THE CANADIAN PRESS
SZKLARSKA POREBA, Poland – Canada’s Alex Harvey is tearing through the cross-country World Cup ahead of the Winter Games.
The St-Ferreol-les-Neiges, Que., native won gold Saturday in a skate-sprint race for his fourth World Cup medal in the last month.
“The conditions were getting icy and a little dangerous so I knew I had to get out in front. I wasn’t afraid of being tired because I knew I was in great shape so my tactic was to stay out in front today. I had no choice,” said Harvey.
“The final was filled with pure sprinters, but I wasn’t afraid of them or getting tired today because I knew the shape is there.”
The World Cup victory is Harvey’s third of his career in addition to his world championship.
“I know the Scandinavian countries weren’t here today but the Russians have been the ones to beat in sprinting and I was able to do that today,” said Harvey. “The skis were great today, and I’m confident with the Olympics coming up.”
Harvey was joined on the podium by Germany’s Josef Wenzl in second place, while Baptiste Gaillard, of France, held on for the bronze medal.
American Kikkan Randall won the women’s race. Germany’s Denise Herrmann was second, while Slovenia’s Vesna Fabjan grabbed the bronze medal.
The World Cup continues on Sunday in Poland with the team sprint races.