It is Spring in Squamish

Here's the start to the Women's pursuit race. Sara Renner wore bib #28 which means she probably started in the 4th row (assuming 7 start lanes - I couldn't see from where I was). Sara ended up in 10th so she did well to move up that much. The second shot is just at the bottom of the first uphill. I was at or near that position all day. Richard spent the morning at one of the outermost positionz on the lower (blue) course but spent a little time relieving someone for break right in the stadium for the start. It was another gorgeous day and we noticed

people golfing and playing tennis in Squamish. I havent seen any yet but apparently some flowers are blooming.

I had my moment in the spotlight today. For anyone watching the live feed of the race, I was the volunteer who ran up the course just after the first uphill when we heard that there was a skier down on the second classic lap. A coach was with her when I arrived. (Coaches are allowed at the side of the course to give split times and hand off a pole if needed.) Richard was in the break tent eating lunch and looked up to see me on screen. They might edit it out for tonight's coverage but our friend, Al, has already let us know that he has it recorded so I can check it out when we get home. The athlete withdrew from the race and left the course under her own steam - she injured her shoulder. She (a Norwegian) was quite distressed as she was ranked 10th for this race so had a chance at a very good result. I hope she has another race and that her shoulder can recover in time.

We had a great day really- someone offered us a lift to the bus, the bus to WOP left early so there was no rushing to get to briefing, Richard did NOT get stopped at security (and neither did I), the bus home filled up so left ahead of schedule.

I'm getting photos from our friend, Scott, but the first transmission didn't work so I'll ask him to try again tomorrow. He's already taken more than 600 shots - but don't worry, I only asked for 5 or 6!

Tomorrow is our LATE shift - we are only due to start at 11 a.m. but we are going in early because we discovered today that more coverage is needed during training before the men's pursuit race. For the race, I'm at the feeding station (organizers are required to provide a feeding station for any race over 15 km) so I may be on TV again depending on camera location. The station is near the end of each of the loops - right after the last uphill and before the last downhill into the stadium. The men will pass by 8 times (4 times on classic skis and 4 on freestyle also know as skate). There are two different courses but this section is common to both loops. Most athletes will have coaches on course to give them predetermined nutrition but we will be there for the smaller countries who do not have enough support staff.

Nothing else to report. Stay tuned.