If the Norwegians were conspicuous by their absence from the freestyle pursuit last Sunday at the World Cup in Ruka (Finland) due to the cold, they were indeed back in the spotlight on Saturday, in the 15-kilometer freestyle of the Cup. of the world of Lillehammer. In front of their audience, they swept the podium.
Quebecers Antoine Cyr (+1 min 50.0 s) and Olivier Léveillé (+2 min 28.3 s) finished in 42e and 56e places on the course where Simen Krueger, Hans Holund (+1.6 s) and Martin Nyenget (+17.5 s) were the medalists of the day.
These results contrast with the Quebecers’ strong start to the season last weekend in Ruka, when they broke through the top 20 Sunday, but Cyr decides to take a step back to analyze things.
“We had a great weekend last week and it was hard to beat. With all the emotions we have experienced, travel and fatigue, this weekend has been a little harder, he admitted. But hey, we do not give up. Despite everything, it is not a bad performance today either. [samedi]. I start to pick up the pace slowly, not quickly. ”
The Gatineau resident added in an interview that even if the course was not to his advantage, he cannot put his finger on what has been lacking since his arrival in Norway.
“Of course I was really disappointed not to be in the points (top 30), but it was still close. […] With our results at Ruka, the performance pressure has dropped. From now until the holiday season, we’re using every opportunity to gain a little experience, test new things and really get ready for February when the big races are coming. I know that I can be at the level, it is now a question of finding the winning recipe to return there and it is sure that I will make all possible efforts to get there. ”
In the women’s 10 km freestyle, Sweden’s Frida Karlsson was the fastest on the course, ahead of multiple world champion and Norwegian Therese Johaug by 30 hundredths of a second. American Rosie Brennan (+11.3 s) accompanied them to the podium.
Quebecers Cendrine Browne (+1 min 58.1 s) and Katherine Stewart-Jones (+2 min 24.6 s) finished in 45e and 54e places.
Browne mentioned that she expected better on this course which was good for her as it included several sections suitable for one-skate.
“I still retain a lot of positive in this race and I was really in the game with the other girls. I’m still missing a little something, but this is not when I want to peaker. I think it’s a step in the right direction, ”admitted the Prévost cross-country skier, adding that she slowed down on the third and last lap, which caused her to lose some ranks.
The women’s and men’s relays will be contested on Sunday.
Cyr will be second relay in classic while Léveillé will do a relay in free style. Cyr expects several countries to field two teams in this race, which will make it even more challenging and exciting.
The Canadian Women’s Quartet will try out a new relay order with Dahria Beatty, Katherine Stewart-Jones, Cendrine Browne and Maya MacIssac-Jones.
“We love the relay and we really put ourselves in a good spirit before the race with ribbons in our hair and sparkles in our faces. The atmosphere is different: we race for ourselves, but also for our teammates and that’s a little more boost, that’s for sure, ”concluded Browne.