Nordiq Canada https://nordiqcanada.ca/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:00:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://nordiqcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/cropped-site-icon-2-32x32.png Nordiq Canada https://nordiqcanada.ca/ 32 32 Canada Wins Three Overall Titles as Para Biathlon World Cup Season Concludes https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/canada-wins-three-overall-titles-as-para-biathlon-world-cup-season-concludes/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:00:19 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=22643 JAKUSZYCE, Poland — Team Canada capped off a spectacular 2025/26 Para Biathlon World Cup season by securing three Crystal Globes, underlining the nation’s strength and depth on the international stage. 

Natalie Wilkie closed out a dominant campaign in style, shooting clean and racing to her sixth victory of the season in the final individual race. The performance sealed the overall Crystal Globe in the women’s standing category, adding yet another gold medal to an already remarkable season. 

“This was one of my most consistent seasons on the range, and I’m glad to see it paid off,” said Wilkie. “One of my main goals outside of performing at the Paralympic Winter Games was winning an overall Para Biathlon title, and to see it become a reality is truly an amazing feeling.” 

Wilkie finished atop the overall Para Biathlon World Cup standings with 885 points, claiming the Crystal Globe ahead of teammate Brittany Hudak, who placed second overall with 662 points. American Danielle Aravich rounded out the podium, finishing third with 629 points.  

The overall title in the men’s standing category came down to the final race of the season, with France’s Benjamin Daviet holding a six-point lead over Arendz going into the individual race. With the pressure higher than ever, Arendz delivered, shooting clean and powering through the course to claim the win and overall World Cup title.  

“To come down to not only the final race, but the final lap, where I needed to hold onto my four-second lead to win the race and the overall is as exciting as it gets,” said Arendz. “The overall Crystal Globe signifies consistency throughout the season, and that’s what we as a team were able to do in three categories. It shows our strength as a team as we now look towards the Paralympics.” 

The win secured Arendz his fifth career Crystal Globe, further cementing his place among the world’s top Para biathletes. 

Arendz finished with 765 points, edging France’s Benjamin Daviet, who placed second overall with 761 points. Fellow French skier Karl Tabouret completed the overall podium in third with 636 points.  

Consistency was the hallmark of Derek Zaplotinsky’s season, and it paid off with his first career Crystal Globe, marking a major milestone in his international career. 

“This one means a lot,” said Zaplotinsky. “It’s always been a dream of mine to win a Crystal Globe, and to finally do it on a Paralympic year is just icing on the cake. I’ve been consistent this year, and really happy with my racing and shooting, it means a lot to be taking this back to Canada with me.”  

Zaplotinsky finished the season with 666 points, securing the overall Crystal Globe ahead of Britain’s Scott Meenagh, who finished second with 577 points. Ukraine’s Taras Rad rounded out the overall podium in third with 570 points. 

With three Crystal Globes secured and momentum higher than ever, the team now turns its focus toward final preparations for the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games starting March 6.  

]]>
2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games Athlete Nomination Synopsis and Rationale https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/2026-milano-cortina-paralympic-winter-games-athlete-nomination-synopsis-and-rationale/ Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:15:09 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=22616 Selection Rationale

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

 

Congratulations to the following athletes who have met criteria for official nomination to the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) for selection approval to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Team (PWGT) based on the Nordiq Canada 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Selection Criteria (Internal Nomination Procedure).

This Synopsis and Rationale is not a team announcement and is only used to rationalize the athletes who have met criteria for nomination. The official CPC team announcement for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Team Para Nordic team is January 30th, 2026.

Team Size:
Canada has qualified a total of 12 quota spots for the Para Nordic team (Para Cross-Country and Para Biathlon) including six (6) quota spots for females, and six (6) quota spots for males. The selection of Team Canada is made by the CPC at its sole discretion. Selection is subject to the athlete’s satisfaction of all Para FIS and Para IBU eligibility requirements.

