Long Track & Mother Earth, Eva And The Wheels On Ice Program, Ice Video

Long Track & Mother Earth: Here are the results from the Canada Cup #1 (long track ice). The race took place at the Olympic Oval in Calgary which features a 400-meter indoor ice track. In the results, you'll find Jordan Belchos and Andrew Godbout who are in the Own The Podium program. OTP is supporting them in their transition from inline to ice, and judging by their times (about 6:45 in the 5000), it looks like it is working.


Andrew Godbout and Jordan Belchos at the 2006 Bytown Marathon in Ottawa
With one of its recent articles called Ice Season Meltdown! Warm weather may switch ice event to inline, the Inline Planet is addressing the impact that a warmer winter is having on outdoor long track skating.

One of the outdoor ice marathon races set to take place on January 27th is the Big Rideau Marathon. I hope the weather is favourable for this event. I competed in the BRM last year and warm weather paired with an intense sun turned the ice into slush on the first day of racing. Race organizers were forced to shorten the 25km race to 6km as soon as the race started because the ice deteriorated so quickly.


Youti Juteau leads Jeff Bakal and Rob Kramer at the 2006 Big Rideau Marathon (50km race on day 2)
Eva And The Wheels On Ice Program: I have been checking into The Protocol on a monthly basis to read up on Eva Rodansky’s recent thoughts about US Speedskating. Check out her January 3rd entry called Whip It. In the entry, she posts her thoughts on the Wheels On Ice Program.

Ice Video: I’ve competed in long track ice marathons on the Riviere De L’Assomption in Joliette a few times in the past. The frozen river lines homes, streets, parks, and forests in Joliette, Quebec, which is about 30 minutes outside of Montreal. There are tons and tons of skaters from beginners to seasonned speed skaters.Click here or press play below to view the video.