebec. Conditions were excellent with temperatures just below freezing and light winds.

Results for the 40 skaters in the 25 km (62.5 laps) and 24 skaters in the 40 km (103 laps) were recorded using electronic timing chips. Congratulations, printed protocols and opportunities to win merchandise prizes were provided to all competitors, with medals awarded to the top 3 competitors in each 10 year age class for both women and men.Many thanks to the event organizers for a smoothly-run and fun competition.

Competitor photos by Pierre Gagne. Organizer photos by Ross Hanham.

2nd MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN

Meet information and entry form for this February 21-22, 2009 event are now available from Speed Skating Canada.

This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for masters to compete in a long track meet in Vancouver Canada and in the new Richmond Olympic Oval as the venue is planned to be converted to other uses after the 2010 Winter Games.
Registration is restricted to a maximum of 75 Canadian entries and 75 international entries up to December 21, 2008 after which these quotas will not longer apply. The final registration deadline is January 31, 2009.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR 2008 MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE

Ian Mellors, meet coordinator, sent the following message:

If you are intending on attending the Masters Ice Racing Challenge in Canmore, Alberta, December 12/13, please let me know the following info by Friday December 4th:

Name
SSC# (or ISU country Membership #)
500m seed time
1000m seed time

Also indicate if you are interested in attending the Banquet on Saturday Night - $30/ticket and if you are going to participate in the Sunday Speed Skating Clinic.

For more details see the club website, Press Release tab, MIRC Meet Announcement.

Come and be a part of the most comprehensive Masters Short Track speed skating weekend anywhere.

QUEBEC MARATHON - UPDATE

The following message was just received from event organizer - Gaetan Rochette:

Hello to All,

Here’s hoping that everyone is excited about the prospect of the FIRST marathon in the MSI Series 2008-2009 which takes place this weekend in Ste-Foy, just next to Quebec City.

Please note that due to insufficient reservations, we have to cancel the post-race dinner. But not all is lost: there are plenty of first-rate restos in Quebec City where you can all get together.

Please Note This:

Hydro Quebec is performing some “necessary” work on Saturday morning in the neighbourhood around the skating rink. They are not able to tell us when or if the electricity at the rink may be cut. So, to be on the safe side, we will start the 25 K on Saturday at 14:00 to take advantage of the daylight. And, the timing system will run on a portable generator. Please take note of this important change in the starting time.

We are sorry for this last minute change, but Hydro Quebec just advised us.

In spite of this minor inconvenience, our event is up and ready to go.

QUEBEC MARATHONS

Thank you to Anika Bedard for the following reminder -

The fourth edition of the Marathon de Québec will be taking place on November 29-30, 2008 at the Gaetan-Boucher oval in Quebec City. This marathon is the first of the Marathon Skating International MSI Point Series. Interested skaters can find the information and registration forms on line. Registration closes 30 minutes prior to the event, but organisers are asking to send the registration forms as soon as possible.

Pictures and account of the 2007 edition.

PROVINCIAL LONG TRACK SPRINT MEET – QUEBEC

Thanks again to Anika Bedard for the following information -

Interested skaters can find the invitation and registration on line for this first meet held at the Gaetan-Boucher oval on November 22-23, 2008. Deadline for registration is November 12, 2008.

LONG TRACK PROVINCIAL CAMP IN QUEBEC CITY

Many thanks to Anika Bédard for the following information -

Every year, the Centre Gaétan-Boucher organises a provincial long track speed skating camp. This year, it will be held on November 7-8-9, 2008 at the Gaétan-Boucher oval in Québec City and is open to all skaters from the category Benjamin + and older.

This camp includes time on ice as well as off ice exercises and seminars. The camp will end Sunday with races. Clap skates are not mandatory and skaters can participate with their short track skates. Skaters interested can find more information (in French) and register on the FPVQ website (Quebec Provincial Skating Association). Registration deadline is November 1st, 2008.

MASTERS CANADIAN OPEN - RFP

MSS News recently noted an invitation from Speed Skating Canada for proposals to host the Masters Canadian Open Olympic Style Championship in the 2009-2010 competition season.

The 2008-09 edition of this event is scheduled for February 21-22, 2009 to be combined with the 2nd Masters International Canadian Open in the new Olympic Oval in Richmond, BC.

During February 9-10, 2008; this competition was run in conjunction with the first-ever Masters International Canadian Open which attracted 55 competitors to Calgary's Olympic Oval including 11 skaters from Norway, Romania, Russia and USA.

Although the event was not held during 2006-07, the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games drew 328 participants from 13 different countries including over 90 Canadians to Calgary's Olympic Oval in February 2007.

Prior to this, the Masters Canadian Open was held in Ste-Foy, Quebec in March of 2006.

