XC BRAGG CREEK SKI AND BIKE SOCIETY
The winter season is in full swing and XC Bragg Creek athletes are enjoying the new snow on the trails. Many of our older athletes have started their competitive season. Congratulations to those who recently recently in biathlon at the Calforex Cups and in Nordic skiing at the Alberta Cup, held at the Canmore Nordic Center. They can be very proud of their hard work, grit, determination, and outstanding sportsmanship.
Our youngest athletes – the Bunnies and Jackrabbits – have started their season and are skiing at the West Bragg Creek trailhead every Friday afternoon. Their joy and energy as they learn new skills is contagious and pure fun.
XC Bragg Creek Ski and Bike Society will be hosting some winter events at the West Bragg Creek trails in the new year:
Frosty Fat Fest, January 20th, 2024. This is a fundraiser fat-bike event for the public in support of XCBC’s Performance Mountain Bike team. Racers will complete as many laps of the course as possible in a set time. Proceeds from the event will be used to support club athletes.
The Alberta Youth Championships, March 1-3, 2024. This is a championship event for Nordic skiers aged 11-14. The event brings together over 100 skiers and coaches from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and The Northwest Territories. Racers compete for club banners in three events featuring skate and classic skiing. Alberta Youth Championships is open to any youth skier who is a member of a Nordiq Canada- recognized club.
For more information on events, or to access registration links, check out the XCBC website: www.xcbraggcreek.ca
See you on the trails!
Spotlight on XCBC Athletes
XCBC is proud of our young athletes for their skill, determination, perseverance, and most importantly, their citizenship. This month, we would like to recognize two of our athletes who exemplify XCBC values:
Nolan Dahl
XCBC Sport: Performance Mountain Bike
Words from Coach Susanne:
Nolan is a key member of our XCBC Performance Mountain Bike team. He is a powerful and technically skilled rider and a role model for our club. Although Nolan brings a laid-back and positive attitude to all rides and races, he trains and races hard and is a force to reckon with. All through the spring, summer, and fall, he was the backbone of our racing team, attending every single race on our schedule. Regardless of the race format – Enduro, downhill, XC, XCO, midweek, or cyclocross – Nolan was there, keen to race and give his all! We are so proud of Nolan and can’t wait to see him out training and racing in the spring! We know he will continue to raise his game!
Isla Borycki
XCBC Sport: Nordic
Favourite West Bragg Creek Trail: Moose Loop
Words from Coach Allison:
Isla is a valued member of our competitive XCBC Nordic team. She always encourages her teammates to strive for their best, and leads by example. She works (seemingly) tirelessly at every session to improve her fitness, strength, and technique. This summer and fall, Isla worked hard to improve her technique and confidence on roller skis. Her willingness to take on a challenge, including the interclub Bow Valley Campground Roller-Ski Sprints, is an inspiration to her teammates and coaches.
