April 21, 2015 (Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC) – SkiTrax was on site at the annual two-day CCSAA Conference held recently at Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC. While the conference is a great way for US and Canadian delegates to network with their colleagues at planned sessions, on-snow clinics and social gatherings, this year participants also got the unique opportunity to meet Canadian XC skiing greats, Alex Harvey and his legendary father, Pierre, who are local and national heroes.

Alex had one of his most successful seasons ever with two historic medals at the Falun 2015 Nordic World Championships along with two earlier podiums, and also told us about his two recent leg surgeries, due to limited blood flow to the Iliac arteries. His first operation for this issue was back in 2008  but it was still affecting his performance, forcing him to compensate with his upper body. The impact wasn’t as big in the classic discipline, but in skating, especially on climbs, he’s had issues. The problem also made running and ski bounding intensity in the summer impossible. His rehab and recovery are going well and Alex plans to be back training by May 1. He also talks about the exciting 8-race Ski Tour Canada coming in 2016.

Pierre spoke with us about how it feels to be the father of such a talented and successful athlete and his pride definitely shines through as well as the pleasure he receives from being able to share a common love of Nordic skiing with his family.