Alex Harvey makes history with 3rd-overall finish at Tour de Ski

Alex Harvey made history on Sunday, becoming the first non-European male to reach the overall podium of the Tour de Ski.

Canadian becomes 1st non-European male to reach overall podium

Alex Harvey, seen showing off his air guitar skills on Saturday, had reason to celebrate again on Sunday as he finished third overall in the Tour de Ski standings. (Andrea Solero/EPA-EFE)

Alex Harvey made history on Sunday by becoming the first non-European male to reach the overall podium of the Tour de Ski.

The St-Férréol-les-Neiges, Que., cross-country skier finished third in the seventh and final stage of the event to secure the overall bronze.

Harvey, who earned his first medal of the season by finishing third in stage six on Saturday, entered the final day of the event fourth overall. 

Alex Harvey makes history with 3rd-overall finish at Tour de Ski

7 years ago
Duration 1:39
The St-Férréol-les-Neiges, Quebec skier finished third in the seventh and final stage of the Tour de Ski, becoming the first non-European male to reach the overall podium

"I think on paper this may not be as big as winning world championships, but for me in terms of satisfaction, this is the number one achievement in my career," said Harvey, who posted the sixth fastest time up the final climb.

"To be steady throughout 10 days of skiing, and never really have a bad day, that gives me huge satisfaction."

Dario Cologna of Switzerland posted the fastest time in the nine-kilometre pursuit free race at 28 minutes, 52.1 seconds, followed by Norway's Martin Johnsrud Sundby at 30:18.6, and the 29-year-old Harvey at 30:22.7.

Cologna and Sunby also finished first and second overall, respectively. 

Harvey's previous best Tour finish was fifth in 2016. Canada's Devon Kershaw was fourth at the 2012 Tour de Ski.

"This is just a great feeling. It is a podium for the entire Canadian team," said Harvey. "Devon [Kershaw], Lenny [Valjas], Ivan [Babikov] and I have all had great success on the Tour over the years, but we have always come up short in the overall.

"I always left the Tour with a little disappointment because we were good, but not quite good enough. One of us had always came up just a bit short. I'm happy we finally got it done."