November 27, 2006 -The Finnish and Norwegian athletes mounted the top step of the podium in the men’s and women’s distance events in Kuusamo, Finland on Sunday.

Norway’s Eldar Roenning handily captured the men’s title in the 15 kilometre classic event, and the third World Cup victory of his career, while Virpi Kuitunen gave the hometown crowd something to cheer about as she stepped onto the podium for the second time in as many days, winning the women’s 10 kilometre classic race.

Devon Kershaw, of Sudbury, Ont., continues to lead the Canucks through the trails of barren mid-Europe, which is lacking snow as a result of mild and dry weather conditions. Kershaw finished as the top Canadian in 43rd spot, after posting a time of 40:45.4. The Canadian team continues to struggle to put together a complete race in the early season.

“We just haven’t been able to find the fight in us the last couple of days,” said Dave Wood, head coach, Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team, who leads a young squad beginning a new era without veterans Beckie Scott and Sara Renner. “I think it is definitely a new beginning for our young team, but they know they can compete with the best. We may be a little tired, but we’re optimistic that we can turn this thing around.”

Norway’s Eldar Roenning won the gold in the men’s competition after setting the time-to-beat at 38:35.2. Vincent Vittoz, of France, was second at 38:51.1, while Sweden’s Anders Soedergren rounded out the top three with a time of 38:53.5.

George Grey, of Rossland, B.C., was the only other Canadian in the men’s field, and finished 71st (41:57.5).

Two Canadians also suited up in the women’s 10-kilometre classic race. Montreal’s Dasha Gaiazova was the first maple leaf-clad female to cross the line, stopping the clock at 31:30.0 and 61st spot. Olympic gold medallist, Chandra Crawford, of Canmore, Alta., was in 72nd (32:50.0).

Finland’s Virpi Kuitunen stole the show on home snow, winning the gold medal with a time of 28:01.2. Norway’s Marit Bjoergen hopped onto the podium for the second straight day, winning the silver medal (28:45.3), while Kristina Smigun of Estonia was third at 28:50.4.

Cross Country Canada is the governing body of cross-country skiing in Canada. Its 45,000 members are athletes, coaches and officials, including members of the Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team and Canadian Disabled Cross-Country Ski Team. Cross-country skiing is Canada’s optimal winter sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually.


Complete Results: www.fis-ski.com <http://www.fis-ski.com>

Top-5 Men and Canadian Results:
1.Eldar Roenning, NOR, 38:35.2; 2. Vincent Vittoz, FRA, 38:51.1; 3. Anders Soedergren, SWE, 38:53.5; 4. Mathias Fredriksson, SWE, 39:02.7; 5. Jaak Mae, EST, 39:04.7. Canadian Results: 43. Devon Kershaw, Sudbury, Ont., 40:45.4; 71. George Grey, Rossland, B.C., 41:57.5.

Top-5 Women and Canadian Results:
1. Virpi Kuitunen, FIN, 28:01.2; 2. Marit Bjoergen, NOR, 28:45.3; 3. Kristina Smigun, EST, 28:50.4; 4. Katerina Neumannova, CZE, 28:52.5; 5. Vibeke Skofterud, NOR, 29:58.9. Canadian Results: 61. Dasha Gaiazova, Montreal, 31:30.0; 72. Chandra Crawford, Canmore, Alta., 32:50.0.