 

Nominations

Collin Cameron – ON
Derek Zaplotinsky – AB
Mark Arendz – PEI
Jesse Backinsky (+ guide) – ON
Logan Lariviere (+ guide) – ON
Leo Sammarelli – BC
Natalie Wilkie – BC
Madison Mullin (+ guide) – ON
Brittany Hudak – SK
Christina Picton – ON
Emma Archibald – NS
Lyne-Marie Bilodeau – QC

Alternate Nominations

Yves Bourque – QC

 

Athlete nominations were made by the High-Performance Manager and reviewed by the High-Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Selection Criteria (Internal Nomination Procedure) – Amended Nov 18, 2025. The HPC oversaw the nomination process as per the Nordiq Canada Nomination, Selection and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are:

 

  • Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)
  • Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)
  • Maria Lundgren (BC)
  • Pauline Nadlersmith (MB)
  • John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)

 

Final athlete selections were approved by Marshall Starkman, Para High-Performance Manager: mstarkman@nordiqcanada.ca

 

Selection decisions may be appealed under the Nordiq Canada Dispute Resolution and Appeals Policy. Any dispute must be brought directly to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) to be heard pursuant to the Canadian Sport Dispute Resolution Code. An athlete who wishes to appeal shall file an appeal with the SDRCC within three (3) days of the nomination Synopsis and Rationale being posted to the Nordiq Canada website.

]]>
Burnbrae Farms Partners with Nordiq Canada to Support Canadian Athletes on the Road to Italy https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/burnbrae-farms-partners-with-nordiq-canada-to-support-canadian-athletes-on-the-road-to-italy/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 19:05:38 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=22605 Nordiq Canada is proud to announce a new partnership with Burnbrae Farms, a Canadian, family-owned company and one of the country’s most trusted food producers. This collaboration will support Canada’s National Ski Team athletes as they continue their World Cup campaign and make their final push toward Italy. 

“Partnerships with Canadian companies who believe in Canadian athletes are incredibly meaningful to us,” said Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. “Burnbrae Farms’ commitment to quality, nutrition, and community aligns perfectly with our values. As our teams head overseas, it’s powerful to know they are being supported by a proudly Canadian partner.” 

“We are eggstremely proud to partner with Nordiq Canada to support and fuel Canadian athletes,” said Margaret Hudson, President & CEO at Burnbrae Farms Limited.  “This partnership is aligned with our family values of giving back to local communities, through grassroots and national programs to enhance the lives of Canadians.” 

Strong nutrition habits play an important role in athlete preparation, recovery, and long competition blocks, helping athletes meet the physical demands of training and racing throughout the season. 

“As an athlete, having foods you trust makes a big difference, especially when you’re training hard and travelling a lot,” said Collin Cameron, National Ski Team athlete and two-time world champion. “Eggs are something I eat almost every morning before training. Knowing that a Canadian company like Burnbrae Farms is choosing to invest in our team and support Canadian athletes makes that daily routine even more meaningful.” 

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, health, and supporting Canadian success on the world stage. 

“High performance is built on strong fundamentals,” Scott said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Burnbrae Farms as a partner and grateful for their support as our athletes pursue their goals internationally.” 

For more information about Burnbrae Farms, visit https://www.burnbraefarms.com/ 

]]>
Ski to School Scholarship 2026 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/ski-to-school-scholarship-2026/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:45:54 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=22600 Application Deadline: Feb 4, 2026 (forward by email to skitoschool@gmail.com)

This scholarship is to be awarded to an individual who combines excellence in both academics and cross-country skiing. The scholarship has been funded by Canadian university alumni cross country skiers and other interested parties to encourage students to continue to combine excellence in both academics and cross-country skiing as they proceed with their postsecondary, university or college education.

Amount: $1000.00

Criteria

The applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Individual must have achieved a grade average of B+ (80%) or above and demonstrated national level potential in cross country skiing;
  • Individual must be attending a Canadian post-secondary, university or college educational institute as a full-time student. The Selection Committee may consider individuals attending on a part time basis provided the individual will be completing a full academic year within a 12-month period;
  • Individual must be a licensed racer and a member of a ski club in Canada.