NORTH AMERICAN SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Entry forms and meet information are now available for this competition to be held December 5 to 7, 2008 in McFarland Wisconsin USA. The entry form indicates that masters skaters will be classified in 10 year age groups ranging from 30-39 up to 70+.

As the form also indicates that an Association/Province Approval Signature is required, interested competitors should contact their governing sport body to determine their eligibility. Entry deadline is November 25, 2008.

3rd MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE

Ian Mellors, President of the Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club, sent the following message to MSS News -

I would like to welcome everyone back for the start of a new season of speed skating.

Please see the attached meet announcement and use the following link, http://www.banffcanmorespeedskating.ca/press.asp, for the meet announcement, registration form and summary sheet for our annual short track meet in Canmore, December 12 - 14th.

We are pleased to be able to offer both our one day ability meet, the Canmore Ice Racing Challenge (CIRC), and the Masters Ice Racing Challenge Weekend.

The Masters skaters will race Friday December 12th, the 1000m Semi’s and Finals. The Masters will then complete their final three distances on Saturday December 13th, running in conjunction with the ability meet. There is a banquet Saturday night for the Masters, plus any officials or volunteers who would like to attend. On Sunday December 14th, there is a half day skating clinic for Masters’ skaters, the clinic will include two on ice sessions, plus a classroom session.

For youth skaters, the Canmore Ice Racing Challenge will take place on Saturday December 13th. This will be run as a regular one day meet, skaters will compete over 3 distances. Because skaters will not have the opportunity to skate all four of their age class distances, we are happy to be able to offer 666m and 777m exhibition races Friday evening, see schedule for details. These races are available to Midget and older skaters, who would like to earn times in all four of their distances. The exhibition races do not count towards points for Saturday’s ability meet.

If you have any questions please call me at 403-609-7031, or by email at president@banffcanmorespeedskating.ca.

Please confirm if you plan on attending, if you will be attending the banquet Saturday night, how many tickets you would need and if you plan on attending the skating clinic on Sunday.

Please pass along the meet annoucement to any Masters skaters you may know, and if you could ask your provincial associations to also advertise the meet, that would be appreciated.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the races.

2nd MASTERS INTERNATIONAL AMERICAN SPRINT

Information and entry forms are now available for this event, which will be the first of 3 major masters international long track competitions in North American venues during the 2008-09 season.

This 2nd Masters International American Sprint is scheduled for Milwaukee's Pettit Centre during January 10-11, 2009.

Accounts of last year's event can be seen here and here.

INTERNATIONAL MASTERS COMPETITION ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE

Information and entry forms are now available for most European events on the International Masters Speed Skating Committee 2008-09 competition calendar.

As the number of entries is limited by quotas assigned to each nation, interested competitors should take note of submission deadlines and are encouraged to sign-up as soon as possible.

Good luck to all skaters!

RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL TEST SKATED

A tip of the hat to USA master skater Tim "Skeeler" Demarjian who provided the following links when commenting on Zen and the Art of Speed Skating -

Canadian Press - National Team hits ice for first time at Richmond Oval

CTV News - Olympic Venue in Richmond Open for Skating

Metro News - Oval Just Incredible

Master skaters should mark their calendars for the 2nd Masters International Canadian Open scheduled for the Richmond Oval on February 21-22, 2009. As the facility will be converted to other uses after the 2010 Olympic Games, this IMSSC event may be the best opportunity for masters to compete in this building.

SPEED SKATING CANADA RULE CHANGES

According to the delegate package for last June's Annual General Meeting in Quebec City, there were several proposed rule changes affecting masters skaters. Although minutes of the meeting don't appear to be available so far, indirect information and a review of Speed Skating Canada's Red Book suggest the following outcomes -

Rule K3-100: changed masters age classes to 5 year groups, although the effective date is still June 30 prior to the competition. While this provides some increased consistency with international standards, the IMSSC rule is still the age reached during the competition year which means age classes will be one year out of synch when skaters move from age class to the next.

Rule K3-101: changed Canadian Masters Olympic Style Championship to be on its own, not combined with Canada Cup #3 or any other championship. (Proposed by the Federation de Patinage de Vitesse du Quebec to be consistent with what's taking place. The Canadian Masters Championship has not been combined with Canada Cup #3 for the past 2 years.)

Rule K6-101: changed to include masters in the Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships skating 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m. (Proposed by the Manitoba Speed Skating Association for a variety of reasons including consistency with "sport for life" initiatives.) This appears to have passed, but the Red Book also makes mention of Masters Olympic Style events under the same rule heading.

Rule K22-100: proposed that the 4th distance for masters skating in long track mass start competitions be one of 500m, 1000m, 1500m or 3000m. (Proposed by the Manitoba Speed Skating Association for a variety of reasons including the opportunity to challenge the existing masters record for 3000m.) The updated Red Book indicates the 4th distance to still be one of 500m, 1000m or 1500m but has added an optional open 3000m event for masters which may be run at the completion of the competition.

