Outlaws compete in Teacup Classic

The Outlaws Nordic ski team traveled to their first away race of the season at Teacup Sno-park, near Mt. Hood. There was a large field of racers for the event this past weekend, with more than 130 competitors entering into the race. Blue skies and warm temperatures were the rule at this 5k interval-start classic race, affording both spectators and competitors favorable racing conditions.

With the warm temperatures that have been persistent across much of the Pacific Northwest, the snow has been transforming from the sharp snow crystals that are characteristic of a recent storm to more rounded corn snow over the past week. This transformation required the racers to use klister for kick wax in the race. As the day progressed, the abrasive corn snow persisted across much of the course, which made the uphills similar to running through mud.

The profile of this racecourse favored hill-climbers, as a kilometer-long hill was situated near the end of the race, which tested the athlete's ability to climb, and their endurance.

The girls were the first racers on the course. Shayla Curtis was the first Outlaw through the finish line, with a time of 24:40. Elena Saldi followed just over 30 seconds later with a time of 25:11. Maya Wieland, who has been making large strides improving her skiing since winter break, followed closely behind Elena with a time of 25:21.

The boys were on the racecourse next, skiing out onto the course just before noon this past Saturday. Starting a little later in the day, and having nearly 70 skiers already make their way around the course, made for much softer conditions on the hills with many of the uphill, groomer-set classic tracks erased by the time the boys completed the course. Persevering through the tough conditions, Devon Calvin skied to a top-10 finish, skiing through with a time of 17:47. Brandon Pollard was the second Outlaw to finish, with a time of 20:35. Seth Roy fought hard during this race and earned a time of 22:53. Spencer Smith rounded out the boys team, finishing in 24:53.

In addition to the 5k race, a three-leg 1k relay was held at the conclusion of the race. This light-hearted event includes varsity teams and teams formed from athletes of different schools allowing racers to mingle together. Indeed, the Outlaws certainly became acquainted with athletes from other teams, definitively winning the snowball fight that ensued post-relay.

A three-week break from racing will allow the Outlaws to prepare for the Hot Pursuit Mt. Hood Meadows ski race that will be held on

February 8.