 

Application process

Each participant needs to provide the following:

  • a letter outlining, in 500 words or less, why they should be considered as a candidate for the scholarship;
  • a summary of racing experience and results;
  • information concerning other prizes, scholarships, or awards won in any endeavor;
  • an academic transcript; and
  • a letter of reference from their coach and/or local club.

Each applicant must agree in writing to release their name for publication purposes by Nordiq Canada.

Payment of Scholarship: The amount will be payable upon confirmation of enrolment at the educational institution in the case of an individual attending.

Notification of Applicants: While we appreciate applications received, only the successful applicant will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their applications.

]]>
2027 Jackrabbit Toque Contest https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/2027-jackrabbit-toque-contest/ Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:03:38 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=22589 We invite all Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit skiers to participate in designing the 2027 Jackrabbit Toque, which will be worn by 10,500 Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit skiers across Canada!

Get your ideas ready!

Here is the template for your design 

The criteria for entering the contest are as follows:

  • Contestants must be currently enrolled in a Nordiq Canada Jackrabbit or Bunnyrabbit program
  • Contestants must be between the ages of 5 and 9
  • Artwork must be original work

Selection process and timelines:

  • Designs should be submitted to Megan Dunn (mdunn@nordiqcanada.ca) by February 22, 2026.
  • Nordiq Canada will select 10 final designs, and voting will occur via Survey Monkey.
  • The voting period will run from February 25 – March 3. Please remember that only Nordiq Canada members are eligible to vote!
  • Announcement of the winning toque design will be posted on Nordiq Canada’s Facebook page and website.
]]>
Canada’s Para Biathlon Team Shoots Their Way to Seven Podiums in Notschrei, Germany https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/canadas-para-biathlon-team-shoots-their-way-to-seven-podiums-in-notschrei-germany/ Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:39:01 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=22534 Jan. 12, 2026 — Notschrei, Germany — Canada’s Para biathlon team opened the second World Cup period with seven podium finishes, including two gold medals, amid heavy snowfall and gusting winds in Germany’s Black Forest.

The defining feature of the World Cup stop was the weather. Heavy snowfall and gusting winds created slow course conditions and required constant wind adjustments on the shooting range. Combined with occasional rifle issues, athletes were pushed to manage not only physical demands, but significant technical and mental challenges as well.

12.5‑kilometre individual

In the men’s standing 12.5‑kilometre individual, Mark Arendz continued his winning streak, capturing his fourth World Cup victory of the season after shooting 18 for 20 and finishing in 36:16.4.

“We woke up with lots of fresh snow and the wind really picked up on the range,” said Arendz. “When I missed early, it put pressure on the rest of the shots. I focused on what I could control and skied as hard as I could to the line. It wasn’t the easiest one, mentally or physically.”

Top 3 — Men’s Standing Individual

  1. Mark Arendz (CAN) — 36:16.4
  2. Benjamin Daviet (FRA) — 36:45.6
  3. Wu Junbao (CHN) — 36:49.9

In the women’s standing individual, Natalie Wilkie extended her winning streak, shooting 20 for 20 to claim gold in 39:50.1. Brittany Hudak joined her on the podium in third, finishing in 40:52.3 after one shooting penalty.

Top 3 — Women’s Standing Individual

  1. Natalie Wilkie (CAN) — 39:50.1
  2. Zhao Zhiqing (CHN) — 39:56.2
  3. Brittany Hudak (CAN) — 40:52.3

Derek Zaplotinsky, the current men’s sitting World Cup overall leader, placed sixth in the individual in 44:04.8 with two misses. Christina Picton also finished sixth in the women’s sitting individual in 52:27.3, while Maddie Mullin and guide Brooke Ailey crossed the line seventh in 30:49.0 in the women’s vision‑impaired race.

