2-4 inches of new snow greeted racers when they arrived in Ishpeming for the start of the Noque. Racers were a little worried when they woke up to temperatures in Marquette near 30, but Ishpeming was only 23. Still, many put on extra or warmer layers of wax for the big hills ahead.
The race was shortened to 45km because of poor snow in Marquette. To make life intertesting, organizers added a couple big hills in the last 5k of the race -just when people were expecting a nice easy downhill run to the finish. Racers crossed the finish line at the Forestville Trailhead.
The Classic
Chad Giese of the Subaru Factory Team once again won the classic Noque, beating out Adam Swank and Zach Violett. Giese's time was 2:32:57.5.
Kristina Strandberg, also on the Subaru Factory Team, won the women's classic division in 2:50:50.4, beating Tami Kochen and Jana Rehemaa.
In the classic half marathon (20k), Justin Pavlish overtook Bob Bladwin and Jenema Tyler to finish first) in 1:02:16.2.
Team NordicSkiRacer's Emily Flynn took first among women in 1:16:20.7. Flynn bested Gina Graci and Kay Wood.
The Freestyle
Marquette's Max Weier won the 45k Freestyle in 2:14:51.4, followed by Matt Aro and Scott Chapin. Diane Tremblay won the women's division in 2:37:04.8, besting Paulette Miemi and Vicki Asmus.
Thomas Meyer won the half in 57:07.7. Jamieson Cihak and Peter Coenen came in second and third. Among women, Katie Stalland was first across the line in 1:02.07.6, over Maira Stewart and Ali Dehlin.