2nd MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN - RECEPTION

Registration for this event has now closed and, as of February 1, there appears to be 97 competitors including 80 Canadians.

Brett Arnason, Canadian representative to the International Masters Speed Skating Committee, is organizing a get-together for all interested participants and spouses/friends during the evening of Saturday February 21 to be held at the Best Western Hotel at 7551 Westminster Highway in Richmond. Brett is planning a pasta bar and salad plus dessert at an estimated cost of $25 per person. There would also be a cash bar.

This will be a great opportunity for everyone to meet and renew friendships.

If you're interested, please let Brett know by e-mail to brett@arnasons.ca.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

CANADIAN AGE CLASS LONG TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Rule changes made at Speed Skating Canada's AGM last June in Quebec City included masters being accepted among age classes invited to compete in the Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships. This season's edition of the event is scheduled for Regina SK during February 14-15.

Meet information and entry forms are now available at Speed Skating Canada's national competition calendar. Entry forms will not be accepted individually and, so, interested masters should contact their provincial/territorial association to determine their eligibility.

Entry forms are due February 6.

FLEVONICE FREE-SKATE ICE MARATHON

Canadian masters, Willem Langenberg and Brian Johnston of Edmonton, are headed to the Netherlands for the Free-Skate Ice Marathon at Flevonice, celebrating 100 years of Eleven Cities tours and races, and sent the following invitation:

Marathon skaters: Hereby the announcement for one of the centennial Eleven City Tour on Ice celebrations. Martien Pater of Free-skate is inviting North American marathon skaters to participate. Brian and I are booked to arrive in Amsterdam with NW Airlines from Minneapolis on Jan. 8th at 11 AM. We could meet other people and travel to the nearby hotel together.
Let us know,

- Willem Langenberg

Participate to the Free-skate Ice Marathon in the Netherlands! On Friday 9 January 2009, it's possible to participate to the Free-skate Ice Marathon in the Netherlands on Flevonice. The Free-skate Ice Marathon is an artificial ice skating circuit of 5 kilometres through the nature of the Dutch polder of Flevoland. The marathon is organised in the period that, 100 years ago, the famous Dutch Eleven City Tour on Ice was organised for the first time. It is possible to skate 50 kilometres, 100 kilometres, 150 kilometres or 200 kilometres. You can send an email to info@flevonice.nl to sign up, then you receive application form. The costs of the ice-skating tour are € 27,50 (for adults) per person and € 20,00 (for children till 14 years old) per person. For any question, do not hesitate, and call us at +31575 551110 or email us to info@free-skate.nl
Met vriendelijke groeten,
- Martien Pater

MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE - REPORT

Thank you to Ian Mellors, meet coordinator of the Masters Ice Racing Challenge held in Banff/Canmore Alberta last weekend, for the following report -

The weather outside was cold (reaching a low of -35C) but the racing and the times were HOT at the 3rd Annual Masters Ice Racing Challenge.

Despite a winter storm that lowered temperatures to an unseasonably low numbers and dumping snow all over southern Alberta, eight Masters made their way to Canmore, setting the stage for arguably the fastest and most competitive Masters competition ever.

The racers skated 7 times over the weekend, running semi and finals in the 1000m, 777m, and 500m distances and a 1500m Super Final.

Racing started Friday night, and to set the weekend up for fast close racing, four skaters broke the Masters 2 (40-49) 1000m Canadian Record, with 3 skaters going under 1:40. Randy Plett (River Heights Speed Skating - Winnipeg) won the race in an Unofficial Canadian Record of 1:39.34, winning over Guy Bushell (Banff/Canmore SSC, by a slim .26 seconds), rounding out the first three in a time of 1:39.8 was Ian Mellors (Banff/Canmore SSC).

Saturday's racing continued fast and close. In the 777m A final, 4 skaters broke 1:20, Guy Bushell in a time of 1:17.20 won over Randy Plett by just .17 seconds. Tim Cooney (Lethbridge SSC) came across third in a time of 1:17.76, and Duane Swann (Prince George Blizzard SSC) was fourth in 1:18.83.

