Mike Ireland golden at speed skating World Cup

Canadian long-track speed skater Mike Ireland earned his first career World Cup victory in the 500 metres by winning an event in Harbin, China on Saturday.

Jeremy Wotherspoon of Red Deer, Alta., captured the bronze medal.

Ireland, a Winnipeg native, crossed the finish line in 35.28 seconds for his fourth career World Cup triumph and his first in two years. All three of Ireland's previous titles were in the 1,000 metres.

"I had a very good race, I don't remember making any mistakes," said Ireland, who has seven top-five finishes in nine World Cup races this season.

"The big difference today was that I had a clean opener that was fast plus I still had the good lap. It's nice to finally win in the 500 because I've been close so many times."

Fengtong Yu of China was second in 35.35 seconds and Wotherspoon, who was seeking his 50th career World Cup victory, was third in 35.94. Wotherspoon still leads the World Cup 500-metre standings having won the first four races this season while Ireland is fourth.

"Most of the race was pretty solid," Wotherspoon said of his Saturday performance. "But I was slow off the start and I think that's what hurt me. You have less speed going into the lap and that affects your whole race. Other than that I was happy with it."

Erben Wennemars of the Netherlands, crowned the world sprint champion last weekend, remained undefeated this season with a win in the 1,000 metres.

Wotherspoon was fifth and Ireland seventh.

In women's competition, Chinese skaters grabbed the top two spots in the 500 metres with Manli Wang first in 38.76 seconds and Hui Ren second in 38.87 seconds. World sprint champion Marianne Timmer of the Netherlands took gold in the 1,000 metres with a time of 1:17.71.

Canadian team rookie Kerry Simpson of Melville, Sask., posted the best international result of her career by placing eighth in the 1,000 metres (1:19.41).

"I raced early on and I wasn't sure my time would hold up so well," said Simpson, 22, a 1,500-metre specialist. "But the whole race felt very good. Being with the sprint team and their coaches this week, I've had an opportunity to work on starts and the different techniques they use."

Competition ends Sunday.

courtesy Canadian Sport News