March 11, 2007 – Canada’s elite cross-country skiers are struggling to get re-energized for the World Cup following a challenging series of World Championship races which wrapped up last week.

With some of the athletes down with illness, and others just flat-out tired, Canada raced Devon Kershaw and Stefan Kuhn in the men’s 15-kilometre classic in Lahti, Finland on Sunday.

Kershaw, of Sudbury, Ont., led the way for the Canadians after finishing in 35th with a time of 42 minutes 41.2 seconds, while Edmonton’s Kuhn was 52nd at 43:50.8. “We are really flat and tired coming off of the World Championships and trying to get back into racing shape,” said Dave Wood, head coach, Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team. “This was a medium day for Devon. He is tired and we can’t expect much more from him right now until we get some time to regroup.”

Norway’s Odd Bjoern Hjelmeset was the first to cross the line with a time of 39:51.7, while his teammate, Eldar Roenning, was second at 40:17.8. Germany’s Tobias Angerer rounded out the podium after stopping the clock at 40:18.4.

None of the Canadian women suited up for the distance races in Finland.

Complete Results: www.fis-ski.com

Top-5 Men and Canadian Results:

1.Odd Bjoern Hjelmeset, NOR, 39:51.7; 2. Eldar Roenning, NOR, 40:17.8; 3. Tobias Angerer, GER, 40:18.4; 4. Frode Estil, NOR, 40:22.3; 5. Jack Mae, NOR, 40:44.0.