Gavin Shields, Petri Bailey put Thunder Bay back on the Nordic map

(Gatineau, Quebec) Racing in Canada’s biggest long distance ski race and World Loppet Event, Lappe Nordic’s Gavin Shields and Petri Bailey put Thunder Bay on the map at the Gatineau Loppet.

Racing in ideal conditions the pair did well with Shield’s, fresh from his Ontario University Championship overall win, finishing 8th, with Baily close behind in 13th in a tight field featuring international competition in the 50km classic.

In the lead pack for most of the race Shields said he lost contact with the leaders with 18km to go and hard to fight on his own to the finish line.

Only 24 hours later the pair strapped on the boards again with Shields finishing an impressive 4th in the 50km skate and Bailey going on to win the 27km skate. In the combined category, Shields finished 3rd amongst those brave enough to take on both 50km races.

For both skiers this was their first Gatineau Loppet and with success this past weekend both enter this weekend’s Sleeping Giant Loppet in good form and hungry for more.