March 16, 2012 (Falun, Sweden) – It was Canada Day in Falun, Sweden, as Alex Harvey entered the record books nailing his first World Cup gold, while team mate Devon Kershaw grabbed third as he clinched second place overall, for a historic first-ever men’s WCup podium featuring two Canucks.

The feat was even more special for Alex, 23, as his father, the legendary Pierre Harvey, who won his first of three WCups in Falun in 1987, was on site to watch his son race and win in Europe for the first time.

“It’s really a special day for me – everything was perfect. Winning my first individual World Cup on the same course where my dad’s first win was in 1987 is a dream come true – and to share it with Devon on the podium you couldn’t ask for more,” said an ebullient Harvey post race. “We train together every day. We share rooms together on the road, and we are great friends. We are never satisfied and always want more. It is just really special.”

Kershaw was somewhat speechless at first recognizing the huge goals the team has achieved this season starting with his team mate’s first World Cup win. “We knew it was coming… I’m really happy for Alex. He’s only 23-years-old with a huge career ahead of him.

“For me to clinch second overall still hasn’t quite sunk in. Dario Cologna (SUI) has had a season like never before with 19 podiums, it’s never been done before and to be second behind him…I’m lost for words which is rare for me.”

The Canucks have been on fire this season now with 12 podiums rivaling 2006 when Beckie Scott and Sara Renner lead the team and lit up the Canadian sky with 17 podiums (15 WCups + two Olympic medals). Scott is the only other Canadian cross-country skier to finish in the top-three in the overall World Cup standings when she also finished second in 2006.

Then it was the women, now it’s the men a testimony to a strong and evolving Canadian program that is recognized world wide as an emerging powerhouse.

“The team has come together so well this season – this is as good as it gets,” said Head Coach Justin Wadsworth. “it’s so rewarding to see everyone pull together. When Devon and Alex had tough days recently Len [Valjas] came to the table with two medals and the women’s team have also won medals and are skiing hard.”

Pierre Harvey was basking in a father’s glory revisiting the site of his first World Cup victory and meeting old friends who have followed his son’s success.

“For sure it’s a proud feeling to see Alex win. We didn’t know and of course I’m here hoping for it but it’s like that every race no matter where he is,” Harvey Sr. explained. “Every weekend he’s racing we think maybe it’ll be this one. With so many guys wanting the same thing we know it’s not easy and you have to be patient… now it’s happened and I’m lucky to be here to share it with him and the team.

“The Canadian program has come a long way. Having two Olympics in Canada has helped bring money and strength to the sport with solid coaching and support. We’ve seen great things from the women Beckie, Sara, Chandra and now it’s the men’s turn – two Canadians on the same podium and Devon second overall is unbelievable. I always tell Alex he’s lucky to be on the team now with such a great program and talented team mates. They’re all fighters.”

The gold medal winner Harvey from St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que., was so pumped when he found out he won that he ran over and hugged his dad, “… and Devon who was also right there. The wax techs were all there and the whole team was so excited. It is so special.”

The gold was Harvey’s sixth medal in his career and the third this season – he won silver in the 15-kilometre classic-ski race at the Tour de Ski in January and bronze earlier this month in the WCup Skiathlon in Lahti, Finland.

In a recent interview with Trax Harvey talked about the ups and downs during the season. “I felt great before the 50km CL in Oslo but on race-day my legs were heavy, yet just the previous week I was third on the podium. It’s hard to know how you’ll be on race day so you just keep going and going for it.”

Today was clearly Harvey’s day. “I have had some great races this year, but also some real challenging one’s too,” said Harvey. “I always believed in myself and believed I could win.”

The 29-year-old Kershaw has earned two gold and three bronze medals for a remarkable season to date and unofficially has second-place locked up making him the most successful Canadian men’s cross-country skier in the history of the sport.

“Alex winning today just made this a magical day all-around for our whole team. To be second in the overall is hard for me to process right now with two races still to go,” added Kershaw. “But it’s a testimony to our great team and Justin and everyone who has believed in me.

“One day a Canadian will win the overall. Success breads success and another dream I’d like to see come true is a Canadian man standing on an Olympic  podium.”

Sochi is not for away…

Full results HERE.
Results detail HERE.
WCup Overall standings HERE.