Twenty Canadian Masters gathered at the outdoor natural ice Susan Auch Oval at the Cindy Klassen Recreation Centre in Winnipeg for the Canadian Open Masters Championships during January 26 and 27, 2013. Sponsored by the Manitoba Speed Skating Association, the competition consisted of short all-round Olympic style long track racing for the six women and 14 men who participated...
The competitors came from many provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia as well as the host Manitoba - (photo by Alicia Weiss)
Although chilly for some visitors, the weather conditions were excellent by Winnipeg standards for late January with -22°C during Friday training and -15°C for the first day of racing on Saturday. Skaters were blessed with -8°C and negligible wind on Sunday for the final distances.
In addition to the official events, most skaters also took part in exhibition races including 100m (heat and final) and team pursuit (6 laps for women and 8 laps for men). Top honours for the all-round competition went to Bob Irvine (M55) with a samalog of 182.916 for men and Leela Braun with 230.824 for women. A special ovation was given to Henk Kwindt of Nova Scotia skating very strongly in the M70 classification.
In addition to several impromptu gatherings at excellent local restaurants, skaters and officials enjoyed a special reception at the Hilton Suites Hotel hosted by the Manitoba Speed Skating Association on Saturday evening. The hospitality and generosity of the organizing committee and its many volunteers led by executive director Nicolle Moskven was greatly appreciated by all participants.
Results available here:
5th canadian open - winnipeg 26270113.pdf
Alicia's pictures available here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aleesh/sets/72157632647064214/