Quebec cross-country skiers shone with all their lights at the Ruka Cross-Country Skiing World Cup which concluded on Sunday in Finland.
After an 11e place, Saturday, in the 15 km classic Antoine Cyr signed a 12e position, Sunday, in the 15 km freestyle pursuit. His two performances allow him to qualify for the Beijing Olympics without having to wait for the national trials in January in Canmore.
To meet Nordiq Canada’s criteria, Cyr had to break into the top 20. Mission accomplished twice for the 23-year-old skier.
At his first World Cup in his career, Olivier Léveillé was quick to shine. At just 20 years old, the youngest racer on the circuit finished at 17e rank, which also allows it to meet the requirements of the national body.
“I have never been so happy to get up at 4 am to watch the races,” said Center National Practice Pierre Harvey (CNEPH) Louis Bouchard head coach. It’s a big, big accomplishment and I feel a lot of pride for my team. ”
Two other Canadians are in the race for the three entries for Beijing.
The only way Léveillé could not be in China is for Russell Kennedy and Graham Ritchie to perform better than his 17e position by the end of December, which is the deadline to meet Nordiq Canada’s criteria.
“The chances of two Canadians doing better than Olivier before the holidays are very slim,” said Bouchard. It is almost impossible that he does not go to the Games. The caliber will be even higher next week as the Norwegians will be back after skipping Sunday’s race in Finland due to the cold. “
“Faster than hoped”
The emergence of the two young roosters is something to rejoice in Bouchard.
“We still have hope, but the good results are going faster than expected,” admitted Bouchard. I spoke to Alex [Harvey], Sunday, and he too is impressed by the performances of Antoine and Olivier. I’m especially glad that the gap between Alex’s retirement and his success on the international stage was not so long. Both are very young and they are already doing very well. “
“Antoine had already recorded top 30 in the World Cup last year and at 22 I knew he had not reached his full potential,” continued Bouchard. As for Olivier, he made a podium at the world juniors last year, but it’s very different when you get to the seniors. It’s like the AHL and the NHL, there is a big check mark in between. “
Summer training paid off. “They spent the whole summer together. They were pulling each other up and pushing each other. The two competed and stood out from the other athletes in the group. ”
Due to his bronze medal at the World Juniors last year, Léveillé needed a top 30 and not a top 20, unlike Cyr.
For women, Katherine Stewart-Jones and Cendrine Browne finished in 21 respectivelye and in 28e square.