December 07, 2012 (Quebec City, QC) – The men’s Team Sprint 1.6km x 6 races also proved a nail-biter as Kazhakstan for a first-ever victory. The duo of Denis Volotka and Nikolay Chebotoko, displayed a punishing final kick to take the win over the Russian team of Nikita Kriukov and Alexet Petukhov. Norway skied to third with the squad of Anders Gloeersen and Eirik Bransdal. Norway 2 finished in fourth with Canada 5th.

The Canadian crowd was solidly behind local fav Alex Harvey and Canmore’s Devon Kershaw, and they were right near or in the front for much of the race. That is until Harvey collided with Swedish star, Emil Joensson, who crashed on the final leg. Harvey tried to get around Joensson but it all happened too quick and the move forced Harvey into the course fencing for a brief moment, breaking his stride.

“I knew right there it was done. When your hand touches the snow in sprint racing the gap is just too big to make up,” said Harvey. “That is sprint racing. The Swedes are two of the best out here and you never would expect him to go down, but there is nothing you can do. You need to find your luck in sprinting.”

“There is a lot of big guys out here racing with not much space, and there is a lot of knocking around that goes on so crashes happen,” said Kershaw. “Everyone out here wants to win, but we really wanted to win today. It is too bad, but you just can’t go down in sprinting.”

Their fifth place was a testament to never giving up, and the crowd seemed to understand that that’s what racing is all about. Canada 2 also made it into the big show with an able effort from Jesse Cockney and the thumb-injured Len Valjas.

“The snow was really soft so it separated the pack. It is a fun course that makes you work the whole way,” commented the lanky Valjas. “It was so loud out there. Especially going around the corners you could hear people screaming in yourear.”

Neither the USA men or the Austrians advanced beyond the semi-finals, but the team of Andy Newell and Simi Hamilton gave it a good solid shot in the qualifies, that was indeed impressive

We caught up with Newell for his prespective of the day. “I thought today on the team sprint we showed some promise. I personally felt really good so I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s individual. In the relay Simi and I were able to be relaxed and make some good tags and stay up front and out if trouble.

“It was my goal to tag Simi near the front of the pack for his last lap but we weren’t able to do it. In the end we just lost too many spots. The soft conditions and windy track made it really hard to pass and I fought as hard as I could for the 6th place spot but in the end it was just a few seconds from being the lucky loser,” said Newell.

“Despite not being in the final,” Newell concluded, “It was an awesome race. This is the closest thing to a home World Cup we’ve ever had and there are so many Americans trail side and so many friends and family it’s a really special event.”

All eyes will be on the individual sprint World Cup Saturday here in a city that has embraced this event, in a heart-warming and memorable fashion that’s full of delicious Nordic spirit.

“It was absolutely incredible how many people came out here today on a Friday afternoon of a work day,” said Kershaw. “Quebec is the most passionate cross-country ski fans in the country. It was so impressive to see all of those people out there today. Alex showed everyone he is in phenomenal shape, and I fully expect him to be on the podium tomorrow.”

Full results HERE.