The Dublin School Nordic Center hosted both the collegiate Harvard Carnival and the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) Dublin Double Eastern Cup No. 4 race as part of the Junior Nationals qualifying series last month.
The Dublin Nordic Center is the home race venue for Harvard University and a frequent NENSA race and training facility. Over two weeks, more than 400 of the best Nordic skiers in New England ages 14 to 22, skied Dublin’s 5K race course, reaching speeds of 25 mph.
Local skiers and Dublin School alumni Lilly Bates, Quinn Wilson, Aggie Macy and Clint Macy raced for Williams College, Bowdoin College and Colby College, respectively, and current Dublin students Oliver Wilson of Dublin, Will Putnam of Jackson Hole, Wyo. and Holland Calcutt of Francestown raced for Dublin’s local ski club DublinXC.
The preparation and coordination to put on races of this size are considerable, especially given this winter’s unpredictable weather, as Nordic Center Director Lisa Bates explaine.
“Our snowmaking and grooming team have been preparing the terrain and making snow since last fall,” she stated. “It has been a challenge to find the windows of weather to make snow in this warm winter we are experiencing, but they worked through the night many times and made it happen for the skiers. Many of our Nordic Center regulars have pitched in to volunteer their time and resources. This has involved trail cleanup, donations, equipment loans and occasionally foregoing their own skiing to preserve conditions ahead of big events. This is truly a team effort, and we appreciate everyone who has pitched in this season.”
Dublin cross-country coach and former UNH skier Lindsey Masterson was chief of race for both events and stated, “These races come together thanks to our strong community of volunteers and the hard work of Dublin School. To put things in perspective, it takes about 30 to 40 volunteers onsite each day to pull off these races. What’s so rewarding about these events is seeing all the kids working hard and finishing with smiles (and exhaustion). Our Nordic Center races aren’t just good for the kids but also for the local business. Two weeks bring a lot to this area beyond racing.”
Despite the challenging weather leading up to the races, both race directors and athletes were thrilled with the conditions and organization at both events.
“I could not be happier with our carnival at Dublin School,” stated Harvard Nordic skiing head coach Chris City. “Lindsey, Lisa and the whole Nordic Center team put so much time preparing to host and run a flawless event for us, despite challenging weather conditions. The energy and atmosphere along the course, particularly for the team relay on Saturday, were quite special. It was what I’d hoped for when we asked Dublin to be our home course. Racers and fellow coaches were thrilled by the addition of Dublin to our race circuit, and we’re looking forward to coming back in future years!”
Media coverage during the Harvard Carnival included a live feed on ESPN+. Head of Dublin School Brad Bates, who has been leading the development of the Nordic Center since its construction in 2012, stated, “It’s been a dream come true to put this Nordic center together. It was the vision of Michael Lehman, the son of one of the founders of the Dublin School, who went to Dublin and Harvard University. We are honored to have Dublin School, DublinXC, and our beautiful Nordic Center becoming active participants in the national Nordic skiing community.”
“Beginning with a vision just a decade ago, Dublin Nordic Center has emerged as a premier venue in New England and a resource that supports skiing and learning for all, from the youngest lollipop skiers in our youth ski league to top junior and collegiate skiers. The carnival and Eastern Cup races hosted over the last two consecutive weekends brought deep fields of skiers in New England to beautiful, meticulously maintained and exciting courses. We recognize and sincerely appreciate the substantial efforts of Brad, Lisa, Lindsey, and countless others in the Dublin community and their contributions to New England skiing,” stated NENSA Executive Director Heidi Lange.
The Dublin Nordic Center is open to the public and welcomes skiers and snowshoers of all ages. Details about conditions can be found on the Dublin School Nordic Center website, dublinschool.org/athletics/nordic-center.
For information about Dublin School or Dublin’s endurance sports program, contact Bates at 603-563-1222 or bbates@dublinschool.org.