Coaches

Natalya is the founder of the XCCM club.

She is a former head coach and coach with the club (in addition of formerly holding the positions of president and athletic director on the volunteer board of directors).  She is a competitive cross-country skier, cyclist and former triathlete who has been racing consistently since 1978. She competed in the World Masters in Asiago 2013 and Sovereign Lakes 2011. Natalya coached with XCCM from 2010 to 2017, the Nakkertok Nordic Masters from 2008-2010 and the Chelsea Nordiq Masters Citizen Racers in 2007-2008. From 2003-2007 she offered a popular dryland training program for masters skiers in the fall and ski instruction for individuals and large groups. Natalya also raced with and coached the University of Ottawa Cross Country Ski Team from 1992 to 1994. She has coached and managed the Regina, Saskatoon and Saskatchewan cycling teams at numerous races, including two Canada Summer Games, many interprovincial races and provincial training camps. Natalya was the Northern Technical Director for the Saskatchewan Cycling Association in 1988, responsible for organizing both races and training camps. She has completed a number of NCCP and CANSI coaching courses over the years as well as other coaching workshops.

Alex grew up skiing in Sudbury and was first transported by skis at 2 weeks old. Ever since, Alex has loved playing outside and zipping around on the snow. Alex raced throughout his childhood, adolescent, and university years, and he continues to enter the odd Gatineau Loppet. However, he’s discovered he enjoys training and skiing as much as racing, and his coaching goal is to help everyone feel a bit faster while continuing to smile. His coaching often involves games, riddles, and other ridiculousness.

Arthur began cross-country ski racing at the age of 12 and has raced and trained continuously since. He was a member of the Quebec provincial ski team from 1995 to 1999, a member of the national junior ski team in 1996-1997 and the national team development centre (Canmore) from 1997 to 1999. After a brief stint on the UBC university team during his studies, Arthur headed to Japan. At first he competed in triathlons, but eventually specialized in road cycling, competing in the highest level events held in Japan, including the Tour of Japan and the Tour of Hokkaido. It is also in Japan that Arthur gained experience as a coach. Well known in his local community for his athletic exploits, he was called upon to coach junior high school students in cross-country skiing and to coach the local running team, leading them to multiple successes at regional and semi-national events. Now back in Canada, Arthur is eager to re-enter and give back to the ski community that nurtured his achievements and love for the sport.

Paul was introduced to Cross Country Skiing in high school. His passion and love for the sport was immediate, and for the better part of 35 years it has been an integral part of his personal and professional life.

His involvement in Cross Country Skiing includes: being a former high school racer in the 70’s; Southern Ontario Divisional Coach (Level III NCCP) in the 80’s; Cross Country Canada staff in the 90’s; and, a Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructor (CANSI Level III), Course Conductor and former President of CANSI in 2000’s. His skiing involvement ranges from grass-root level programs as a youth leader to coaching at local events, Canada Cups, NorAm’s National Championships, World Cups, World Championships – Junior/Senior and the Olympics. In addition, he has been highly involved behind the scenes in numerous ventures to support and develop cross country skiing in Canada. Cross Country skiing has taken Paul to every province and territory and through out the US, Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. To complement his private lesson roster, since 1999, he has been a senior instructor with the City of Ottawa’s Mooney’s Bay XC Ski School. For the last 2 years he has been involved with the XC Chelsea Masters club, and is very impressed with the dedication and level of skill of this club’s athletes and coaches!

Paul looks forward to helping the XC Chelsea Masters achieve their goals and enjoy winter!

Claire has been skiing with Nakkertok Nordic for as long as she can remember and skiing has been her main focus since graduating high school. She is now skiing with the Nakkertok Junior Development Team and the Ontario Ski Team and has her sights set on World Junior Championships for the 2016/2017 season. She is studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa and loves the challenge of balancing school and skiing in her schedule. During the winter, she helps out with technique for the junior Nakkertok athletes and loves their energy and determination to improve. She’s always stoked for outdoor adventures with friends, a fun head-to-head workout with her teammates or getting cozy on a cold day with a good book or movie!

Colin Abbott is a life-long skier who has raced across the country with high-performance teams including the Yukon Ski Team, Callaghan Valley training centre, XCOttawa, Carleton Nordic and the Yukon Elite Squad. He in now involved in competitive and non-competitive aspects of the sport. Currently, he is serving as athlete director for Cross Country Canada, is working in community outreach in the Yukon and is a new arrival to the XC Chelsea Masters coaching staff.