December 28, 2013 (Oberhof, GER) – It only took Alex Harvey and Devon Kershaw 9 minutes to turn the tables on the Canadian team’s lacklustre start to the season as they stormed the 4.5km men’s Prologue FR at the Tour de Ski in Oberhof today with an outstanding historic 1-2 podium finish. In third was Norway’s Chris Jespersen.

Historic men's TdS Prologue podium (l-r) Kershaw 2nd, Harvey 1st, Jespersen 3rd © Nordic Focus

It was truly a memorable day as it’s the first time ever that Canada has finished one-two at an elite international cross-country skiing event. Harvey will also join Kikkan Randall as only the second North American, and the first man, to wear the Tour de Ski leader’s jersey at tomorrow’s skate sprint.

It was the second World Cup victory for Harvey in addition to his FIS Nordic World Championship title with Kershaw in 2010 when they also became the first Canucks to stand on top of an xc podium at the FIS Nordic Worlds. The day also marked the second time that Harvey and Kershaw have shared the podium at a World Cup – the last time was in 2012 at the finals in Falun, Sweden when Harvey won the Prologue and Kershaw was 3rd. That year Kershaw finished second overall and won Canada’s first sprint gold World Cup medal.

“It feels so good to be back on the podium after a slower start to the season,” said 25-year-old Harvey to Trax post race. “The strategy was like any prologue to pace it a bit early on, build up a good speed and then push it in the final loop. I felt good and the body was able to go deep in the end. I felt like the course held up better than last year as well.

“My training has felt good, but I have not been able to confirm those good feelings during the races this year. To do that today is a huge relief for me and the entire program.”

Alex Harvey (CAN) on his way to winning his second World Cup race © Nordic Focus file photo

“It is so good be on the podium today and especially to share it with a teammate. It is just awesome for the whole team. You need these results for the whole team, including the staff who are working so hard, because everyone needs to be rewarded,” he added – full interview here.

Kershaw, who set the best time that none could match until his teammate Harvey put down the hammer, was feeling more like his old self but even with all of his experience he finds the sport enigmatic at times.

“This is huge today,” said Kershaw, who finished second overall on the World Cup in 2012. “After a difficult season last year, and a vicious start this year, this came as a big surprise today. I’m still pretty shocked.” The was struggling to crack the top-half of the results this year so their stellar day was as a welcome reprieve.

“I have had good feelings in training, but they have been night and day when I have been racing,” continued Kershaw. “I had good feelings again this morning warming up. I said to myself that if these feelings don’t relay into racing today then I don’t understand this sport at all. This such a huge relief for all of us.”

Devon Kershaw skis his way on to a historic podium again... © Nordic Focus

“I love the Tour de Ski. I think it is the coolest event of the year that showcases so many different strengths,” added Kershaw. “This is my eighth time doing this and it is pretty special for me to win my 15th World Cup podium today. To do that with Alex and finishing one-two is amazing. That has never happened in Canadian cross-country skiing history.” full interview here.

Andy Newell lead the Americans in 20th while Ivan Babikov improved his personal best time in the Prologue by finishing 26th. He was followed by the USA’s Simi Hamilton in 42nd with Noah Hoffman finishing 82nd.

Andrew Newell (USA) © Nordic Focus

Sadly the fourth team member Lenny Valjas is heading home for rehab to his knee which is not going well following his operation in August.

“It’s best for Len to be in Canmore now and get the best care he can for Sochi. We thought about Davos as an option to minimize his travel time but the best option at this point is to access our first class facilities and trails at home to give him the best shot to compete at the Games,” said Head Coach Justin Wadsworth.

“Alex and Devon have proven what we always knew and did an amazing job today – it’s a big lift for the team and reassures us that we’re on the right track and can take this going forward to build on. Ivan and the girls also had a good day on the skis so we’re looking forward to staying on track,” he concluded – full interview here.

Full results here.