Maya MacIsaac-Jones once again proved herself to be a world-class skier with her performance at the Sprint Quebec FIS Cross-Country World Cup last weekend.
The Athabasca native took her place amongst some of the world’s best skiers at the event, competing against and alongside some of her heroes in the sport. Her results were impressive, as she finished 53rd in the skate sprint and 23rd in the team sprint.
“A lot of the top racers from Europe came to compete. There were definitely a lot of big names out there,” she said. “The racers there were very fast. It was definitely a whole new level of racing.”
The unique event saw the racers ski their way through downtown Quebec City.
“It’s probably one of the biggest events I’ve ever seen; there were so many people there. There were thousands of people out there to watch, lining the course. I’ve never seen that many spectators,” she said.
The racers skied on manmade snow, as that part of the country has not yet received the snowfall that Athabasca has.
That’s just one of the factors MacIsaac-Jones overcame to notch her impressive results.
“I was really happy with it. It’s my first World Cup ever, and it’s really good to get that experience and see what it’s like.”
She will compete at another World Cup event this weekend in Canmore. After that, her focus will turn to world junior trials in January. She hopes to qualify for the event, which will be held in the Czech Republic.
“I think that’s definitely in reach. If all goes well I think I can qualify.”
