Autumn 2010 World Cups

Christine wins 1000m in Changchun with Richardson & Hesse

World Cup Meets

First World Cup Event – The first World Cup event at Heerenveen was exciting, as it always is at the Thialf Oval; the Dutch skating fans are so enthusiastic and supportive! Thanks to all at the oval for the great atmosphere and the support.  I was pleasantly surprised with the results, I wasn’t sure how my conditioning would be, and didn’t expect too much in terms of results, thinking I might be off a little because of limited summer training (due to a fractured elbow). Aside from the two gold medals, I was really happy with how my 3000m went, and I hope I can continue and build from it.  It will be another matter, however, to maintain this level of competitiveness throughout the racing season (without full training during the summer). It has been a great start to the season — see you at Berlin, or if you cannot be there, follow the results via the website. A Video Clip of the Heerenveen 1000m race. Mine is the last of four races.

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The second World Cup at Berlin is complete. I was happy with my first 500 m race but my second 500m race was missing something, for sure. The two gold medals (1000 m and 1500 m) were very exciting, and I’m very happy but also surprised with my success in the first two World Cups. However, it was a hard weekend,  and I am exhausted after my second straight weekend of competing in five races. I need a rest! A Video Clip of the Berlin 1000m race. Mine is the last race.

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The third World Cup meet was in Hamar, Norway, Nov. 27th and 28th. I skated the 1500 m on Sunday (28th) and was lucky to win by a very small margin. The first 700 m were good, but I was definitely tired for the last two laps. So I was satisfied to squeak by with the win, although just barely! Our Pursuit Team, Brittany Schussler, Cindy Klassen and me, had a good race, setting a new track record for Hamar. We had a good approach, and skated really well together, which was really fun. But we were still really surprised with the time.

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The fourth World Cup at Changchun, China, is complete. I felt a bit off in my 500m races, but there were some good things to take away from them, never-the-less. The 1000 m results were really great, especially my first one,  and the margins of victory were surprising. I received a trophy for both podium finishes, and a gift for setting the Changchun 1000 m track record (1:16.07) — a very nice and considerate gesture on the part of the Chinese speed skating association. A Video Clip of the 1000 m race in Changchun where I set the track record.

I will not be racing in Japan next week so that is the end of my Fall World Cup season  — a few days to recuperate then back to some hard training, continuing to work away at my university courses, and preparing for Christmas.

It has been a fun, surprising and very gratifying Fall racing season. Although I will not compete until early January, the Canadian Open speed skating Championships at Calgary beginning Jan. 6th to 9th. I will skate all distances. The very best to all.

Christine