Cross-country skier Antoine Cyr reached the quarter-finals of the classic sprint on Saturday and found himself in a particularly tough wave at the World Cup in Lahti, Finland.
Once qualifying is complete, competitors take turns selecting the group in which they wish to race in the quarter-finals. From 11th to first, then from 12th to 30th.
Ranked 29th in this round, Antoine Cyr was not spoiled for choice.
At his side, on the starting line, were preparing in particular the world champion and Olympic champion Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, the vice-world champion in sprint Paal Golberg, as well as the Italian Federico Pellegrino, several times medalist at the Olympic Games and at the World Championships.
“All the waves were full except one, which was clearly the strongest!” At the end of the line, these are just names. Yes, they are the best in our sport right now, but you can’t let that determine whether you’re going to have a good race or not,” Antoine Cyr shared with Sportcom.
Pellegrino is also one of only two skiers to defeat Klaebo in a sprint format event this season. A feat he was unable to repeat on Saturday. This time, the Norwegian beat him and reached the semi-finals, as did the Czech Ondrej Cerny, also from this group. Cyr finished fifth (0.80 seconds) to end the day in 29th place, like in qualifying.
“I tried to follow my game plan and do my race. It went well overall, but I made some strategic mistakes. I’m still happy with my form and the way I skied,” added the Gatineau resident.
“For a race at the end of the season, I’m quite satisfied. I had a good wave against guys who were stronger than me today. I’m learning, but I would also like to be at a little higher level and I think that’s coming. I’m making good progress and it’s really encouraging. »
In the grand final, Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo of Norway beat Sweden’s Calle Halfvarsson (0.75 seconds) and Erik Valnes (0.93 seconds), also from Norway.
The only Canadian in action in the women’s event, Katherine Stewart-Jones finished 39th in qualifying on Saturday.
Kristine Stavaas Skistad of Norway has won her fourth straight victory in as many races since finishing fifth in the World Championships. She had the last laugh over Sweden’s Jonna Sundling (0.13 seconds) and Norway’s Tiril Udnes Wen (6.55 seconds) in the final.
Antoine Cyr and Katherine Stewart-Jones will both be in the 20k classic style mass start on Sunday. They will be joined by Olivier Léveillé and Liliane Gagnon.