30 degrees and clear, crisp and beautiful, the freshly groomed trails were etched with ice. The XC Oregon Classic Invitational at Mt Bachelor’s nordic center was last Saturday. With competition fierce, racers were given a 5k to prove their metal (or wax). With varying temperatures, from 31-25 degrees kick waxes were layered, tested, and layered again. As race time drew near wax techs were frantically wiping waxes, like mad scientists with their sticky concoctions.

With a 5k and relay HRV made some ground but ended up with mostly mid pack placing, with Muir Emmons taking 12th at 16:55, Elkin Parker 14th at 17:09, Connor Truax 19th at 17:52. Although on the girls side, Daisy Dolan took 6th at 18:52 and Denali Emmons took 10th at 19:54 scoring two podiums! Connor Truax had a good race but added, “I benefit from more hills and courses that I can use my endurance on.” A great effort from the team doing well even without their top members, who are currently resting up for the Junior Nationals Qualifier in Soldier Hollow in Utah this Saturday, best of luck to them!
By Finn Peterson