Harvey makes cross-country history
Quebec skier becomes first Canadian to collect golds on consecutive weekends on the World Cup circuit
Cross-country skier Alex Harvey is a relatively anonymous figure outside his native Quebec, where they call him “the prince” in honour of his celebrity.
Come the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, perhaps the rest of Canada will finally grasp what all the fuss is all about.
On Saturday, Harvey set a blistering pace on the final stretch before collapsing at the finish line of the men’s 15-kilometre World Cup individual start skate-ski race in Ulricehamn, Sweden.
“Get up Alex,” the race announcer bellowed in English over the loud speaker. “Be happy.”
With the win, Harvey becomes the first Canadian cross-country skier to ever collect back-to-back gold medals in consecutive weekends on the World Cup circuit.
Harvey, of Saint Ferrell-les-Neiges, Que., won gold last week with Toronto’s Len Valjas in the team sprint relay in Toblach, Italy.
Given the vast depth of field in cross-country skiing, the accomplishment is one for the ages.
Olympic champion Beckie Scott won in back-to-back races during the 2005-06 World Cup season, but not on consecutive weekends.
“Alex is doing good this season,” coach Louis Bouchard told Postmedia in a massive understatement. “He’s always top-10. And when you’re always top-10, you’re just so close. Everyone in the top-10 has a chance to win.”
At 28, Harvey is in the prime of his career charging towards his third Olympic appearance in Pyeongchang. Harvey has his 20th World Cup medal and sixth gold to go along with his four podiums at world championships.
“I really believe I can be on the podium every time I race, and that’s important,” Harvey said.