Cross-country world champion Harvey eager for chance to end World Cup at home
QUEBEC — Ending the season at home was an unexpected bonus for Alex Harvey and the rest of Canada’s cross-country skiing team.
Harvey, from Saint- Ferreol-Les-Neiges, north of Quebec City, will be the star attraction for the World Cup finals that begin Friday on the Plains of Abraham in the centre of the city.
The three-day meet was originally to be held in Tyumen, Russia, but organizers gave it up after six Russian cross country skiers were suspended for doping violations. Quebec City beat out two other bidders and will be the host of World Cup races for the third time since 2012.
Harvey, crowned 50-kilometre world champion on March 5 in Finland, hopes the home crowd backing will help put him back on the podium and secure third place in men’s overall standings.