January 31, 2014 (Val di Fiemme, Italy) – The Junior Women started their 5km CL + 5km FR Skiathlon race in snowfall after a the skies dumped a massive 50cm overnight, ending what has been a snow drought in Europe this winter. The start of the race was delayed by an hour to ensure the tracks were reasonably solid. The -1 C temperatures and fresh snow made waxing difficult. According to Team Canada leader, Lisa Patterson, all of the Canucks skied on hairies, and those who didn’t have their own had to borrow.

The Canadian women’s team had a great day despite the challenging conditions, placing three skiers in the top-30, led by Anne-Marie Comeau (CAN) in 21st, followed by Dahria Beatty (CAN) in 29th, and Frédérique Vézina (CAN) in 30th, just edging out teammate Katherine Stewart-Jones (CAN), who finished 31st.

“My race went well. I am happy and really appreciated racing against girls from other countries. I liked the experience that it gave me. I found it was truly hard but I gave my all to the end,” said Comeau after her race.

The Canadians stayed mostly together in the classic leg, but as they changed to skating technique, only Comeau was able to keep the pace and positioning, moving her way up to 21st spot with the 16th-fastest skate time.

Russia’s Alisa Zhambalova (RUS) took control from the start in the classic leg and was first to leave the transition to skating, leading a group of about ten skiers. At the halfway point of the fourth lap, Zhambalova, Lotta Udnes Weng (NOR), Julia Belger (GER), Anna Dyvik (SWE), and Sarah Schaber (GER) escaped. Disaster struck for Belger on the penultimate descent, however, when she slipped on a corner and fell, losing her chance at the podium. Her teammate, Schaber, took advantage on the final climb to capture the gold medal, while Zhambalova and Dyvik settled for silver and bronze.

The US squad had a tougher day with Sloan Storey posting the team’s top finish in 39th. Nichole Bathe (USA) came through in 47th, Stephanie Kirk (USA) 52nd, and Maggie Williams (USA) 59th.

Junior Women 5km CL + 5km FR Skiathlon results here.