Sprint pursuit

In sprint pursuit qualification, both Wilkie and Arendz shot eight for 10, earning starting positions of fourth and seventh, respectively, for the final. Hudak shot clean in qualification to start the final in third.

Wilkie began the final in pursuit of China’s Zhao Zhiqing and Guo Yujie, along with teammate Hudak. The two Canadians worked together through the opening lap and entered the range at the same time for the first shoot. Wilkie delivered a perfect 10 for 10 in the final, racing to second in 17:20.9 to earn her fifth consecutive podium. Hudak finished fifth in 18:19.5 after three misses in her second shooting stage.

“It was a really good week for our entire team,” said Wilkie. “There was a lot of teamwork, testing skis, building each other up and sharing information, and that really showed. I think when I’m racing happy and enjoying what I’m doing, I stay more relaxed, and that’s when I’m able to put together my best performances. This week had some really challenging moments with the weather, but as a team we did a good job keeping the energy positive.”

Top 3 — Women’s Standing Sprint Pursuit

  1. Guo Yujie (CHN) — 17:20.9
  2. Natalie Wilkie (CAN) — 17:52.7
  3. Zhao Zhiqing (CHN) — 18:11.5

In the men’s standing sprint pursuit final, Arendz leaned on ski speed to move through the field, but one miss in his first bout made the gap to first too great to close. He finished third in 15:11.3, marking his 100th career World Cup start and 60th career podium.

Top 3 — Men’s Standing Sprint Pursuit

  1. Marco Maier (GER) — 15:11.3
  2. Cai Jiayun (CHN) — 15:14.7
  3. Mark Arendz (CAN) — 15:35.6

With two shooting penalties in the final, Zaplotinsky placed fifth in 22:53.4.

7.5‑kilometre sprint

After waking up with sore throats, both Arendz and Picton opted not to start the final day’s sprint in Notschrei, choosing to prioritize recovery ahead of upcoming cross‑country races and the Paralympics.

“It was a difficult decision,” said Arendz. “Racing while you’re coming down with something can lead to longer recovery and missing races. The goal this season is to be at my best for the Paralympics.”

Heading into the women’s standing 7.5‑kilometre sprint, Wilkie and Hudak knew the competition from China would be fierce.

With calm conditions on the final day, clean shooting became a requirement to contend for victory. Wilkie delivered once again, posting a clean race to finish second in 23:25.1, just 7.7 seconds behind Zhao Zhiqing (CHN). Hudak recorded one miss but produced one of her strongest ski performances of the week, finishing third in 24:42.1 to earn her second podium at the World Cup stop.

“I was really happy with how I executed my race today,” said Hudak. “I had one miss on the range, but I felt strong on the skis and was able to push hard the entire way. My legs felt much better than they did earlier in the week, and that allowed me to really race with confidence.”

This World Cup stop marked Canada’s first opportunity this season to race against China, which fielded a full and competitive team across all categories.

“Racing such strong competition pushes everyone to a higher level,” she said. “China has a really competitive team, and having them on the start line forces you to be sharp in every part of the race. That’s exactly what you want heading toward the Games, full fields, hard racing and a clear picture of where you need to keep improving.”

Top 3 — Women’s Standing Sprint

  1. Zhao Zhiqing (CHN) — 23:17.7
  2. Natalie Wilkie (CAN) — 23:25.1
  3. Brittany Hudak (CAN) — 24:42.1

In the men’s sitting sprint, Zaplotinsky shot clean and finished sixth in 22:53.4, retaining his overall World Cup lead. Mullin and Ailey placed eighth in 27:46.7 in the women’s vision‑impaired sprint.

“The athletes handled some of the toughest conditions we’ve seen in years and made smart decisions throughout the week,” said Canada’s Para biathlon coach Menno Arendz. “What’s been most encouraging is the consistency they’re showing, finding ways to improve, learning from each race and making adjustments as the week went on. That approach is exactly what we want to see at this stage of the season as we fine‑tune the small details and make our final adjustments heading toward the Games.”