CALGARY OLYMPIC OVAL MASTERS CAMP 2008

Many thanks, once again, to Anna Delaney of the Kingston Striders Speed Skating Club for this account of her experience at the camp last month.

In the wee morning hours of Monday July 21st, 20 masters speed skaters checked in for their summer speed skating camp at the Olympic Oval in Calgary....5 days of concentrated learning. We had come from Italy, Great Britain, the East Coast, British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta to benefit from the knowledge and skills of coaches Kevin Crockett, Tawnya Yard, Abby Ennis, and Debbie Fisher. Throughout the 5 days, we acquired improved techniques in straightaway striding, cornering with accelerations, starts, a solid foundation in structuring intervals, warm-ups and cool-downs, and the finer aspects of sharpening, rockering and setting our blades.

Photo courtesy of Paolo Scotti

Our seminars also dealt with some basics in the physiology of exercise, specifically speed skating, along with principles of rejuvenation. Those of us who stayed in the University of Calgary residences had the advantage of being able to walk to the oval in 5 minutes or less, making it easier to be on time for the 2 ice sessions a day.

We were also fortunate to watch visiting National teams from other countries and a professional team from the Netherlands.

Photo courtesy of Anna Delaney

Our gratitude goes out to our coaches and coordinator, Graeme Koelwyn. This camp was one of the most positive experiences in speed skating ever!!!

OSSA SUMMER CAMP 2008

Many thanks to Anna Delaney of the Kingston Striders Speed Skating Club for her following report:

Nine eager Masters skaters took part in the OSSA Summer Camp held at the Bob McQuarrie Recreation Complex in Orleans, ON. The masters’ segment was scheduled over three days, the 19th 20th and 21st. However, due to a lack of water in the building on Wednesday, that day had to be rescheduled for Friday the 22^nd.

Our coach, Todd Landon, put us through our paces stressing proper technique and drills in striding and cornering. Spinning sessions highlighted an awareness of structured cross-training and its benefits. We learned some very useful and different stretching regimens and experienced the benefits of doing yoga. A video session helped us to analyze our techniques. During another session, the concept of rockering , bending, and off-setting were explained. Todd also gauged all our blades, giving us feedback about our own skates.

Thanks and kudos to Kathy Elliot and everyone else involved with the planning and daily support. Well done!

What an amazing way to take a break from summer’s heat! A ‘must do’ event for 2009.

Back Row, from L to R: Tom Mulcahy, (Clarington Speed Skating Club), Pat Blacker-Thomson (Peterborough), Alicia Weiss (Ottawa Pacers), Charles Gower (Niagara), Dave Dryden (Oakville),

Front Row, from L to R: Todd Landon (Coach), Anna Delaney (Kingston Striders), Will Wallace (Toronto), Steve Arnold (Kingston Striders)

Missing from Photo: John Ambrose (St. Lawrence , Brockville)

SSC COMPETITION & EVENT SYSTEM REVIEW - FOLLOW UP

In response to the July 19 post on this blog - Douglas Duncan wrote -

I would like to take this opportunity to re-assure you that the Active for Life stage of development and Masters skating will be an important part of our review as it is our view that the sport of speed skating must not only provide competitive opportunities for Youth and High Performance Athletes, but a positive sporting environment for all participant which promotes the lifelong enjoyment of skating and a healthy lifestyle, of which competitive events are an important part.

I would also like to indicate that I am very pleased to learn that Masters speed skating community is taking an interest in our Competition and Events System Review and encourage it to communicate any questions, comments or concerns with regards to this process in the future as updates are posted, although I would encourage this to be done with one voice speaking for the needs of all members of the Masters speed skating community. It is SSC’s intent to be fully open and transparent throughout the Review process and any questions or concerns communicated to me will be either answered or brought to the LTAD Implementation Working Group or Competition and Events Review Team when I am not in a position to answer.

These are encouraging words from Speed Skating Canada's project manager for the Competition & Event System Review Team.

Masters skaters, wishing to provide input, are encouraged to send it to Brett Arnason who will liaise with Douglas on this review. Brett can be reached at brett@arnasons.ca.

SPEED SKATING CANADA - COMPETITION & EVENT SYSTEM REVIEW

Those of you who subscribe to Speed Skating Canada's (SSC) news by e-mail or monitor its website may be aware of the launch of the Competition & Event System Review. What's interesting about this is the stated intent to "enhance the speed skating experience for participants of all ages" and to ensure alignment of the system "with the principles espoused in Speed Skating Canada's Long Term Athlete Development Model".

What's curious is that Sport Canada's LTAD program includes a 7th final stage called "Active for Life", whereas SSC's version ends at Stage 5 - "Training to Win". While not specific to any age, the Active for Life stage is intended to encourage "a smooth transition from an athlete's competitive career to lifelong physical activity and participation in sport".

