December 28, 2013 – Lenny Valjas will not race at the Tour de Ski and is returning to Canada according to a Dec. 27 posting on the Cross Country Canada web site due to continued problems with his knee following his operation in August. With the Sochi Games so close it’s too risky to have his knee blow up completely. SkiTrax spoke with Head Coach Justin Wadsworth yesterday who confirmed the on-going difficulties and possibly not racing Valjas – listen to our interview here.

Pundits now wonder how this will affect Canada’s team relay opportunities, and about the decision for Valjas to have his operation so close to the start of the season leaving little time for recovery and training if any problems came up. The USA’s Noah Hoffman, who suffered from shoulder problems, opted for an April operation and seems to be on form as this all-important Olympic season is underway. SkiTrax will continue to monitor this situation and wishes Valjas a speedy recovery with his rehab.

Read the CCC posting here.