Wilkie leaves Notschrei ranked first overall in women’s standing, with Hudak second overall. Arendz sits second overall in men’s standing. With three races remaining in the Para biathlon World Cup season, the Crystal Globe overall titles will be decided in Jakuszyce, Poland, ahead of the Paralympic Games.

Full Results: https://www.biathlonworld.com/results?EventType=PBSWRLCP

 

]]>
How Different Paths Led Maddie Mullin and Brooke Ailey to One Team https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/how-different-paths-led-maddie-mullin-and-brooke-ailey-to-one-team/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 03:46:25 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=22516 When Madison Mullin first stepped into a pair of cross-country skis, she was not thinking about World Cups or the Paralympics. 

“I was just looking for a sport to be a part of,” she says. “A sport that I didn’t have to rely on someone else for all the time, and a place where I could still be myself.” 

She was ten years old when she first tried cross-country skiing at a Cross-Country Ski Ontario event in Toronto.  

“I always thought of cross-country as a very recreational sport” she says. “Like something your grandparents would do. I didn’t really think there was a high-performance side to it.” 

At first, it wasn’t immediate love. “I really liked that fact I could go skiing by myself unlike other sports like alpine skiing where I really needed someone to guide me, so I didn’t get hurt. It took me a while to truly find my love for it.”  

Spending more time on skis and seeing gradual improvements eventually led Maddie to her motivation for skiing. 

“I liked that it was based on your time,” Madison says. “You can always improve. There’s always a way to get better.” 

It took years before she saw what that improvement could become. Her first Para Cross-Country World Cup start came in Finland at just 17. Last season marked her debut World Cup season and changed how she saw her future in the sport. 

“I remember being there and thinking, I can’t believe I am actually here,” she says. “That was when it really clicked that I could take this a lot further, and have this sport become a career instead of just an activity that I love doing.”  

Brooke Ailey’s relationship with skiing began much earlier, shaped by family, community, and routine. Growing up in Thunder Bay, she spent her winters at Lappe Nordic, coached by her parents and surrounded by people who loved the sport. 

“It’s always just been part of my life,” Brooke says. “My whole family skis. That community really built my love for it.” 

As she got older, balance became more important. Brooke chose the university route at Nipissing, determined to pursue both skiing and academics. 

“School was really important to me,” she says. “I wanted something outside of skiing and I needed that balance for my mental health.” 

The opportunity to guide Madison came through Nordiq Canada’s Para Nordic Development coach Leslie Bode, at a moment when Brooke was focused on her own racing goals and working toward FISU World University Games selection. 

“I really wanted to guide,” Brooke says. “But I didn’t know if I was going to make FISU and that felt like a big gamble.” 

After qualifying and competing for Canada at the FISU Games in 2025, Brooke made the leap into the world of Para nordic guiding.  

Though they had both grown up skiing and racing in Ontario, neither athlete had really known the other. They had crossed paths for years without ever meeting, but once they began working together, the fit was immediate. 

For Madison, skiing fast is not the most important thing she looks for when selecting a guide.  

“I don’t only focus on the skiing aspect,” she says. “I focus on personality. Being able to get along with someone for a long period of time and being able to communicate.” 

That communication, she says, has to be constant. 

“You spend so much time together training, racing, living together,” Madison says. “If you don’t communicate, things can get really stressful, especially on race days.” 

Brooke agrees. 

“We just say what’s on our mind,” she says. “If something didn’t go well, we talk about it. If something went awesome, we talk about that too.” 

Neither sees the relationship as hierarchical. 

“This is not a you work for me situation,” Madison says. “It’s a partnership.” 

That partnership means supporting each other beyond competition. 

“I don’t want someone to feel like they only matter when I need help,” Madison says. “Brooke has her own goals, and that matters.” 

Guiding has also deepened Brooke’s appreciation for the mental side of sport. Currently completing her undergraduate degree in physical health and education, she plans to pursue a master’s in kinesiology with a focus on sport psychology and para sport transitions. 

