XC BRAGG CREEK SKI AND BIKE SOCIETY
XC Bragg Creek Ski and Bike Society has a lot to celebrate for our Nordic skiers. The Bunnies and Jack Rabbits are skiing each Friday and have grown in leaps and bounds in their skills. The Club Racers and Nordic Ninjas have been competing at several races across Alberta and BC, and are representing our club with outstanding sportsmanship and performance.
Most recently, XC Bragg Creek athletes took part in a historic Alberta Cup in Calgary. For the first time in 20 years athletes toed the line to race within the City of Calgary at the Confederation Golf Course. Facing a technical course of short steep climbs and sharp corners, XCBC athletes put their skills to the test. We are incredibly proud, not only of the results from the weekend, but of the focus and effort each athlete put into their race. A special shout out goes to both Evelyn Peperkorn and Reid Bopp who finished the weekend with silver medals in the 4km U14 Skate Distance race and the 500m U12 Classic Sprint race respectively. As well, we commend Owen Kary, who skied the 6km U16 Skate Distance race, on his race performance. During the race, he pushed to maintain speed and momentum over the course’s most difficult climb – bone breaker hill – often pushing further than most other athletes on course!
With a busy month ahead, XCBC athletes prepare to race next in Grand Prairie followed by the Western Canadian Championships in Kimberly BC. The Bunnies and Jack Rabbits will have a fun “Fruit Loops” race at the West Bragg Creek Trails. Stay tuned for race results in the next issue.
XC Bragg Creek Ski and Bike Society is also looking forward to hosting the Alberta Youth Championships for Nordic skiing at the West Bragg Creek trails, February 28 – March 2, 2025. We are currently recruiting volunteers and cookies for the event. If you are able to support this unique, fun, youth- focused event, please visit our website for details on how to register to volunteer or donate. https://www.xcbraggcreek.ca/alberta-youth-championships/
Spring Mountain Biking and Junior Coach Recruitment
XCBC is currently recruiting volunteer mountain bike coaches for our spring Recreational Mountain Bike program. If you have a passion for mountain biking and want to share your love of the sport with young people, consider joining our team.
An important part of XCBC’s mission is to develop citizenship and leadership skills in our young athletes. Our club’s junior coach and mentorship program has been a longstanding aspect of this aim. Older club members who are often a part of one of the performance teams gain leadership and coaching experience by becoming junior coaches. Junior coaches work alongside adult coaches to learn skills and provide support to our younger and beginning athletes, giving back to the club.
If you are interested in joining XCBC’s mountain biking program, please reach out to our club administrator at programdirector@xcbraggcreek.ca
For more information about XCBC’s programs and registration, please check out our website: www.xcbraggcreek.ca.
See you on the trails!
Athlete Spotlight
Poppy Trainor
Sport: Nordic Club Racer
Favourite West Bragg Creek Trail:
Words from Coach Josh:
As one of our U18 athletes, Poppy takes-on training with a consistent professional attitude; exemplifying the importance of consistency. It is rare to find a practice that Poppy isn’t a part of – be it rain or shine, summer or winter – Poppy is always seeking out self improvement and development. In addition, Poppy is a junior coach for our Jack Rabbits Nordic program. Her gentle nature and Nordic skill make her a valuable asset for our younger skiers.
Her role modelling for our younger athletes, commitment to training, desire to give her best each and every day, and mature approach to her training showcase XC Bragg Creek’s values and make Poppy an exemplary XCBC athlete.
Great work Poppy, see you on the trails!
