What a glorious weekend to celebrate one of the Valley Nordic favorites – the Devils Thumb Stagecoach Classic! Davis Thumb definitely scored the best weather day and produced a Classic Race on Jan 20 to be remembered. “Snow and weather conditions are incredible!” was heard time and time again…”The hat was the best giveaway ever” and “the Party, awards, and food in the Broad Axe Barn was much better than last year!”
Josh Smullen pulled away from the field and finished the 30K course in 1hr35:57min. Dan Weinberger (Boulder Nordic Sport) was 2 min behind with Logan Miyauchi (Grad MPHS) battling with Eric Meyer (BNS) for 3rd and 4th in the top pack. Womens overall winner Ella Dewolf (SNOW Elite) finished in 1:54:24 with Maria Wik IFK Mora SK) about 9 min behind and Eva Smith (SNOW Elite) 8 min later.
The 15K was again a run-away by mens overall winner Niiaz Ibragimov finishing in 55.04 with the womens overall winner Tina Gini Larter (Boulder Nordic Club) in second at 1:02:11. Patrick Brown finished 2nd mens just ahead of the a photo finish between Jacob Schopp (WPCC age 12!) and Elizabeth Miyauchi at 1:06:57 followed closely by another split second finish between Christina Weber (CNM) and Sue Griffith for 2nd and 3rd womens overall.
Boulder Nordic JRT dominated the kids 3K race with Kajsa Wik leading the pack at 10:27 and Lexi Weinberger leading the mens pack at 15:13.