Whatever your conclusions, here's an opportunity for masters to express their opinions as the Review Team works to deliver its report to the LTAD Implementation Working Group by January 2009.

3RD MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE

Ian Mellors, meet coordinator, sent the following message -

The Masters Ice Racing Challenge is back, and bigger than ever, December 12 - December 14, 2008. In addition to the racing and awards banquet we have added a skating clinic on the Sunday morning.

See the attached information sheet for details.

Please pass this announcement along to any Masters skaters you may know.

CALGARY MASTERS RECOGNIZED

Congratulations to the following masters who were recognized amongst the Club's 2007-08 Skater Award Winners by the Calgary Speed Skating Association in its May 2008 newsletter -

Master 1 - Richard Hijnen

Master 2 - Ron Jackson

Master 3 - Jo-Ann Johnson

Master 4 - Ron Johnston

Master 5 - Roy Whitney

Master of the Year - Bob Irvine

Many thanks to the Calgary Speed Skating Association for these well-deserved acknowledgements.

ONTARIO SUMMER SPEED SKATING CAMP - MASTERS NEEDED

A reminder that this summer's Ontario Speed Skating camp in Orleans Ontario includes a masters group with three half-days in the mornings during Tuesday August 19 to Thursday August 21. The daily program features both an ice session and dryland sessions.

All levels of masters are welcome. With the registration fee deadline of July 30 approaching quickly, masters are encouraged to sign-up soon, as the feasibility of this camp depends on sufficient numbers.

Last year's camp in Cambridge was a tremendous success attracting 18 skaters from 11 different clubs in the province.

CHAMONIX SHORT TRACK

An entry form and event information is now available for the first international opportunity for masters short track competition of the 2008-09 season. The 27th edition of the Trophee Leon Quaglia, being held in Chamonix FRA, is actually a training camp during July 26 - August 2 ending with 2 days of competition.

The masters categories are for women 35 + and men 40+ as of July 1, 2008. Entries are due by July 6.

MONT STE MARIE MASTERS DRYLAND CAMP

The Ontario Speed Skating Association has just published an entry form and information for the Mont Ste Marie Masters Dry Land Camp. The event, scheduled for August 8-10, will take place in a rustic rural setting near Mont Ste Marie, Quebec just north of Ottawa.

Sheila McGinn's account of last year's camp conveys both the value and fun of this well-organized and challenging event led by former National Team skater, Mike Rivet, and his partner Carleen.

Interested masters should confirm their interest by July 15 as available space is expected to fill up quickly.

MASTERS RECORDS UPDATE

Speed Skating Canada recently updated its records. Congratulations to the following masters who raised the bar during the 2007-08 competition season:

CANADIAN LONG TRACK - OLYMPIC STYLE

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Bob Irvine, AB: 1000m - 1:22.70

CANADIAN MASS START LONG TRACK - OUTDOOR OVALS

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Bob Irvine, AB: 1500m - 2:11.91, 3000m - 4:41.26

Men - Masters 2 (40-49)

Randy Plett, MB: 500m - 49.20

Garth Patterson, SK: 3000m - 4:41.58

Men - Masters 1 (30-39)

Richard Hijnen, AB: 3000m - 4:42.37

CANADIAN MASS START LONG TRACK - COVERED OVALS

Women - Masters 3 (50-59)

Jo-Ann Johnson, AB: 500m - 47.14, 1000m - 1:34.37, 1500m - 2:26.65, 3000m - 5:01.54

Women - Masters 2 (40-49)

Connie Pope, AB: 3000m - 5:01.54

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Bob Irvine, AB: 500m - 40.96, 1000m - 1:23.16

Men - Masters 2 (40-49)

Randy Plett, MB: 1500m - 2:05.08

Men - Masters 1 (30-39)

Rejean Lavoie, AB: 3000m - 4:25.80

CANADIAN SHORT TRACK

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Barry Sugden, YT: 777m - 1:20.50

THANKS TO CONTRIBUTORS

For us, in oval-starved southern Ontario, speed skating requires a lot of travel. I don't get out as much as I'd like, but managed trips last season to Milwaukee (twice), Ste-Foy, Calgary (twice) and Heerenveen. There's a whole lot of other masters speed skating going on out there that I don't get to personally experience which makes it tough to report the news.

