February 26, 2008 (Mals, Italy) – Canada’s Alex Harvey won silver at Monday’s 10km classic race at the 2008 Nordic Junior/U23 Worlds in the Italian Alps. Harvey was only 8.2 seconds off the pace set by winner, Hans Christer Holund of Norway who clocked 28:50.3. This is the first time that a Canadian male has won silver at the Nordic Junior Worlds and the first time any Canadian has won two medals at these championships (Harvey won bronze in 2007). The only other Canadian to win a medal (silver) at this event was Marie-Josée Pépin in 1989. SkiTrax caught up with the 19-year-old Harvey of Quebec City to find out how it feels to win silver.

Congratulations Alex – tell us about the race. Did you start too fast?
Alex Harvey: I started conservatively and was 8 seconds behind the leader at the 1km mark. I was skiing with bib number #1. At 3km, I upped the tempo and by 5km was 14 seconds ahead of the next closest skier and 15 seconds ahead [of winner Holund]. Then I started to have issues with my left leg which has been afflicted with a circulation problem since May 2007. I was 22 seconds ahead of the Norwegian at the 7km mark, but completely lost my lead over the last 3km. I paid for speeding up too early but don’t really believe that was an error. I didn’t know really how I would place in the end but felt pretty good at that point.

You finished second in the 10km classic, but aren’t you stronger in freestyle?
AH: The next race is a mass start where I am simply going to content myself with following for the first few kilometres and then see how I feel. Yes, I prefer skating [freestyle] and this is encouraging.

Do you expect to be on the podium again in the coming days?
AH: This year I prepared myself for the Junior World Championships. This was central to my plans and I am sure I’ve never skied as well as this year. I feel that I have a chance at making the podium in all the races and winning gold on a good day. I came pretty close to winning gold yesterday. Tomorrow I will once again have bib #1. I feel at the top of my game and know that I can reach the podium. I will need super good skis and a bit of luck because a mass start often finishes in a sprint.

Fred Touchette also did well in the 10km. What do you think of the abilities of Kevin Sandau and Len Valjas?
AH: I think that all the Canadians here are doing super well. Canada placed four skiers in the top 30 in the sprint and in the 10km and I don’t think that’s ever been seen before! Kevin [Sandau] is a strong distance skier and he cinched 21st worldwide. Len [Valjas] does well in sprints and in distance where he finished 27th and 28th respectively. (note: Touchette placed 17th in the 10km classic with a time of 30:13:8.)

Any comments to add on the rest of the competition?
AH: I am really looking forward to the 20km freestyle event (on Wed.) but I am also very eager for Friday’s relay.

We wish you and your team mates the best!
AH: Thanks