March 16, 2011 (Canmore, AB. ) – Daria Gaiazova and Len Valjas wasted little time making their mark at the Haywood Ski Nationals after returning back to Alberta from the World Cup on Monday evening. The two members of the National Ski Team won the Teck sprint races on Wednesday at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

The 27-year-old Gaiazova, of Banff, Alta.,fought off a hard-charging Olympic gold medallist in Chandra Crawford, of Canmore, Alta., to win the women’s classic-sprint title on the 1.2-kilometre track. Gaiazova and Crawford teamed up to win a bronze medal at a World Cupsprint relay earlier this year.

With Crawford claiming the silver medal, it was Jennie Bender of the United States who prevented the podium sweep by locking up the bronze step on the podium.

In the men’s race Toronto’s Len Valjas completed his breakthrough season by winning his first national title. The 22-year-old took on some of the nation’s best sprinters and led them through the 1.4-kilometre loop of the spectacular Canmore Nordic Centre to the top of the podium.

Valjas, who is a sprinting specialist, has had a stellar season. One of the youngest on the World Cup circuit, Valjas finished ninth at a World Cup in Drammen, Norway, seventh at the Under-23 World Championships and 15th at the World Championships.

Calgary’s Brent McMurtry locked up second spot, while Stefan Kuhn, of Canmore, Alta., claimed the bronze medal.

The Haywood Ski Nationals will wrap up on Saturday for the elite category with the 30- and 50-kilometre races.

Full results HERE.

Results (brief)

Women
1. Daria Gaiazova, Banff, Alta.
2. Chandra Crawford, Canmore, Alta.
3. Jennie Bender, USA
4. Andrea Dupont, Canmore,Alta.
5. Alysson Marshall, Salmon Arm, B.C.

Men
1. Len Valjas, Toronto
2. Brent McMurtry,Calgary
3. Stefan Kuhn, Canmore, Alta.
4. Jesse Cockney, Calgary
5. George Grey, Rossland, B.C