Race Report – 2006 Owl Creek Chase presented by Coca-Cola

Aspen/Snowmass, CO – Saturday, February 11, 2006 - For the first time in the 19-year history of the Owl Creek Chase, 4 competitors came into the finishing stadium to contest a group sprint for the overall victory. Aspenite Casey Ward (Team Alpina) led Zack Simons (FSX), Nathan Schultz (FSX) and SuperTour leader David Chamberlain (Atomic) around the final bend into the home straight.  Both Simons and Chamberlain are sprinters of note and looked to be the favorites at this point. Sure enough, when Ward opened the sprint on the skier’s right hand side, Chamberlain launched from the 4^th position on the left.  Chamberlain appeared to have the most speed but then Simons opened up his overdrive and sped toward the line taking the win while Chamberlain stumbled and went down. Simons 1^st, Ward 2^nd, Schultz 3^rd and Chamberlain in 4th. 

What an incredible spectacle considering the brutal, 25km Owl Creek Trail that led them to the finish. Normally, the hills break things up, but this year was different. Perhaps it was the mere specter of the course itself that kept the lead group from attacking all out and filing in one at a time in the traditional manner.  Maybe it was the words of last year’s winner Ivan Babikov echoing through the heads of the competitors, “This is the toughest race I’ve ever done.”  Whatever the case, it was the fans gathered at the finish that were the beneficiary. Never before have we been treated to such an exciting finish. Many thanks to the guys at the front for providing such a thrilling moment. 

Not to be outdone, Kristina Strandberg (Team Subaru) proved her metal in soloing away from the rest of the Elite women’s division to finish in 17^th overall against the men. Strandberg appeared the strongest from the very beginning, taking the lead about 2km into the race.  The Swedish veteran slowly applied the pressure over the long climbs and valleys and eventually left Kate Whitcomb (2^nd, FSX) and Karin Camenisch (3^rd, Rossignol) in the distance behind. Demonstrating the international flavor that is developing with the Owl Creek Chase, Strandberg is the second consecutive foreign woman to win the Owl Creek after Austria’s Irene Eder took the title last year.

The top three in the men’s Citizen division were Peter Kan, Pierre Willie and Eric Trommer while Jennifer Campbell led Kelly Murphy and Kate Furze in the women’s Citizen division. Men’s age group winners were as follows: Tory Garling (19 and under), Craig Simons (20-29), Kan (30-39), Michael Swanson (40-49), Trommer (50-59) and Sim Thomas (60+). Women’s age group winners: Molly Surls (19 and under), Campbell (20-29), Furze (30-39), Murphy (40-49) and Mary Gervais (50-59).

Many thanks to all the volunteers and race marshals that came out in droves to help with this year’s event. Without your help this race is not possible. Also, many thanks to our organizing committee and the lead sponsors and support organizations, primarily; The Ute Mountaineer, The City of Aspen Parks and Recreation Department, The Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council and The Aspen Skiing Company.  Next time you’re in Aspen and enjoying our wonderful trails, take the time to make a small donation to the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council. Donation jars are located at both Nordic Centers and your money is very instrumental in helping make our trails some of the best in the World. 

See you next year at The 20^th Annual Owl Creek Chase.