“There are so many unique dynamics in para sport,” Brooke says. “Changes in classification, injuries, disability changes. There are a lot of transitions, and we do not talk about them enough.” 

Those transitions resonate deeply with Brooke because of her own experiences in sport. As a young athlete, skiing was not always a positive space. 

“For a long time, sport was really hard for me mentally,” she says. “I was incredibly focused on performance and how I looked, and it turned into something that was really unhealthy.” 

Working through those struggles reshaped her relationship with skiing and with herself. 

“Coming out of that, I learned how important mental health is in sport,” Brooke says. “Now skiing is actually one of the biggest things that helps me manage my anxiety and feel grounded.” 

That perspective carries directly into the way she approaches guiding. 

“I think it helps me be a better guide,” she says. “I understand that what happens on snow is never just about skiing. There’s always more going on, and being able to see that and talk about it matters.” 

For Madison, that awareness has been meaningful. 

“Knowing that Brooke has been through her own things makes a huge difference,” Madison says. “I never feel judged, and I never feel like something I am feeling is silly or wrong.” 

This season, the partnership opened in front of a home crowd at the Para Cross Country World Cup in Canmore, Alberta. 

“Racing at home was pretty special,” Madison says. “Having people there who support you, who believe in you, it means a lot.” 

The results followed. Madison and Brooke finished second in three consecutive World Cup races to start the season.

“It definitely gave us confidence,” Brooke says. “It made us feel like we are doing something right.” 

For Madison, skiing has become something she chooses, rather than something she feels pushed to do. 

“It is my happy place now,” she says. “I really look forward to it, and I really love wearing the maple leaf.” 

Pulling on the Canada racing suit has only deepened that sense of belonging. 

“When you put on the maple leaf, it really means something,” she says. “You realize how lucky you are to be part of this group and to represent so many people.” 

For Madison, racing internationally is about more than results. It is about visibility for the athletes who are still standing on the sidelines, unsure if sport has space for them. 

“I think about the girl who wants to try something but is nervous,” Madison says. “The one who does not know if she belongs or if there is a place for her. That was me.” 

She hopes seeing Para athletes racing on the world stage can shift what feels possible. 

“If someone sees this and thinks maybe I could try, or maybe I can find a place where I feel accepted and supported, then that matters,” she says. “That is who I race for.” 

Brooke understands that responsibility from a different angle. 

“It is such an honour,” she says. “Not just to represent Canada, but to help make sure Madison is seen and supported out there.” 

For Brooke, being part of the partnership means standing beside someone whose presence can change how others see themselves. 

“Being able to do this together and to help Madison represent Canada means a lot,” she says. “If people can see this partnership and realize that sport can look different and still be powerful, that is really important.” 

Together, they race not just for podiums, but for the communities watching from home, for the athletes still searching for where they fit, and for the belief that sport can become a place of confidence, acceptance, and possibility. 

]]>
Alison Mackie Races to a Career-Best Fifth Place Finish in Stage Three of the Tour de Ski While Canadian Men Finish With Three in the Top 15 https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/alison-mackie-races-to-a-career-best-fifth-place-finish-in-stage-three-of-the-tour-de-ski-while-canadian-men-finish-with-three-in-the-top-15/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 20:32:25 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=22474 Toblach, Italy — December 31, 2025 — Team Canada finished with four athletes in the top 15, with Edmonton’s Alison Mackie delivering a career-best fifth-place finish in Stage 3 of the Tour de Ski. The two-time World Junior Championships bronze medallist’s result signals her arrival among the best in the world heading toward the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. 

The day was historic not only for Mackie but for the sport itself. Stage 3 introduced a brand-new five-kilometre mass start heat format, the first time this race has ever been used in World Cup racing. Mackie thrived in the fast-paced racing, holding her own against seasoned World Cup veterans and surging to fifth in a field stacked with Olympic and World Championship medallists. 

“It’s pretty amazing,” Mackie said after the race. “I definitely didn’t expect that today, but I went into the race really excited to try a new format and race as hard as I could. I was lucky to be in a fast heat, so yeah, it was a great day.” 

