100% outdoor, 100% fun… In full safety
GATINEAU, Friday, January 21, 2021 – The organizers of the Gatineau Loppet are happy to officially announce that the 44th edition of the greatest historical cross-country ski event will be held “in person” this year on February 17, 18, 19 and 20, 2022, on the enchanting trails of Gatineau Park.
Since November 1st, 2021, cross-country ski enthusiasts have been able to register for the various races offered at the event, but the details concerning holding of the event in person had yet to be officially confirmed due to the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the organizers are taking this opportunity to announce an extension of the early bird registration prices until January 30, 2022 inclusively, instead of the original price hike that was scheduled for January 17, 2022.
Finally, the Gatineau Loppet is proud to present a 100% outdoor “in person” edition, adapted to respect all the sanitary measures required by the various levels of public health. The organization wants to reassure the community that everything will be done in a safe environment where health measures will be respected and applied in all aspects of the event, without exception. Proof of recognized vaccination will be required and participants will have to commit themselves upon registration to follow the health instructions related to the COVID-19. A health guide created specifically for the event will be available to skiers and the general public on the Gatineau Loppet’s website by January 26.
“This is a work in progress and we are working very hard with the various stakeholders to ensure the safety of everyone who will be present on our site. Above all, we are happy and proud to be able to welcome back our skiers at the end of February, as it has been the tradition for the past 44 years,” says Louise Poirier, President of the Board of Directors.
The 5-15-27 and 50 km classical events will return on Saturday, February 19, as well as the 10-27 and 50 km free technique events. Youngsters will also be able to take part in the event with races adapted to their level: the mini 2 km Sport Échange Outaouais for the youngest crowd, the 5km and 15km classical technique as well as the 10km and 15km free technique for ages 12 and under.
NEW FEATURES FOR 2022
For its 44th edition, despite an unusual context, the Gatineau Loppet wanted to offer new components to its programming in order to encourage all types of skiers to be part of the largest historical cross-country skiing event in Canada and, above all, enjoy the winter pleasures of the Outaouais region.
2022 Ski Health Challenge – Presented by Distribution Matériaux Lavoie
Thursday, February 17, 2022
The Gatineau Loppet and the 2022 Ski Health Challenge are joining forces this year by adding a cross-country skiing component to their event: a relay race to benefit the Fondation Santé Gatineau.
All the details are available on the Fondation Santé Gatineau website.
Team Relay – SALOMON
Friday, February 18, 2022 – starting at 6:00 pm
For the first time in the history of the Gatineau Loppet, relay races will be held on Friday, February 18, starting at 6:00 pm.
Presented by Salomon, the relays will offer four starts to the different teams made up of three members, depending on their level of competition and age group. The route is a loop of approximately 1 km.
For the occasion, we are honored to welcome among the runners Alex Harvey, three-time Olympian and three-time world champion, who will initiate the track by participating with his team of veterans, in this first 3-way race.
We will also find, in the Salomon team :
Graeme Killick, a Canadian cross-country skier from Fort McMurray, Alberta, who competed in the 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang Olympics in the Skiathlon, 15km Men’s, 50km Men’s Mass Start and 4x10km Relay events. In his first appearance at the FIS World Championships in 2015, Graeme helped Canada to a 10th place finish in the 4×10km relay.
Alexis Turgeon, a native of Gatineau, has raced at the national and international level as a member of the Canadian National Cross Country Ski Team and was captain of the Laval University Ski Team. He is now a financial consultant at Chappuis Halder & Co.
DISCOVERY Waves Decathlon – a place for every type of skier
Saturday February 19 and Sunday February 20, 2022
A new non-timed wave has been added to all distances (except the 50 km).
The objective of this wave is to allow different types of skiers to participate in a race without necessarily having the pressure of performance. This wave is also interesting for more advanced skiers who would like to try a longer distance for the first time.
Junior Challenge – M/U23 Euro-Sport
Sunday, February 20, 2022 – 9:00 am
A new sanction has been added to the program for the 27km free technique race for JUNIORS (16-19 years old) and U23 (20-22 years old).
This race will allow eligible skiers in this category to accumulate additional Canadian Ranking Points (CPL).
Bursaries totalling more than $4,000 will be offered to the first three positions (men and women) in this challenge.
See you February 17-18-19-20 for the 44th edition of the Gatineau Loppet!
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The Gatineau Loppet is the largest international cross-country ski event in Canada. As part of the Worldloppet series of international events, the Gatineau Loppet welcomes approximately 2,500 skiers from around the world each year. The event would not be possible without the support of many sponsors and partners: Otto’s Subaru-BMW, Salomon, Swix, Euro-Sports Nordic, Tourisme Outaouais, Nordik Spa-Nature, Xact Nutrition, Fischer, Physio Avantage Plus, Decathlon, Sport Echange Outaouais, Maryse Gaudreault – MNA for Hull, Tourisme Québec, the City of Gatineau, the Municipality of Chelsea, Loisir Sport Outaouais, the National Capital Commission, Woldloppet, the International Cross-Country Ski Federation, Nordiq Canada, Ski de fond Québec, ENGNE, Auclair, Rollerski. ca and the Honourable Mathieu Lacombe – Member of Quebec Parliament for Papineau, Minister of the Family and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region.
Information
Kim Murray
Director of Communications
Gatineau Loppet
819-328-9110
kim@simoncic.ca