Elvet Striders

Ganghoferlauf, Leutasch, Austria, 28th February

25km Classic

Colin Blackburn

Another month, another ski race. Well, this year at least. After the Pustertaler last month the Ganghoferlauf will be my third and final race of the 2009/10 season. This year is the 40th anniversary of this Austrian race. To commemorate this event there is a 50km classic race in addition to the usual 25km classic and 20km and 42km freestyle races. All four races are on one day, Saturday being reserved for a whole raft of junior races. So with only one race on offer I decide not to be stupid and enter the sensible 25km instead of the value for money 50km. The course entry fee of €37 includes a free bumbag with insulated drinks bottle worth over €50 so ignoring the flight and accommodation costs it wasn't a bad deal.

I arrived in Seefeld, with regular running and skiing partner Chris, two days early to get in a bit of practice. Unlike the Scotland we had left behind Seefeld was positively balmy with temperatures above zero and slightly slushy old snow. On the first morning we walked into Seefeld and asked for waxing advice at a ski shop. We were advised to buy some no-wax skis at €400 as waxing was hopeless. We went for the cheaper option that day and skated—no grip wax needed! Seefeld had some nice woodland trails with some very nice trail-side cafes, though the hills were a little hard for my skating ability. We grabbed lunch at Seewaldalm and then a little later stopped for a coffee at the Wildmoosalm. The first was good but a little normal, the second was positively weird. It was packed with a real mix of people, skiers, walkers and people who looked like they'd been trapped there all their lives. The roof dripped with football scarves from just about every European club, arranged in a rainbow of colours. Every now and then an emergency Strudel trolley passed around the packed room with a blue light flashing and siren sounding. The Strudel was good too!

On the Saturday we decided we really did have to test our waxing and so prepped the skis with the ultra-sticky klister in an attempt to get some grip on the wet snow. We had planned a trip from Seefeld to Leutasch via some very picturesque trails. It turned out to be a beautiful day and we were getting grip on the hills. At lunch we stopped at Ropfer Stub'm which has spectacular views across the relatively snow-free lowlands of the Tirolean mountains. Well, I say stopped. I sort of crashed into the cafe as the arrival slope was a little, er, interesting. Luckily my crash was just out of view of the crowded terrace. Ordering Spinatnudels I found lunch was two tennis-ball-sized lumps of dough and spinach, very filling and very nice despite their appearance. After lunch we pushed on the Leutasch taking in the final 8km or so or the 25km course for practice.

The day of the race dawned and we took breakfast early, Frau Warner had left out a flask of coffee and some bread the night before. After getting our stuff together we walked down to the bus station only to discover the 0824 didn't run on a Sunday! Luckily the taxi rank was just a few yards away and all the taxis had roof-racks designed for skis so all was not lost, bar €15! Once we got to Leutasch we tested our waxing and touched up the skis a little before heading to the changing rooms. The 25km and 50km races started at the same time which meant a few hundred people in the start lanes. I tucked in behind someone who looked like they might go at least as fast as me—overtaking at this stage isn't something I have an aptitude for. Luckily I was far enough back to avoid an enormous pile-up on the first bend. Chris on the other hand had to take evasive action but survived with no damage to him or his poles.

After the first long climb of the race there were a couple of great descents. The second shorter climb promised even more. While heading up this climb I met a young guy skating along with broken poles in his hands. He'd managed to break them 30 minutes in to the race, he had been in 15th place, his race was over but he was philosophical about it. For me it was a yo-yoing sort of race. I'd pass people on the ups, they'd pass me on the downs. When I got to the next summit of the race I looked down the very steep descent to see a paramedic crew waiting at the bottom complete with skidoo and stretcher trailer. I think they were anticipating accidents. Luckily I saved them having to spring into action for me by negotiating the slope perfectly if not at the highest speed.

The rest of the race was fairly uneventful and I held my position till near the end. As I started to flag a couple of people passed including one old guy in period ski gear: britches, long socks, etc. Anyone entering this anniversary race got their money refunded if they did it in period costume with older skis. As I approached the finish I just had to make sure I went into the finish loop and didn't accidentally started a second 25km lap as the 50km competitors had to do. On the final bend I had the old guy in my sights and started to double pole. Unfortunately my double pole sprint finish isn't a patch on that of Petter Northug and I finish a second or so behind. He tapped my pole lightly with his to acknowledge my effort, shaking hands with poles is difficult if not dangerous!

The included post-race meal really hit the spot and we hung around to watch a bit of the presentation. There was a special prize given to a guy who'd done all forty races, unfortunately he then fell down the stairs off the stage. I hope he recovers to take part in the 41st. We then headed back on the bus (yes they do run in the afternoons!) to Seefeld and watched the mighty Petter Northug win the gold medal in the 50km classic at Vancouver. He finished his 50km faster than I managed my 25km, I've got a long way to go yet!

Results

124 finishers.