FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 4, 2011
Canadian Men Finish 12th in Team Relay at Nordic World Ski Championships
—Canadians focused on podium heading into distance races—
OSLO, Nor.—A new-look Canadian squad suited up to finish 12th in the men’s 4×10-kilometre relay on Friday at the Nordic World Ski Championships in Oslo, Norway.
The
team, which consisted of Stefan Kuhn, of Canmore, Alta.; Toronto’s Len
Valjas; Ivan Babikov, of Canmore, Alta.; and George Grey, of Rossland,
B.C., combined to post a time of one hour, 45 minutes, 12.1 seconds.
“The guys skied pretty well today and it was a great experience for them,” said Justin Wadsworth, head coach, Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team. “Ivan had the sixth-fastest time in his leg, and in a lot of respects, they all felt good about their race. Our focus now is on challenging for the podium in the 50-kilometre (Sunday).”
Canada’s newly-crowned World Champions both sat out the relay. Devon Kershaw, of Sudbury, Ont., was forced to the sidelines with a sore throat, while Alex Harvey, St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que., took the extra day of rest to focus on recharging his energy level for the 50-kilometre skate-ski race on Sunday that will wrap up the week-long event.
“Heading into the World Championships I knew I would not be doing the relay today,” said Harvey, who is a legitimate medal contender on Sunday. “Obviously I would love to do every race, but there are too many events close together. Our team’s goal is to win medals, and I believe my best shot is in the 50-k so I knew this was the right plan. I’m looking forward to giving it my best on Sunday.”
The Norwegian team won the gold medal with a time of 1:40:10.2. Sweden captured the silver at 1:40:11.5, while Germany locked up the bronze with a time of 1:40:15.9.
The Nordic World Ski Championships continue on Saturday with the women’s 30-kilometre skate-ski race.