February 22, 2008 (Malles, Italy) – The 2008 FIS Nordic Cross Country Ski Junior/U23 World Championships start tomorrow – Feb. 23-29 – and SkiTrax caught up with Alex Harvey, a leading member of the Canadian team, to find out how he views the event. Harvey came to Europe in January expecting to compete at this event in Poland in early February. But a lack of snow there forced the 2008 Nordic Junior/U23 Worlds to be rescheduled and relocated. In the meantime, Harvey, 19, has been competing in various senior World Cups in Europe.

SkiTrax: How did you do competing at a senior level against the world’s best skiers?
Alex Harvey: I’ve had some good world cups, but nothing more. I guess I was a bit tired. I’ve been resting since early this week and feel that I needed that.

You had problems earlier this year with your left leg and were scheduled for surgery. How is it now?”
AH: My leg is still causing me problems but I’ve learned to live it. I will have it operated on when I get back to Canada.”

Do you prefer the short or longer distance races?
AH: I think that my chances are fairly equal in all races. If I’m having a good day, I should be able to do well in any race.

Who are the other Canadians to watch for?
AH: Fred (Touchette) is in good shape and Julien (Nury) is very fast in a sprint. I’m less sure about Len (Valjas) and Kevin (Sandau) because I haven’t trained with them.

What is the race course like in Italy?
AH: Val Venosta reminds me of Tarvisio where the Nordic Junior Worlds were held in 2007 (Harvey won bronze in the 10km freestyle event). It’s a treeless field with long, gentle uphills and downhills. The forecast calls for sunshine and we’re skiing on natural snow.

All the best to you and team over the coming week!
AH: Thanks

Canada’s 2008 Nordic Junior Team

РSt̩phanie Drolet
– Alex Harvey
– Marlis Kromm
– Alysson Marshall
– Julien Nury
– Len Valjas
– Kevin Sandau
– Fred Touchette
– Heidi Widmer

Canada’s 2008 Nordic U23 Team

– Amanda Ammar
– Kate Brennan,
– Chris Butler
– Perianne Jones
– Brent McMurtry
– Pate Neumann