One of the strengths of Canada’s world cup cross country ski team is the veteran leadership of Devon Kershaw. Like a battle-weary general, Kershaw knows the glories of victory and perils of defeat all too well.
After a disappointing Saturday sprint (Dec. 19) where the entire team finished well back of the top 40, Kershaw and Alex Harvey used Sunday’s 15 kilometre classic distance race to rally the team in Toblach, Italy.
Sending a message of determination, Harvey responded with a solid 16th-place finish (36:57.3), while Kershaw cracked the top 30 again in 28th (37:42.1).
Kershaw has finished in the top 30 in every one of his distance races this year, which is something he’s never accomplished in his career, even during the 2012 season, where he finished second overall in world cup points. Meanwhile, Harvey appears poised for a strong second half of the season, and Tour de Ski.
“Both Devon and Alex have been in the points in every distance race so far, so that shows really good base fitness, which will help them in the Tour,” said head coach Justin Wadsworth.
Both Canadians double poled the entire 15 km, which is becoming more commonplace on the world cup. The technique requires a strong core and upper body strength, and Wadsworth said it was an excellent sign for the Tour de Ski, which begins Jan. 1 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
“Definitely a solid effort by the guys and I think it shows they are good mentally to be able to bounce back after (Saturday),” Wadsworth said. “I think everyone got really excited when Alex finished second on the opening weekend, but right now we are back on our plan. The focus is on the two tours this year and we’ve been building to that. The results have been relatively strong heading into Tour de Ski, and today was a step in the right direction.”
Norway continued its domination on the world cup scene, as Martin Johnsrud Sundby proved why he’s the best skier in the world again with a time of 35:27.4, 13 seconds ahead of Alex Bessmertnykh of Russia. Sjur Roeth of Norway was third.
Emily Nishikawa was the top Canadian in the women’s 10 km classic race, finishing 39th for one of her best results of the year. Norway’s Therese Johaug yet again, as she is dominating the world cup circuit this year.
“This was a good result for Emily. She is in better shape now than she has been in years past. We are hoping for Emily to get into that top 30 so we need to keep working and progressing toward that goal,” Wadsworth said.
Graeme Killick was the third fastest Canadian in the men’s race, finishing 54th. Michael Somppi was 70th and Len Valjas 75th.
In Saturday’s sprints, Canada made a last minute change to its wax, which backfired for the team. Harvey was top Canadian in 62nd, Valjas was 73rd, Kershaw 76th, Somppi 78th and Jess Cockney 81st.
Nishikawa didn’t race the sprints, however, Banff’s Heidi Widmer did suit up for Switzerland. She finished 43rd.