As such; I'm grateful to, and would like to acknowledge, the many other folks who contributed articles, photos and e-mails to this blog during the 2007-08 season -

Anika Bedard (Quebec City) who translates many of these posts into French.
La Page des Patineurs de Vitesse Maitres

As well, Anika contributed posts of her own
Maurice Gagne Inducted into Quebec Sport Hall of Fame

Sheila McGinn (Ottawa)
Ellis Edge Masters Camp - Days 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Mont Ste. Marie Masters Camp
Getting Started in Masters Speed Skating

Ian Mellors (Banff/Canmore)
Masters Ice Racing Challenge

Alicia Weiss (Ottawa)
Bytown Masters Long Track Meet
Ottawa Long Track News
Ontario Provincial Long Track Championships (also thanks to Larry Magloire - Brampton)
Lakefield Masters Challenge
Ontario Masters Short Track Championship

Brett Arnason (Winnipeg)
Alberta Indoor Long Track Championship
11th Masters International Open American Championship

John Sommerville (Brockville)
Brockville Eastern Regional Ability Meet

Mike McDonald (Manitoba)
Manitoba Mass Start Long Track Championship
Manitoba Short Track Championships

Jake Maarse (Ottawa)
Bytown Marathons Re-Scheduled

Willem Langenberg (Edmonton)
North American Marathon Championships

The Travelling Skates (you know who you are)
Schaatsen in Geleen
Eisschnellaufen in Erfurt Deutschland

Ed Burns (Vestal NY)
US National Marathons

Anna Delaney (Kingston)
Bytown Marathons

Paul Shoebridge (Cambridge)
17th Masters International Speed Skating Games

Rejean Lavoie (Calgary)
Masters in/en Germany/Allemange

Also a tip of the hat to others around the world promoting masters speed skating through their own blogs and websites -

Andrew Love (Salt Lake City)
Zen and the Art of Speed Skating

Stefano Dotti (Italy)
ISU Masters Short Track News
Italy Masters Speed Skating News

Dr. Volker Serini (Krefeld GER)
ISU Masters Speed Skating News

Olu Sijuwade (Milwaukee)
US Masters Speed Skating

Frank Anderson (Perth Australia)
World Masters Short Track

Many thanks to countless others skating, coaching, organizing, timing, starting, recording, judging, handing out arm bands, building/maintaining ovals - and anyone I may have missed.

2007-08 was an incredible season. With so many folks contributing, 2008-09 holds much promise for this great sport.

MASTERS INTERNATIONAL SHORT TRACK SPRINT COMPETITION - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

Masters short track skaters from all nations are invited to participate in a possible Masters International Short Track Sprint Competition to be held during the week of September 29 to October 3, 2008 at the Sydney Ice Arena in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales. The viability of the event is contingent on the number of participants who have shown interest by June 15, 2008.

For more information - see World Masters Short Track, and to express your interest - e-mail Frank Anderson at thenewbordersecurity@aapt.net.au.

THE FUTURE OF LONG TRACK SKATING?

Having started speed skating later in life, I've only heard stories of outdoor skating tracks in southern Ontario at places like Toronto, Niagara Falls, London and Kitchener-Waterloo. For me, skating began on a rink that my father built in the back yard of our house every winter through the late 50's and early 60's.

When we began skating with our children in the mid-90's, most natural ice venues had vanished from the area except for the track that the dedicated volunteers of the Kitchener Sertoma Club used to build on the old running track around the tennis courts at Conestoga College. At that time, this ice would last maybe 3 to 4 weeks at best during January. It would nevertheless provide a limited opportunity for some pre-competition training prior to the provincial championships which alternated annually between Sault Ste. Marie and Ottawa. The site is now a parking lot.

In those days, there was sufficient interest in long track in southern Ontario to fill at least one bus with skaters to make the long trek to what seemed like the sub-arctic conditions of Sault Ste. Marie. In some years, the Cambridge Club alone would fill one bus with Brampton and London sharing another.

Now barely 10 years later, it seems the weather has warmed enough that natural ice in January is no longer a sure thing there or in Ottawa. Within the past few years, there have been several cancellations and postponements of competitions due to warm weather and un-skateable ice conditions. Ducks swimming on the open water of the Rideau Canal in January is now quite common. Understandably, the number of long track skaters seems to be sadly diminishing.

In more recent times, there have been ongoing efforts to develop a refrigerated track at Lakefield north of Peterborough. As funding and contributions slowly trickle in, some equipment (including an ice re-surfacer) has been purchased and the track has been rough-graded. Having progressed this far, organizers bravely staged the first-ever competition on this site in the form of a Masters Challenge last February - only to be stymied once more by - you guessed it - the weather.

Masters skaters thrilled to be in Lakefield for the first-ever competition on the Ontario Speed Skating OvalMoments later, the meet is tragically cancelled!

This is increasingly bad news for speed skating in Ontario which historically has produced some of Canada's top long track competitors including, most recently, Kevin (Overland) Crockett, Cindy Overland, Kristina Groves and Christine Nesbitt.

The issue of a lack of long track venues seems to be foremost in the psyche of the national speed skating community - evident in the voter-selected 2008 winner of Canada's Best Speed Skating Story. Most folks seemed to identify with young Alastair Starke's video about creating an oval on the frozen slough behind his family's farm in Lloydminster Alberta. Lucky for Alastair, global warming did not destroy his field of dreams as seems to be the case in southern Ontario.

