March 18, 2006 – In the final team events of the World Cup season Devon Kershaw and George Grey finished seventh and Sara Renner and Chandra Crawford finished ninth in Sapporo Japan.

The men’s skating event ended up in a photo finish with Italy’s Cristian Zorzi edging out Norway’s Eider Roenning for first, with Germany third. In a fine performance, the Canadian team were with the lead group in the middle sections of the race but faded to 7th at the end, just 13 seconds off the lead and a second behind France. Men’s results: http://www.fis-ski.com/pdf/2006/CC/2519/2006CC2519RL.pdf

Both Beckie Scott and Marit Bjoergan sat out the team sprints to save their energy for the race that would decide the overall World Cup winner on Sunday.

The race was a comfortable victory for the German team of Evi Sachenbacher and Claudia Kuenzel, with Finland edging Sweden in a sprint to the finish for second place. Canada were among the leaders over the first two laps but finished 42 seconds back and in ninth place. Women’s results: http://www.fis-ski.com/pdf/2006/CC/2518/2006CC2518RL.pdf

The World Cup season wraps up Sunday, with the individual pursuit events as Beckie challenges for the overall World Cup title and the rest of the Canadian team looking to add to their World Cup medal haul.

Results when available: http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/1228.html?event_id=17009