Canadian women golden in speedskating return

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands — Canadian women won a World Cup speedskating gold medal in team pursuit in their first international races in months Friday.

Ottawa’s Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann and Valerie Maltais of La Baie, Que, edged host Netherlands by just over three tenths of a second. Norway placed third.

Calgary’s Ted-Jan Bloemen, Toronto’s Jordan Belchos and Connor Howe of Canmore, Alta., finished third in the men’s team pursuit behind the victorious Dutch and runner-up Norway.

Racing continues today and Sunday.