What is the future of long track skating? Indoor ovals are expensive to build and operate and are, therefore, few and far between. The long-distance travel by car and plane, to get to these ovals unfortunately contributes further to the environmental problem that is making natural ice a thing of the past. Food for thought as we head into the long hot summer and wait once more for winter to return.

ONTARIO SPEED SKATING SUMMER CAMP

Registration is now open for OSSA's Summer Camp which includes a masters category for three 1/2 days during August 19 to 21. Details for the camp, to be held in Gloucester Ontario, can be found here.

IMSSG NEWS

Some items of interest to Canadians were posted on May 3, 2008 on the IMSSG website -

The quota for Canadian competitors for the 18th Masters International Games in Bjugn Norway during February 27 to March 1 2009 has been set at 12. As in the past, Canadian entries will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. Interested skaters should watch the IMSSG website for entry forms starting in October 2008.

The 2011 Masters International Games are scheduled for Calgary's Olympic Oval.

ELLIS EDGE MASTERS CAMP

Registration is now open for the Ellis Edge Masters Camp scheduled for August 25 to 28, 2008 in Ottawa Ontario.

For Sheila McGinn's account of last year's camp in Saint John, New Brunswick - see Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4.

2008-09 PRELIMINARY INTERNATIONAL LONG TRACK SCHEDULE

The International Masters Speed Skating Group (IMSSG) has posted a preliminary Competition Calendar for the upcoming 2008-09 season.

Although specific information is not yet available, the schedule includes a possible 4th event in North America at the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City.

PIERRE GAGNE SKATES FOR SOURDINE FOUNDATION

See this post contributed to Peter Doucet's Speed Skate World by Alex Perrie.

INTERNATIONAL MASTERS SHORT TRACK

Over the past year, I've received a few e-mails from Jim Lynch in Australia asking when there's going to be some international masters short track competitions. Jim, who just recently turned 60, was the first world short track champion back in 1978. There have been some recent indicators of progress toward giving Jim and other masters short trackers this opportunity.

Out of discussions at the February 2007 meeting of the International Masters Speed Skating Committee (IMSSC) in Calgary, a separate parallel organization called the International Masters Short Track Committee (IMSTC) was formed. Coordinated by Antonio Nitto, of Italy, the committee includes additional provisional representation from Australia, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and USA. In its first news release in March 2007, it was hoped that one or more international masters short track competitions might take place during the 2007-08 season. To our knowledge, this unfortunately does not appear to have occurred.

There are other signs of activity, however, that indicate the possible beginnings of opportunities for masters to race short track in various locations around the planet such as:

During November 4 - 5, 2006, the West Allis Wisconsin Speed Skating Club ran its 1st Masters International Speed Skating Competition at the Pettit National Ice Centre in Milwaukee. The event, unfortunately, did not appear to be repeated in the club's 2007-08 calendar.

In December of both 2006 and 2007, the Banff-Canmore Speed Skating Club (headed by Ian Mellors, Canada's representative to the IMSTC) organized the 1st and 2nd Masters Ice Racing Challenge. Coined as the "unofficial Canadian masters short track championship", Ian has recently offered this event to Speed Skating Canada's Competitions Development Committee. Interested international competitors should contact Ian to determine their eligibility to participate.

There was a short track competition during August 3-4, 2007 in Chamonix France called the Trophee Leon Quaglia that appears to have attracted some masters competitors from Great Britain, France, Belgium, Italy, and the US. Results of the 26th edition of this event were published here.

Then, the Opening Games in Turnout Belgium on October 13, 2007 also included masters skaters from Belgium and the Netherlands. See here for the results.

On March 1-2, 2008 in Odense Denmark, the Danish International 2008 included mostly Danish masters, but also one skater from the Netherlands as indicated by the results.

Closer to home here in Canada, the results of the North American Championships in Milwaukee Wisconsin show masters competitors from Canada and the US, but also a senior skater from Australia. This is an event in which Australia's Dennis Pennington has been seen to compete in past years.

And lastly, the Closing Games (Golden Sun Award) took place, again, in Turnout Belgium on April 12, 2008. The results show that masters competitors came from Denmark, Belgium, France and Italy,

The eligibility of international masters skaters to compete in these events isn't known for sure. For interested masters competitors, watch here for future entry information and ask the competition organizers if you can participate.

Finally, a recent link on Peter Doucet's Speed Skate World led me to find the World Masters Short Track website of Frank Anderson in Perth Australia. This is definitely good news for international masters short track and we look forward to hearing more from Frank in the future.

