NDC's Shields wins ski race in B.C.

Rookie Andy Shields isn’t showing any freshman rust on the Nordic trails this fall.

The first-year National Development Centre skier won the 1.6-kilometre free-technique sprints in Rossland, B.C. on Friday, his second win of the Haywood Noram Race Series.

“The conditions really worked to my advantage today. It snowed 30 centimetres last night and that is what I ski best in,” said the Waterloo, Ont. native, who trains out of Thunder Bay.

“I am very happy with my form and shape at this point in the season. It was a great day for our team. Our coaches Timo and Eric were phenomenal. Our skis were so fast out there."

Thunder Bay’s Michael Somppi finished  10th in the 1.4-kilometre sprint race, followed closely behind by teammate Harry Seaton, who finished 11th.

Somppi was 15th in the 15-kilometre skate.

Shields hopes to carry the momentum over to the World Junior Trial Races scheduled for Jan. 6 to 9 at Lappe Nordic Ski Centre from January 6 to 9.