Devon Kershaw double poling in the men's 15km CL in Toblach (ITA) © Nordic Focus

December 21, 2015 (Toblach, Italy) – We caught up with Canadian skier Devon Kershaw after he finished a respectable 28th in the men’s 15km CL on Sunday in Toblach, Italy, round four of the 2015-16 FIS XC Ski World Cup season. Kershaw’s had a decent start to this season following sickness at the end of last season and some tough times over the past two years, and he gives us his perspective as we wind up the first part of the competition period before the holidays with the 10th annual Tour de Ski on the horizon.

Solid day for you and Alex in the points… nice way to finish off before the break.
Devon Kershaw: Yeah, it was great to have Alex and myself in the points to finish off Period #1 on the World Cup for sure. Not the results we were looking for, but not terrible either.

How are you feeling overall?
DK: I am feeling good. I have felt good all of period #1, and to hit the points in all the distance races thus far which feels good. I am not feeling in top shape, that’s for sure – but solid and definitely better than the last two seasons at this time. I hope to build on this throughout the season, but energy is good, motivation and health is good too – so I’m satisfied.

Did today’s race go as planned with conditions and your skis?
DK: The race today went kind of as planned. I was actually planning/wanting to classic ski the race, but testing this morning it was apparent that the classic skis compared to my skate skis were just too slow/draggy. I made the decision there to risk it and try double poling, which I felt was my only chance on the more gradual course here in Toblach. Pacing-wise and expectation-wise I had nothing to base it off having never double poled an entire distance race in my life. So I just started hard and tried my best to hold the technique together. It was a muscular effort, let’s just say that.

Are you happy with your result – what were you shooting for?
DK: Of course for a normal 15km classic, I would not be happy with a 28th place. It’s my favourite event, and I expect more. Yet, since I double poled, and that’s not my strongest technique along with the fact that I’ve never done something like that before, I was actually quite happy to hit the points, and proud of myself. It can be scary to start a distance race with no wax under your feet, but once I made my decision I was all in, and went to the start line with no doubts. It was an experience and I know that I need to work harder in this to be better in double poling. During normal classic races I rely heavily on my striding efficiency and technique, and tend not to double pole as much as others around me – so now I am extra motivated to make a big jump in my DP moving forward.

Tough break yesterday in the sprint with no one qualifying.
DK: Yesterday was really frustrating. Our equipment was terrible and having no one close was really, really disappointing.

What’s your assessment of the first period of racing ?
DK: I am happy enough with how my World Cup period #1 went. I hit the points in all distance races, which is solid. No stand-out results or anything, but I am really proud that I had the guts to try double poling today, and the 30km skate – just starting it, let alone finishing top 20 – was a highlight for me. The two sprints I did not have the equipment to compete, so I know I am stronger than two of my worst World Cup sprint results show. I am looking ahead to the Tour de Ski and beyond. All in all, a good step up from the last two seasons in Period #1, and I feel healthy and better for sure so far this year…with lots of room for improvement.

What happens now and how will you spend the holidays ?
DK: I am here in Livigno, ITA with Alex and his girlfriend for Christmas. Some others (Graeme [Killick], Emily [Nishikawa], and Jess [Cockney]) are in Davos for the holidays and Len [Valjas] is in Italy about 10km from Toblach with his girlfriend. We will all reconvene next week in Switzerland to start the Tour. We decided to prepare at altitude ahead of the Tour, since the first three stages are just so important for the overall, and all occur at altitude this year. It won’t be the most festive holiday season of my life, but after so many years on the road, you’d think I’d get used to it!

All the best and enjoy the break.
DK: Thanks.