The Yukon Ski Team, coming off superb performances at the Canada Winter Games on home soil, kept their winning ways intact as they hit the trails in their first day of competition at the Canadian National Cross Country Championships in Quebec City.

Bryn Knight and Emily Nishikawa dominated the junior girls' category, finishing first and second in a field of more than 60 skiers. Nishikawa was only seven seconds behind Knight over the five-kilometre course.

The Greer family picked up a pair of silver medals. David Greer a gold medal winner at the Canada Games missed first place by only eight seconds with a strong finish in the junior boys' 10-km race. Sister Janelle took her silver in the juvenile girls' five-km event.

All of the races were skied in free (or skating) technique.

In addition to the four medals, Yukon skiers Logan Potter and Graham Nishikawa both hit top-10 placings, and according to head coach Alain Masson, 'all of the skiers turned in great performances in their groups.'

Conditions were difficult for the competitors. While the temperature was a mild-sounding -9 C, winds gusting to 50 km/hr and blowing snow made life tough for skiers and coaches alike.

The national championships continue today with classic races.