For Mackie, the performance is a continuation of a remarkable trajectory. Just last season, she captured two bronze medals at the 2025 World Junior Championships, and now, less than a year later, she’s proving she belongs on the World Cup circuit to compete with the best. At only 20 years old, her result is more than a personal milestone — it’s a statement. 

Before the start, Mackie noted how important working together with athletes from other nations would be for success in the new format. “While we were waiting to grab our skis from fluoro testing, I could see some of the older, faster athletes like Jessie [Diggins] and some of the Swedish girls talking about strategy. I knew right away that everyone wanted to be in the fastest heat possible because that gives you an advantage.” 

She played her cards perfectly. “I didn’t do any leading, but I stuck with the leaders as much as I could. In the last kilometre, I think I went from 10th to 5th. I found a second gear and was able to push really hard and pass a few people at the finish.” 

After crossing the finish line in the third heat of the day, she would have to wait to see the times of the athletes in the final heat. “It was definitely nerve-wracking,” Mackie admitted. “At that point, I was still kind of in shock, and even now I don’t think it’s fully sunk in what kind of race I had today. When I saw the leaders from the fourth heat coming into the stadium and saw the time on the TV, I knew I had secured fifth place, which was pretty special.” 

The celebration was equally memorable. “I definitely felt like a newbie,” she laughed about her first World Cup flower ceremony. “Having all the girls who raced today there, along with the coaching staff and wax techs, made it even more meaningful. It’s also been a year since Katherine’s fourth place, and in the same location, we definitely have good momentum as a team.” 

The women’s podium featured Jessie Diggins of the United States taking the win in 10:51.2, with Sweden’s Emma Ribom in second at 10:56.7 and countrymate Moa Ilar in third at 10:58.1. Mackie’s final race time was 10:59.5, just 1.4 seconds off the podium. 

Mackie’s result also places her in elite company. She becomes the fourth Canadian woman to finish inside the top five on the World Cup in the past two years, joining Katherine Stewart-Jones, who finished fourth exactly one year ago; Sonjaa Schmidt, who raced to fourth in the sprint free technique race in Engadine; and Liliane Gagnon, who teamed up with Schmidt for fifth in the team sprint in Davos. This growing list of breakthrough performances highlights the depth and upward trajectory of Canada’s women’s program. 

Canada’s success didn’t stop with Mackie. The men’s squad delivered one of its strongest collective performances in years, placing three inside the top 15. Antoine Cyr led the way in 11th, while Xavier McKeever (13th) and Max Hollmann (14th) both achieved personal-best World Cup finishes. The trio combined with Tom Stephen to work as a team and keep the pace high. Stephen played an instrumental role leading the race in the final two kilometres, forcing the group to keep pushing the pace for Cyr, Hollmann and McKeever to move to the front of the heat across the finish line. 

The men’s podium featured Gus Schumacher of the United States taking the win in 9:35.4, with Austria’s Benjamin Moser in second at 9:35.6 and Norway’s Lars Heggen in third at 9:36.0. 

Mackie credited the team’s wax techs for an instrumental role in today’s results. “We had amazing skis today — absolute rockets — which is a huge asset, especially in a mass start. I also think this format has some luck involved, depending on which heat you’re in and who has their best day. It was a bit of an unknown how each heat would play out, but I think it really favoured the Canadians today, which was really cool to see.” 

The team will race one more time in Toblach before heading to Val di Fiemme for the final two stages of the Tour. The races will take place at the same venue as the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, providing a perfect test event ahead of the Games. 

Canadian Results – Stage 3
Women
5th Alison Mackie
44th Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt
49th Jasmine Drolet
58th Liliane Gagnon 

Men
11th Antoine Cyr
13th Xavier McKeever
14th Max Hollmann
59th Tom Stephen
60th Rémi Drolet
82nd Graham Ritchie 

Full results:
Women’s Stage 3: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/results.html?sectorcode=CC&raceid=49538
Men’s Stage 3: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/results.html?sectorcode=CC&raceid=49539 

]]>
2026 Annual Club Fundraiser Invitation https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/2026-annual-club-fundraiser-invitation/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:22:52 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=22461 The Annual Club Fundraiser is your chance to raise funds to support projects at your club.     

