Skiing: Harvey wins silver in second-last race of his career

QUEBEC— Canadian cross-country skier Alex Harvey won silver on Saturday in his penultimate race before retirement.

He finished second in the FIS World Cup 15-kilometre classicski mass start with a time of 36 minutes 11.7 seconds. Johannes Klaebo (36:10.9) edged Harvey at the line and fellow Norwegian Didrik Toenseth (36:12.2) took the bronze.

Harvey, who will close out his career Sunday, was overcome with emotion after crossing the finish line.

“This is incredible. It makes for a great swan song. I can’t believe it,” Harvey said before breaking into tears. “It is pretty special to be able to give back to everyone who has supported me, and the wax techs today.”

Harvey, 30, announced his retirement plans last month. The three-time Olympian has won five world championship medals — including two gold — over his career and made 31 World Cup podium appearances.

“I don’t remember being this emotional about a podium,” Harvey said.

The hometown hero stayed at the front of the pack with all of the top names in the sport for each of the four loops on the Plains of Abraham course where he grew up racing as a child.

“The crowd allowed me to reach the podium today,” he said.

“It was insane how loud they were. This is their medal today not mine. I knew I needed my best race of the year to be on the podium and I did that today.” It is unreal and pretty special.”