March 5, 2005 – Beckie Scott led the Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team into the final period of the World Cup circuit after finishing ninth in a sprint race in Lahti, Finland on Saturday.

The Vermilion, Alta. native, who qualified for the round of 16 athletes competing in the head-to-head heats also in ninth spot with a time of three minutes 06.45 seconds, made it through the first round, but was knocked out in the second heat after making a technical error.

“I made a little error and it cost me, but I think it is a good sign that I was able to maintain my speed with the best,” said the 2002 Olympic gold medallist, who added the conditions were cold and perfect for racing. “This is our ninth week on the road and we are getting a little tired, but I definitely want to podium at least once before we call it a season and I have two more weeks to do that.”

The heats consist of four athletes in each race, with the top-two athletes crossing the line first moving onto the next round. The finals pit the top-four athletes battling it out for the finish.

Sweden’s Lina Andersson was the fastest woman on skis today. After leading the pack in qualifications, Andersson sprinted her way through the heats to the top step on the podium. Two Finnish skiers battled it out for second and third place. Kirsi Voelimaa grabbed the silver medal, while Virpi Kuitunen settled for the bronze.

Beckie Scott’s teammates, Sara Renner of Canmore, Alta. and Milaine Theriault of St. Quentin, N.B., also hit the start line. Renner narrowly missed qualifying for the round of 16, finishing in 17th spot, while Theriault was 24th.

Meanwhile, Norway absolutely dominated the men’s sprint in Finland, not only completing the podium sweep, but also grabbing the top-five spots in the competition. When the battle finally came to a close, it was Boerre Naess who came out on top. His teammates, Tor Arne Hetland and Eldar Roenning, finished second and third respectively.

Despite narrowly missing the mark to qualify for the head-to-head heats, Canadian World Cup rookie, Devon Kershaw of Sudbury, Ont., continued to prove he is capable of sprinting with the world’s elite men. The 22-year-old finished 17th and was the top Canadian. Other Canadian men’s results included: George Grey of Rossland, B.C. in 50th, while Drew Goldsack of Red Deer, Alta. was 55th.

“It was a pretty good day for Beckie (Scott) and Sara (Renner), and very good for Devon (Kershaw) so we are happy,” said Dave Wood, head coach, Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team. “Beckie always likes to have a run at the podium, but I think the entire team is getting a little road weary, so it is difficult for them to be at their best at this time of year.”

The Canadian squad will wax up the skis again on Sunday when the men and women compete in a 15- and 10-kilometre skate race respectively.