 

How does it work? 

The Annual Club Fundraiser is a 3-month drive to raise funds (January 12 to March 31).  Clubs get to make their own fundraising page on Canada helps with videos, pictures and fundraising thermometers.  It’s very easy to do and only takes a few minutes.  Donations and donor comments are posted to the fundraising page making it very motivating to give and easy to share on social media.  Donors get a thankyou and tax receipt instantly after donating.  

 

Nordiq Canada will:  

  • manage the online donation platform 
  • issue tax receipts to donors 
  • disburse funds to clubs monthly  

 

Why should my club participate?  

  • It’s easy – Nordiq Canada provides the platform for receiving donations.  
  • It’s better for donors – as a registered charity, Nordiq Canada can issue tax receipts to your donors, which serves as a huge incentive for many to donate.  

 

Ready to get started? 

Please complete and email these 2 forms, to mdunn@nordiqcanada.ca: 

  • Vendor Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Request Form providing your club’s banking information so we can disburse funds to you. 

Questions? Please email Megan at mdunn@nordiqcanada.ca 

 

To see this year’s page and a sample of other club’s pages click here: 

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/nordiq-canada/p2p/Annual-Club-Fundraiser-26/ 

]]>
2025–26 World Period Two and Three Competition Team https://nordiqcanada.ca/news-item/2025-26-world-period-two-period-three-competition-team/ Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:10:17 +0000 https://nordiqcanada.ca/?post_type=news-item&p=22443 Selection Rationale

Click above to view the Selection Rationale

 

Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to the World Cup Period Two and Three (2 & 3) Team with races in Toblach and Val di Fiemme, Oberhof and Goms from December 26th, 2025 – January 25th, 2026. Athlete selections were based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria.

 

P2/P3 Team 

Katherine Stewart-Jones – Nakkertok Nordic, AWCA – DECLINED

Sonjaa Schmidt – Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, AWCA – DECLINED

Liliane Gagnon – Skibec, CNEPH

Amelia Wells – Strathcona Nordics, AWCA – DECLINED

Alison Mackie – Edmonton Nordic Ski Club, AWCA

Jasmine Drolet – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne, CNEPH

Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt – Fondeurs-Laurentides, AWCA

Tom Stephen – Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AWCA

Max Hollmann – Big Thunder Nordic, AWCA

Antoine Cyr – Skinouk, CNEPH

Rémi Drolet – Black Jack Ski Club, SMS T2

Xavier McKeever – Foothills Nordic Ski Club, AWCA

Graham Ritchie – Georgian Nordic, NTDC T-Bay

 

Athlete nominations were made by the Acting High-Performance Director (HPD) and reviewed by the High-Performance Committee (HPC) based on the 2025-26 Nordiq Canada Competition Trip Selection Criteria. The HPC oversaw the selection process as per the Nordiq Canada Nomination, Selection and Announcement policy. Members of this committee are:

  • Graham Nishikawa (athlete rep – Para)
  • Devon Kershaw (athlete rep – Olympic)
  • Maria Lundgren (BC)
  • Pauline Nadlersmith (MB)
  • John Lofranco (Athletics Canada)

 

Final athlete selections were approved by Eric De Nys, Acting High-Performance Director: Edenys@nordiqcanada.ca

 

Selection decisions may be appealed under the Nordiq Canada Dispute Resolution and Appeals Policy. Any dispute must be brought directly to the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) to be heard pursuant to the Canadian Sport Dispute Resolution Code. An athlete who wishes to appeal shall file an appeal with the SDRCC within three (3) days of the nomination Synopsis and Rationale being posted to the Nordiq Canada website.

 

]]>