A Classic at Teton Ridge
Michael McCoy
Chi Melville of Alta re-enters his home state, led by Jackson's Robin McGee.
The annual Teton Ridge Classic took place yesterday, January 16, at the Teton Ridge Ranch northeast of Driggs. Though it was the lowest snowpack in the seven-year history of the race, the course was groomed to near perfection. The event has grown to become the preeminent classic-technique (as opposed to freestyle, or skating) Nordic race in the Intermountain region. Let's only hope it can continue in the future, as the Teton Ridge Ranch--formerly open as a guest ranch--and its terrific Nordic trails are generally closed to the public as of this winter. (They made a one-day exception for the race.)
The main 28-kilometer event (there's also a 14-K and a 5-K for kids) was won by Sun Valley, Idaho's Jon Engen. A native of Norway, Engen, who's now over 50, has lived in the U.S. since 1980, when he enrolled at Montana State University in Bozeman. He was a member of the U.S. ski and/or biathlon team at the Winter Olympic Games in 1988, '92, and '94. Barry Markarewicz of Utah placed second and Driggs' Dan Streubel, the race director, took third. In the women's division, former U.S. Ski Team member Muffy Ritz of Sun Valley took first, while Jackson's Robin McGee nabbed second.
A total of 79 skiers completed the 28-K distance, while 45 skied the 14-K. A hearty handful also entered the untimed 14-K touring division. The weather was cool enough to keep the snow in good shape for hard wax, but not cold. Perfect conditions, all in all, for a great event. You can see the list of finishers at the Teton Ridge Classic's website.
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