World Juniors, Classic Day
On another clear, bitterly cold but windless day in Erzerum the Junior athletes prepared for the classic timetrial races today.
First to go for Britain was Katie Homyer in the women's 5km. With temperatures reportedly as low as -19C the snow was very slow but cheering spectators of all nationalities encouraged the skiers around the course. Katie said afterwards "I had a good race but the cold and altitude meant that breathing was difficult especially on the long uphill." Russia triumphed with a clean sweep of the medals.
The course had warmed a little for the men's 10km race which was a double loop of the ladies course. Andrew Young and Callum Smith both skied well although Andrew said that the rise in temperature had affected waxing in certain parts of the course. Once again the Russians steamed home, taking gold and silver medals, with a bronze for Norway. Andrew and Callum finished a creditable 40th and 57th respectively out of a field of 95 starters.
