January 21, 2011 (Harrachov, CZE) – The breaking news from the Nordic Combined Continental Cup at Harrachov, Czech Republic is for one Canada athlete. Wes Savill, placed 10th today and in doing so qualified to represent Canada in NCombined at the FIS World Nordic Championships in Oslo in a month’s time. Savill has been with the Canadian National Team since 2005.

Head Coach Scott Johnstone said he was thrilled. “The Canadian Team hit a few milestones today and we are very pleased with the results. Wes officially qualified for World championships in Oslo while having a personal best. It was his first time in the top ten – he had the 3rd fastest ski time skiing from 24th to 10th. It was a solid jump but a great race for him.”

Sebastien Dandurand also had a best ever finish in a COC placing 38th. Following his jump he was 52nd and passed 14 skiers clocking the 18th fastest time. Sebastien commented post race, “I was racing for points and didn’t quite get there. There is another event tomorrow and I’ll get another shot”. Reflecting upon his day Savill said, “I felt strong and fit, I was really pleased with the way I skied today. I know my jumping still needs a little bit of work so I am not entirely satisfied”.

Both Savill and Dandurand ski for the famed Aktius Nordic Ski Club out of Calgary. Savill is on Karhu (skis), Alpina (boots), Yoko (poles) and CEP compression socks. Dandurand uses Alpina (boots), Yoko (poles) and CEP compression socks.

The winner of today’s jumping competition was Tomaz Druml (AUT) followed by the USA’s Taylor Fletcher in second with Thomas Kjelbotn (NOR) in third.

Full results HERE.