Canadian zips to surprise 2nd in Norway
Len Valjas became the third Canadian male to reach a World Cup crosscountry skiing podium this season, surprising even himself by earning a second- place finish in a sprint event in Drammen, Norway.
“I think I may be a little in shock,” said the 23- year- old Toronto native. “I never would have thought I’d win a medal this early in my career, but to have the first medal come in Norway is really special. This country has been really good to me the last couple of years.”
With thousands of screaming Nordic ski fans lining the 1.2- km circuit in the city, the six- foot- six Valjas rode some fast skis through his quarter- final and semifinal heats and into the six- skier final.
He carried the lead until the finish stretch, when Erik Brandsdal of Norway edged him out for the victory. Paal Golberg, also of Norway, was third.
“I just wanted to get to the front and attack on hills. I had great skis and was able to do that. I felt good all day.”
Valjas’s more heralded teammates Alex Harvey of St- Ferreol- les- Neiges, Que., and Devon Kershaw of Sudbury, Ont., were also among the 30th fastest qualifiers, but were both knocked out in the first round of heats. Harvey wound up 16th and Kershaw 23rd.
“Training with Alex and Devon has had a huge influence on me and getting to the podium,” said Valjas. “Just watching how those guys train with such intensity is huge for me.”
On the women’s side, Chandra Crawford of Canmore, Alta., and Daria Gaiazova of Banff both posted career- best classic- sprint results by finishing fifth and eighth, respectively, behind winner Marit Bjoergen of Norway.
“I was not expecting it to go that well,” said Crawford, an Olympic gold medallist in 2006 in a skate- ski race. “I have been relentless on improving my classic skiing. My stride has opened up and is much longer ... I am very happy, but more excited to see Lenny get on the podium today.”