Philippe Riopel edges Tyler Derraugh at World Cup Long Track Trials
Brittany Schussler wins women's 1,500, Jordan Belchos captures men's 5,000
Philippe Riopel edged out Tyler Derraugh by the smallest margin to win the men's 1,000-metre speedskating race at the Fall World Cup Long Track Trials in Calgary on Friday.
Riopel, from Lachenaie, Que., won in one minute 8.95 seconds, just ahead of Winnipeg's Derraugh, who crossed the finish line in 1:08.99. Laurent Dubreuil of Levis, Que., was third in 1:09.07.
"It went well today. I had a good start and good first lap," said Riopel. "My race yesterday [fourth in the 1,500 metres] also went well. I had some small issues I wanted to change for today to make sure that I would have my best possible result."
Brittany Schussler of Winnipeg won the women's 1,500 while Toronto's Jordan Belchos took the top spot in the men's 5,000.
Schussler won in 1:59.46 ahead of Regina's Kali Christ (1:59.63) and Calgary's Kaylin Irvine (1:59.77).
"My 1,500 today felt a lot better than my 3,000 yesterday," said Schussler. "I'm still far off my personal best [for the 1,500, 1:54.85]. I would like to be faster than I am right now. It's a step in the right direction and making my way back to where I want to be."
Belchos meanwhile won the 5,000 in 6:28.45. Denny Morrison of Fort St. John, B.C., was second in 6:29.28 while Regina's Lucas Makowsky followed in 6:30.42.