NH Eastern Cups

The ECT traveled to New Hampshire last weekend for a the final two Eastern Cups of the season. Saturday's Silver Fox Trot was moved from Hanover to Gunstock due to lack of snow. As always happens when the ECT travels without a coach, the waxing was tricky - a mix of fresh natural and manmade snow, with temps rapidly warming and big differences between sunny and shady sections of the course. The team handled the challenge brilliantly - the women's skis were as good as anyone's, and the guys had it really well dialed in by the time they started. I'm told that the wax techs (Tom Cook and Dan) were calm and collected throughout the whole process. Sarah and Matt led the way with their best races of the season, and the team was solid all around.

Saturday's Cheri Walsh Memorial went off at Holderness as scheduled - it was a beautiful sunny day, and conditions were fast. Spencer and Erin hadn't gotten enough racing in at Williams, so they joined the group. Both of them posted great results - Spencer was 6th and Erin was 26th in a very tightly contested race. Sarah had another good finish, with Grace close behind. At the conclusion of the weekend, Spencer was named to the Junior National team - a great accomplishment. He'll be headed to Presque Isle in March to race against the best juniors in the country. Congratulations Spencer!

Special thanks to Tom for hosting the team at the family cabin in New London and for providing outstanding waxing support for the classic race!

Here are photos from the Cheri Walsh, courtesy of superfans Kurt and Sharron Kenney - they're everywhere!

Spencer has been on fire in skating lately - this race was no exception.

Sarah has made a triumphant comeback to racing this season - great to have her back.

Rainer slogging through the chopped up course.

Will has been working hard on getting out over his poles - lots of progress, and solid results on the weekend.

Yas has come a LONG way with her technique this year - not bad for a rookie.

Dan has been seldom seen this season due to a nagging shoulder injury that's kept him out of several races. This was a good effort for him, and a solid race to build on for next year.

Grace looking snappy as always.

Erin, slightly dazed after a hard and fast race.