November 17, 2007 (Muonio, Finland) – Canada’s Devon Kershaw served notice to the world that he is ready to challenge the top athletes this season in both short – and long-distance races, after claiming his second straight fourth-place finish in as many days at a World Cup tune-up race in Muonio, Finland.

Coming off a strong performance in Friday’s sprints, the 24-year-old Kershaw finished fourth in the men’s 15 kilometre classic race, which boasted a field of 220 athletes – many who have Olympic, World Cup and World Championship medals.

“This is a great race for Devon against a very strong field so we are extremely happy,” said Dave Wood, head coach of the Canadian team. “Devon has trained very hard throughout the summer and this is a good result that proves he has prepared himself to compete with the best this season.”

Kershaw’s teammates, Drew Goldsack, of Red Deer, Alta., and George Grey, of Rossland, B.C. also competed Saturday in Finland. Grey finished in 42nd spot with a time of 36:50.1, while Goldsack was behind him in 43rd (36:51.8).

Lukas Bauer of the Czech Republic led the pack on Saturday after crossing the line first with a time of 34:47.6. Two Russian skiers, Nikolay Pankratov (35:09.3) and Alexander Legkov (35:11.5) finished second and third respectively.

George Grey will be the lone Canuck in Sunday’s skate distance race in Muonio, Finland.

Cross Country Canada is the governing body of cross-country skiing in Canada. Its 45,000 members are athletes, coaches and officials, including members of the Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team and Canadian ParaNordic Cross-Country Ski Team. Cross-country skiing is Canada’s optimal winter sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually.

For full results click here.

Results (brief)

1. Lukas Bauer, CZE, 34:47.6
2. Nikolay Pankratov, RUS, 35:09.3
3. Alexander Legkov, RUS, 35:11.5
4. Devon Kershaw, Sudbury, Ont., CAN, 35:23.9
5. Alexey Poltaranian, KAZ, 35:29.2

42. George Grey, Rossland, B.C., 36:50.1
43. Drew Goldsack, Red Deer, Alta., 36:51.8