Eighth in the 20 km classic mass start of the Oberhof cross-country skiing World Cup, Antoine Cyr signed his second best result of the season. Saturday in Germany, the Quebecer was only 2.5 seconds behind the winner, the Norwegian Erik Valnes.
Norway also monopolized the first four places in the ranking, while Martin Loewstroen (+0.9 s) and Paal Goldberg (+1.6 s) also reached the podium.
“I’m super happy and I had a good race. Throughout the season, the form has been super constant and now, I am getting back on my feet to get some good results,” underlined Cyr, whose best result this season was a seventh place in the 20 km pursuit. Davos classic, counting for the fifth stage of the Tour de Ski.
Also present on Saturday, Sherbrooke Olivier Léveillé took 33e rank (+1 min 25.5 s).
Cyr said he was encouraged to see his Tour de Ski form continue in the World Cup.
“I performed well with a 12e place in the general classification and a top 10 [d’étape]. After the Tour, the form is always a little uncertain, but here, my body reacts well and this weekend is the proof. […] To be there among the best in the end is interesting. I’ve often finished around eighth place in my career and I’d be lying if I said I’m not hungry for more, but more will come, I’m sure! »
In the women’s event presented in the same format, Liliane Gagnon ranked 35e, 3 min 39.3 s behind the winner, the Swede Frida Karlsson. For Gagnon, it was his first World Cup of the season. Katherine Stewart-Jones, for her part, was forced to abandon the race due to health problems.
Next objective: play for the win
Antoine Cyr now has his place in the end of long distance races, especially in classic style. On Saturday, the Gatineau rider made the elastic on a few occasions in the final steep sections of the course, without however breaking, which allowed him to remain in the leading group. If the cross-country skier wants to satisfy his appetite and get a little closer to the podium, he knows that he must improve his positioning and his strategy at these precise moments.
“I have the shape and strength to be in the first group, so I should stick a little closer to the top 10 and top 5. I would have to make an effort to be a little closer to the front, which would ensure that the elastic would occur less often and that I would be better positioned for the finale. I have to create my chances and be there in the important moments. This is one of the things I can work on. »
The cross-country skier will be in the men’s relay on Sunday.