Harvey wins World Cup sprint gold in Poland
Cross-country skier Alex Harvey won World Cup gold in Poland on Saturday, taking the top step of the podium for finishing first in the sprint at Szklarsa Poreba.
The Canadian finished ahead of Germany’s Josef Wenzl and Baptiste Gros of France in the 1.5 kilometre course, clocking in at 2 minutes, 50.13 seconds.
Harvey kept the lead from the start of the race after seeing some crashes in the qualification stage. He had advanced to the final in fourth place.
“I’m excited about my first World Cup win,” Harvey said following the race. This was his first full World Cup win, his previous top finishes have all come in stages, such as last month in the Tour de Ski.
“I wanted to be in front before the finish as I knew I was the only distance skier in the heat. I am glad the shaping is coming in the right time.”
On Sunday, Harvey will take part in the 15 km classic. “It is one my most favourite competitions,” the skier said to fis-ski.com.
Harvey was officially named to the Canadian Olympic Team for Sochi 2014 on January 14. It will be the second Olympic Winter Games for the 25-year old from Québec.
Devon Kershaw placed 18th in the same race. In the women’s event, Perianne Jones was 10th and Daria Gaiazova finished in 23rd place.
