James Christie

Alex Harvey doesn't need to be introduced as the son of a Canadian ski legend any more.

He's earning a big name of his own on the world's cross-country trails.

Yesterday, he became the first Canadian to win medals at two world junior championships after a silver-medal performance on the 10-kilometre track in the classic style competition in Malles, in the Val Venosta region of Italy.

The 19-year-old son of former cross-country and cycling star Pierre Harvey, toured the course in a time of 28 minutes 58.5 seconds, finishing eight seconds off the winning pace of Hans Christer Holund of Norway.

Last year, Alex Harvey of St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que., became only the second Canadian to win a medal at the world juniors with a bronze in the 10-km skate race.

Marie Josée-Pepin earned a silver in 1989.

"This is such a great day," Harvey said in a statement from Cross-Country Canada. "I had fast skis today and I gave it everything I had until the end.

"Now, I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do the rest of the week."

Saturday, Harvey was fourth in the 1-km sprint.

Yesterday's result could portend more high finishes for Harvey, who prefers the ski-skate technique over the classic style.

The elder Harvey is regarded as Canada's best-ever male cross-country skier, winning three World Cup gold medals and competing at two Winter Olympics in 1984 and 1988. He also competed in two Summer Games in 1976 and 1980 in cycling.

"I have always been known as the son of Pierre, and it is nice now that people are starting to recognize me by my first name," said Alex Harvey, who has been to four world junior championships.

"My father ended his Olympic journey in Canada in 1988, so I think it would be really special for me to begin mine at 21-years-old in Canada as well [at Vancouver] in 2010.

"It would be great to get my first Olympic experience at a young age in front of my family and friends."

Therese Johaug of Norway won the women's 5-km classic race in 14:54.0. Alysson Marshall, of Salmon Arm, B.C., was the top Canadian woman in the event in 32nd spot at 16:04.7

page mise en ligne par SVP

vélo ski de fond plongeon
Consultez notre ENCYCLOPÉDIE sportive