ONTARIO MASTERS SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

Thank you to Alicia Weiss, of the Ottawa Pacers Speed Skating Club, for her following account:

Despite being held on Easter weekend, 41 masters representing 16 clubs participated at the 2008 Ontario Masters championship March 22-23. And what a show they put on!

The women skated together and most finals were won in well-fought races by Shannon Rampton (Masters 2 - Ottawa) and Olga Maidankina (Masters 1 - Clarington). Both were beautiful to watch and they kept us guessing as to who would win the race. Unofficially, both set provincial records (pending formalities). The meet was a real positive experience for the women and many PBs were shattered, not just beat.

Some masters appear to travel with their own cheering squads. I’ve never heard so much noise from the stands as when the Masters Men 2 heats came on. With 18 skaters, the 40-something men were able to skate a proper age class group. Newcomer Constant Montpellier (Brampton) put on quite a show to win the gold, followed by silver medalist Cameron Boyd (London) and bronze winner Vaughn MacDonald (Niagara).

Masters Men 2 will have to watch out next year as Masters Men 1 gold winner. Paul Pickard (Quinte) will be among their ranks. Masters Men 1, 3 and 4 skated together and again, led some close races.

It was exciting to see and hear all the masters cheering each other on. The energy was just awesome and showed the real spirit of masters racing.

Congratulations to all for a successful meet. I look forward to seeing our ranks grow next year!

Masters 1 – Women
Gold: Olga Maidankina
Silver: Alicia Weiss

Masters 2 – Women
Gold: Shannon Rampton
Silver: Kelly Ball
Bronze: Lisa Meyer

Masters 3 – Women
Gold – B Rootham
Silver – Carol-Anne Grey

Masters 4 – Women
Gold – Anna Delaney

Masters 1 – Men
Gold: Paul Pickard (QUI)
Silver: Jaroslaw Dubicki (OAK)
Bronze: Hal Lightwood (TBB)

Masters 2 – Men
Gold: Constant Montpellier (BRA)
Silver: Cameron Boyd (LON)
Bronze: Vaughn MacDonald (NOL)

Masters 3 – Men
Gold: Elio Cozzarini (KAW)
Silver: Greg Dabrowsky (BRA)
Bronze: Ali Rahnema (MAR)

Masters 4 – Men
Gold: Graham Lodge (KIN)
Silver: Roger Buxton (MAR)

Complete results can be seen here.

ROY WHITNEY ON CTV NATIONAL NEWS

Calgary master speed skater, Roy Whitney, was profiled on the CTV National News last evening.

See the video and written report here.

Way to go Roy!!

HEERENVEEN MASTERS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS

MSS News has been silent for the past few weeks while we travelled in Europe. Part of this vacation included a stop in Heerenveen, NED during March 19 - 21 for the 5th Masters International Long Distance Races and the 1st Masters International Heerenveen Sprint Competition.

In the one-day Long Distance Races, all 62 competitors skated 500m and then chose from 3000m (16 skaters), 5000m (22 skaters) or 10000m (24 skaters). Although the majority of competitors were from the Netherlands, international participation included 2 Canadians, 1 Finn, 3 Germans, 2 Italians and 3 Norwegians. Complete results can be seen here.

The Sprint Competition, consisting of the standard 2 x 500m and 2 x 1000m format over 2 days of racing, attracted 69 masters competitors including 1 Australian, 2 Canadians, 4 Germans, 1 Irish, 2 Italians and 2 Russians with the balance of skaters from the Netherlands. Complete results can be seen here.

International participants were welcomed with towels embroidered by local volunteers featuring the MCLN logo. In keeping with the tradition of the Easter holiday, there were also gifts of chocolate eggs.

The Canadian contingent included Ann Hanham (sprint only), Ross Hanham (long distance & sprint) and our good friend and fellow blogger, Anika Bedard (long distance only). We were very fortunate to be coached by Corry Zwaal from Amsterdam, who Ross had met at the 2007 Olympic Oval Masters Camp and who had also coached Mickey Kupchyk to a 1500m Canadian masters record in the 2006 Oval Finale.

Ross Hanham (CAN), Corry Zwaal (NED) and Anika Bedard (CAN)
photo by Ann Hanham (CAN)

Anika Bedard (CAN) - 5000m
photo by Paolo Gemme/Fabio Ravanelli (ITA)

Ann Hanham (CAN) & Paolo Gemme (ITA)
photo by Fabio Ravanelli (ITA)

Ross Hanham (CAN) - 1000m
photo by Paolo Gemme/Fabio Ravanelli (ITA)

Along with our good friend Victor van den Hoff, we had excellent bed & breakfast in the thatch-roofed De Markestee in the peaceful and quiet village of Blesdijke about 15 km south of Heerenveen.

