The Yukon Ski Team hit the ground running in their first test of the new year.

Competing on the first distance race for 2009 on the Noram circuit, Yukoners came up with three podium appearances on Sunday at the nordic centre in Canmore.

Top of the step was David Greer, who picked up the gold medal in the 55-strong Junior Men's category, finishing the 15 km free technique race in 38:04. Taking the gold almost assures Greer of a spot on the team heading off to the World Junior Championships.

Meanwhile, Graham Nishikawa took second place in the Open Men's race, just 30 seconds back of Dave Nighbor from the National Ski Team.

Despite taking a fall on a downhill, Nishikawa only took 36:31 to complete the Canmore course, widely acknowledged to be one of the toughest on the elite race circuit.

The tough course was made even more challenging with slow snow and a cold wind.

On the women's side, Janelle Greer picked up a bronze medal in the Junior Women's category. She skied her 10 km course in 34:52, just 13 seconds out of the silver medal position. Marliss Kromm, from the powerhouse Foothills Nordic club, picked up the win.

Janelle's results are particularly significant as she normally competes in the Junior Girls category. Racing up an age group pits her against skiers two to three years her senior.

Races continue today with a pursuit race, which mixes both classic and skating techniques. This is a critical race for Nishikawa as it will be used to fill the Canadian roster for the last couple of available spots for the Callaghan Valley World Cup races being held later this month.

Story provided by Claude Chabot, a spokesperson for Cross Country Yukon