December 08, 2012 (Quebec City, QC) – December 08, 2012 (Quebec City, QC) – Sweden’s big guns were firing on all cylinders as Emil Joensson took the gold and Teodor Peterson the silver in the men’s 1.6km FR final race of a superb weekend of racing in Quebec City. The USA’s Andy Newell made the final as a lucky loser in his fast semi-final heat but wasn’t able to get to the front during the men’s final and finished a fine 5th, his best result in the past three years. With snow falling throughout today’s racing conditions were slower making it tougher on competitors.

“I felt great today and was disappointed yesterday that we didn’t make the final [Team Sprint]. Today was a crazy race,” said Newell. “It was great to see and hear so many American fans and probably the coolest sprint I’ve ever done. It was incredible to have so much crowd noise for the Americans.”

Alexey Petukhov, the lone Russian speedster in the final was looking like a contender for the win until the skiers hit the finishing straight and then the Swedes put the hammer down. Joensson’s impressive win streak in Canada dates back to 2008.

“We have a strong team and good guys,” said Joensson. It is good to train together and we push each other in training. It is not time relax, the fight on top is tough. There are many skiers and nations out there. I want to train hard and be in even better shape.”

Canada’s Alex Harvey was the lone Canuck to advance with Newell to the heats but was eliminated in his quarterfinal placing 5th in his heat ending the day in 21st position. Fans were hoping for more fire from the Canadian team who came close with Jesse Cockney placing a strong 32nd while the USA’s Simi Hamilton was 33rd followed by Canada’s Devon Kershaw in 34th.

“It was fun out there but I’m not a pure sprinter like the others. I’m a distance skier and the team sprint is a better fit with more racing involved… so while the others are getting tired I’m just warming up,” commented Harvey. “It’s awesome to be racing at home, the crowds are great for all of us.”

Kershaw was disappointed explaining that he didn’t execute well telling Trax. “I was close to falling twice on my first lap and you can’t make mistakes like that on a course like this with soft snow. Yesterday was better and I wish we could have had a better result. The atmosphere here is great, Quebec fans are awesome.”

Justin Wadsworth, head coach, Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team knew the crowd and the team wanted more. “The team is obviously a bit disappointed because they wanted to do well in front of the crowd here in Quebec, but that is sport, and there are a lot of variables that come into play. I know the team is all in great shape, and our goal this year is still focused on the World Championships,” he commented.

While Harvey was out early Newell skied well in his quarterfinal leading the entire time until the end when Peterson passed him for the win. In his semi Newell was near the front but couldn’t find space to jet through to the finishing straight ending up 4th. But his heat was clearly the fastest as he and Joeri Kindschi (Sui) made the final.

“Our semi was fast so I knew my skis were running well and my body felt good. In the final I was fourth coming down the finishing straight and tried to put a move in to move up but caught some snow and that was it,” added Newell.

But it was Sweden’s day as Joensson took the bit in his mouth and skied for the victory making up for his crash in the team sprint yesterday to claim the prize. His teammate Peterson was close behind in second edging out Petukhov who settled for third.

All in all a superb day of racing for fans and skiers who raved about the course, the fans and the organization of Quebec City’s first World Cup.

Full results HERE.