November 26, 2004 – Canada’s Sara Renner feels just a stride or two away from moving into the top of the pack on the world’s elite cross-country skiing circuit.
The 28-year-old, of Canmore, Alta., finished 31st in her second World Cup race of the season in Kuusamo, Finland on Friday. Renner, who was just two over two minutes off the leading pace, powered her way over the steep hard climbs plaguing the 10-kilometre Finish track, finishing with a time of 29 minutes three seconds.
“I am feeling much better this week than in my first race last weekend,” said the two-time Olympian, who is the lone Canuck competing in women’s World Cup events until January with Beckie Scott opting to ski on a reduced schedule. “I am a slow starter on the World Cup so right now it is about getting a number of starts behind me. I know I’m ready to move into the top-20 but I have to be patient and it will all come together.”
Leading the charge in the women’s 10-kilometre free technique event loaded with 83 of the top skiers in the world was Katerina Neumannova of the Czech Republic, who set the leading mark at 26:58.1. Kristina Smigun of Estonia locked up the silver medal with a time of 26:59.4, while Natalia Baranova-Masolkina of Russia rounded out the top-three, claiming the bronze medal with a time of 27:05.9.
The World Cup continues on Saturday in Finland. Canada’s George Grey will wear the maple leaf in the men’s 15 kilometre free technique. Both Grey and Renner will hit the start line again on Sunday for the 10 and 15 kilometre classic events. The rest of the Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team, including Beckie Scott, will also compete on the weekend in the Haywood Canada Cup on Silver Star Mountain Resort near Vernon, B.C.
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 Disabled Cross-Country Ski Team. Cross-country skiing is Canada’s optimal winter sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually.

Top-10 Women’s Results (10 kilometre free technique)

1.Katerina Neumannova, CZE, 26:58.1; 2. Kristina Smigun, EST, 26:59.4; 3. Natalia Baranova-Masolkina, RUS, 27:05.9; 4. Marit Bjoergen, NOR, 27:27.4; 5. Claudia Kuenzel, GER, 27:35.4; 6. Julija Tchepalova, RUS, 27:38.1; 7. Riitta Liisa Lassila, FIN, 27:44.2; 8. Valentina Shevchenko, UKR, 27:46.1; 9. Larisa Kurkina, 27:49.2; 10. Hilde G. Pedersen, NOR, 27:53.3.

Canadian Result:

31. Sara Renner, Canmore, Alta., 29:03.0