De Markestee - Blesdijke NED
photo by Ross Hanham (CAN)

These competitions were an opportunity to skate in Thialf, the first and one of the great indoor ovals of the world. Although the stands were somewhat empty for our events, one could imagine the energy and excitement of 12,500 exuberant speed skating fans cheering for their world cup heros. Thialf also has some unique features such as a restaurant overlooking the ice and a tight-cornered 333m long inner track suitable for teaching and warming-up.

Thialf - Heereveen NED

photo by Ross Hanham (CAN)

As the premier ice facility in the Netherlands, Thialf is constantly in use and there were no times specifically available to masters for pre-race training. As such, we joined approximately 300 other locals in public skating on the evening before the competition. With long trains of skaters, all on long blades and of increasing speed from the outer to the inner lanes, this is an exhilarating and somewhat nerve-wracking situation that all visitors to Thialf are encouraged to experience.

The ice conditions were excellent and may contributed to 17 new IMSSC records as reported on the MCLN website.

Heerenveen, itself, is a beautiful Dutch town with a pedestrian-oriented centrum configured around beautiful canals and historic buildings. Many of skaters from Italy, Russia, Germany, Canada and the Netherlands gathered at the Ristorante Paolo for some fine Italian food on the night between the 2 sprint days. Despite this training-breaking revelry, most skated faster times on the next day - although a coincidental drop in air pressure may also have helped.

Heerenveen Centrum

photo by Ross Hanham (CAN)

This was a great experience, highly recommended for all masters skaters. Many thanks to the helpful and friendly volunteer officials and to the hard-working competition organizers - Bram and Trudi de Vries.

Paolo Gemme (ITA) and Fabio Ravanelli (ITA) greeted by Bram de Vries (NED)

photo by Ross Hanham (CAN)

CANADA IN/EN GERMANY/ALLEMANGE (ERFURT 2008)

Thank you to Rejean Lavoie, of Calgary AB, who put together this great video of the Canadian team's experience at the recent Masters International Games in Erfurt GER.

ONTARIO MASTERS SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Registration is now open for this year's edition of the season finale for masters short track racing in Ontario. Join the fun at Ottawa's Bell Sensplex Arena during March 22-23, 2008.

Hosted by the Ottawa Pacer's Speed Skating Club, a sufficient number of entries should allow for separate race groups for women and men over distances for which Ontario masters records are maintained. Entry forms are available here and must be submitted to your club in time for submission to the event organizers by March 12. Don't delay and miss out on this opportunity to set your own personal best times for the season.

For an account of last year's event, click here.

CHRONICLES OF THE TRAVELLING SKATES - EISSCHNELLLAUFEN IN ERFURT, DEUTSCHLAND

Once more - thank you to my friend, The Travelling Skates, for this latest edition -

This past weekend, I packed my suitcase, with my skates of course, and headed to Germany to the most anticipated competition of the year: the 17th Masters International Speed Skating Games. The first edition was held in the 1991-1992 season in Frankfurt with only 20 skaters, mostly from Germany and the Netherlands. Now, this event attracts over 150 master skaters from all over the world. This year, this allround competition was held in Erfurt at the beautiful Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle, built in 1997 and named after her, to honour her many speed skating medals and because she was one of the most successful German speed skater ever from that area.I arrived in Erfurt two days before the competition to get some ice time before my first race. This time, I did not suffer from jetlag coming from Belgium like my Canadian friends, but I guess, stress crept in and I woke up many many times. Racing started on Friday with the fast 500m for everyone. This first race is the most important one, if you are you too far behind, the chances that you move up the ranks are low. On the last day, only the top first half of each age class is allowed to compete the last and long distance. I have been attending this championships a few times already and for the first time, I did not qualify for the last race. I was disappointed since it is usually my best race. According to Volker Serini, the level of competition in all age classes has increased over the years and it was very obvious this year, especially for example in the Men 60+ and Women 40+. The Canadian delegation consisted of 12 skaters, 3 women and 9 men. Every Canadian skater skated well and some even had PBs.
The two Gagné brothers, Pierre on the left with Maurice. Pierre Gagné had a good weekend, finishing second overall in the Men 75+. As years go by, and as I am slowly getting older myself, I am always glad to watch older skaters perform well, which reminds me that speed skating is a great sport for all ages. This year, the patriarch was Arne Svanberg from Norway, who skated all distances in the men 80+.

Besides the good and fast ice, the skaters also enjoyed the city, well preserved and renovated with its pedestrian zone and many old buildings. The city is lively and buzzing in the centre and has many restaurants for all taste. I walked by myself one day, getting lost in the many small streets and I found by chance the house of my ancestors on my mother’s side: the Johann Sebastian Bach.
Sunday evening with the banquet and victory ceremony arrived quite fast after 3 days of intense racing. The games were well organised and went smoothly. I would like to thank the organisers for doing such a good job with always a smile for me! I went back home with great memories of this event and the new friends I made who share a common passion for this sport.