Alex Harvey, Canadian cross-country skier, claims silver to start season
2-time Olympian comes in 11.2 seconds behind gold-medal pace
Canadian cross-country skier Alex Harvey came in only 11.2 seconds behind the defending overall champion to claim silver at the season-opening World Cup weekend in Finland.
The 27-year-old, of Saint Ferreol les Neiges, Que., clocked the second-place time of 21 minutes 16.7 seconds in the 10-kilometre race.
Harvey made history last season by becoming the first Canadian to win two world championship medals in the same year with a silver and bronze. The two-time Olympian's goal this season is to capture the overall World Cup title.
"It feels great. This is my first World Cup podium before Christmas so it is a big step for me," Harvey said.
"My target this year is to win the overall title. I didn't necessarily believe that I could do that in the past, but I do believe I have a shot at that title this year. I didn't have a good result yesterday but I knew my fitness was good and I was confident heading into today."
Norway's Martin Johnsrud Sundby finished in 21:5.5 at the Ruka Ski Centre to beat Harvey. Dario Cologna was third in 21:17.1.
Harvey had surgery to correct a compressed artery that restricted blood flow in both of his legs, a condition that limited his ability while skate-skiing up steep climbs.
"Today is a good sign of my recovery following that surgery," said Harvey. "It is nice to see the surgery paid off. My target this year is to win the overall title. I didn't necessarily believe that I could do that in the past, but I do believe I have a shot at that title this year."
Harvey now has 10 World Cup, six Tour de Ski, and four world championship medals.
It was also a solid outing for Harvey's World Cup comrade, Devon Kershaw of Sudbury, Ont. The three-time Olympian was strong all day while placing 24th at 21:50.2.
They will compete in the final stage of the three-day event in a 15-kilometre pursuit race on Sunday.
Sundby will carry a 25-second lead over Harvey into the race. Harvey will start sixth based on time behind the leader after the opening two days.
With files from Cross Country Canada and the Canadian Press