Pontresina, SUI-Beckie Scott quickly found her way back onto an international podium after winning an invitational sprint event in Pontresina, Switzerland on Wednesday.
The event, which included the best cross-country skiers from Canada, Germany and Switzerland, was held in the downtown streets of Pontresina. The Canadian Team participated in the event due to a two-week break in World Cup action.
Scott of Vermilion, Alta., who has had solid results since returning to the World Cup circuit in January, posted the fastest qualifying time heading into the final heats which consist of four athletes racing head-to-head on the 1.1 kilometre track. The top-two athletes in each heat move on to the next round.
“It was a very successful day on a good, solid sprint course,” said Scott, who cruised her way to the finals. “It was a great measuring stick for me leading into World Championships against a very talented field of athletes.”
Scott’s Olympic and World Cup teammate, Sara Renner of Canmore, Alta., also had a successful day. Renner powered through the heats until the semifinals where she finished out of the top two. However, the two-time Olympian quickly rebounded to win the consolation final and finish fifth.
Edmonton’s Tara Whitten, who is enjoying her rookie season on the World Cup, also competed in the women’s event on Wednesday, and finished 15th.
Drew Goldsack of Red Deer, Alta. was the top Canuck in the men’s division after winning the consolation final.
“Things went really well for me today and it was definitely my kind of course with tight corners and really fast conditions,” said Goldsack. “I have had a tough year so this will help my confidence. It is fun to be here with the Canadian team and to see us do well as a group is really encouraging.”
Complete results of the Switzerland International Invitational event can be found at http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/1228.html?event_id=15410&cal_suchsector=CC
Source: Cross Country Canada