The 500m A final was the closest of the weekend, Guy Bushell won his second Final in a time of 49.39 sec, winning by just .05 seconds over Tim Cooney, with Randy Plett in third.

Randy Plett took control of the 1500m A final after 3 laps and fought off Guy Bushell for the win, Duane Swan finished a solid weekend with 3rd place. WIth two wins and two seconds, Guy Bushell took the overall title.

The Masters Ice Racing Challenge welcomed its first female competitor, Michelle Pepin (Burnaby SSC). Michelle skated hard against the men in the first two distances, then rode a hot start and enthusiastic cheering by the females in the crowd (including spouses of the male racers) in the 500m B final to take victory and 5th overall in the distance. Michelle finished the weekend with 3 Unofficial Canadian Records, 53.51 - 500m, 1:23.1 - 777m and 1:50.88 - 1000m. Michelle is looking forward to seeing more women attending next year.

Al Overend (Calgary SSA), Masters 3, fought his way through the snow, unfortunately missing Friday's racing, but came through with several strong performances Saturday, and a best finish of 2nd in the 500m B final in a time of 53.64.

Werner Meyer (Calgary SSA) Masters 4, thrilled the crowd, with his steady performances, never quit attitude and huge smiles.

The Masters celebrated their achievements Saturday night with a banquet, and finished off the weekend with an excellent skating clinic Sunday morning lead by Overall Winner Guy Bushell.

See the full results.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in 2009.

LAKE PLACID MARATHONS POSTPONED

The following message was received from Gaetan Rochette of Marathon Skating International -

Here is a message from Linda Sausa organizer of Lake Placid Marathon:

I am so sorry to announce that we must postpone the Lake Placid Marathon to January 17th and 18th, due to mechanical failure of a oval cooling system transformer. They hope to have the transformer repaired or replaced by the weekend of December 20th, but with so many variables in place were not sure of ice or the quality thereof.

I had really hoped that it would be repaired in time, to avoid any inconvenience to anyone, but that may not be the case.

I look forward to seeing you in January, please e-mail me with any questions. linda_s@adelphia.net

EDMONTON MARATHONS

Thanks to Willem Langenberg and Brian Johnston for the following message -

Marathon skaters:

Entry forms for the Edmonton marathons during February 21 -22, 2009 are now available on-line.

On this site you will also find information on the 19th annual Edmonton Winter Triathlon. We were informed about the passing away of one of the founders of this event, Owen Spence, in Kamloops. A special award in his memory will be presented during the upcoming Triathlon.

We hope to see you all in the New Year.

2ND MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN - MEET ANNOUNCEMENT & ENTRY FORM CORRECTION

The fax number and mailing address in the meet announcement and entry form posted on December 4, 2008 were incorrect.

Please replace the form with this one.

LAKE PLACID MASTERS TRAINING INVITATION

Alain Meilleur sent the following invitation:

During the Christmas Holidays, I noticed that many Canadians masters skaters take the opportunity year after year to speed skate at lake Placid. If you are planning on going there this year again, instead on skating by yourself, why not join us and train with a group in planned training sessions and work on you skating skills? We will divide skaters in different training groups of 2 or 3 skaters and each group will warm-up, work on their technical skills and train together. You can join us for one or all sessions. Training schedules will be posted at the oval.

These training sessions will be held at the Lake Placid oval on December 27 at 16:00 and December 28 and 29 at 10:00 and 16:00.

Opening times at the oval are 10:00 to 12:00 and 16:00-18:00 everyday and the cost is 7$ per session.

For accommodation, there are many hotels and B&Bs as well as the «Lysek's Hillcrest Inn», which is a dormitory that also offers breakfast and dinner at 18:30 at a reasonable price (Ph: 518-523-1700). You can also reach me at meilleua@total.net for more information.

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!