SariAnderson.com

Yesterday was a beautiful bluebird Colorado day and a perfect setting for the COSMIC rando race at Sunlight. Even though I started the morning off the back because we forgot baby boots then got pulled over on our way there (no ticket though), the race went really smoothly for me.  I finished first among a field of strong women including Sue King and Jari Kirkland, with a time of 2hr 15min.  Unfortunately, my teammate Monique Merrill was unable to race, but she was there to cheer us all on.

Start at the base of Sunlight Resort. The start is more like a running race than a ski race.

Coming into the second transition at the base of Sunlight. I'm switching my boots into tour mode.

Unfolding my first skin.

Applying my skins. The bungee cord and plastic washer allow for quick skin removal and application.

Both skins on and I'm off before the other three guys who got to the transition zone before me. Fast transitions are KEY! That's preggo Joy cheering me on in the background.

The second descent. I'm trying hard to pretend my legs aren't burning with a searing white heat right now.

Some of the descents in these COSMIC Races are pretty hairy, especially on skinny 157cm skis. I need to work on my downhill technique.

Juniper was a little unhappy so I stopped for a quick kiss which apparently only helped for a few minutes.

I managed to pass a few more guys to finish in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Check out a bunch more photos from the race here.

Brian Smith made an incredible comeback to win the men’s race.  Right at the start, Smithy had ice in his binding and he kept stepping out of his ski.  It took at least seven minutes for Brian to get the ice removed and moving again. Despite a tough men’s field, Brian caught the leaders and went on to win by over three minutes. Impressive!  Max Taam was second and Bryan Wickenhauser was third.