CROSS-COUNTRY:

Nordic Notepad: Canadians set relay strategy

Feb. 10, 2010 — SRC Staff Report         ►Photo: Race action (John Evely, SRC)

Join the SRC fun on Facebook

Wednesday is the big day. Starting at 11:15 a.m., the men’s 4x10 kilometre “traditional” relay is for many countries the marquee event of the entire Winter Olympics schedule. The weather has turned at Whistler Olympic Park; heavy snow fell all day Tuesday and will continue Wednesday. This will make the waxing and ski selection for the first two legs, which are classic, a significant factor in the race.

It is an especially big day for the Canadian team, and for Canadian race fans. Many have been anticipating this day for more than a year, since four men gelled at last year’s World Championship as a legitimate contender. But the results this week have heightened expectations tremendously; the men’s team looks like a good shot for a medal. Race orders were posted Tuesday night, giving ski fans a glimpse into Canadian strategy. 

In a somewhat surprising twist, George Grey will ski the anchor leg for the Canadians. Grey, who until this week has not had international results as consistent as the other men, has traditionally skied the second leg. Devon Kershaw will start the race; he is strong in the scramble and can consistently push the pace in the front group. Alex Harvey will ski second; while Harvey might have the strongest finish of the four, a very strong second leg could be the strategy for the Canadians, if they wish to gap other teams, including the dangerous Norwegian team. Ivan Babikov will ski third, the perfect position for him; the third man needs to be able to dig deep and work hard to set up or maintain position.

The fourth leg, the anchor, generally requires strategy and a terrific finish kick. Grey has not displayed a terrific kick in international competition; however, it is difficult to tell which athletes are tired, and which feel the strongest.

Based on the past week, the Canadians will see stiff competition from the Swedes, who can also field a strong and consistent team. The Germans will be strong, but have at least one weaker, unproven skier. Norway’s distance skiers are not having a strong Olympics, yet will be closely watched by the other nations. Russia and Italy could also put together strong and consistent teams.

Assuming all the men continue to feel strong, the coaching staff could be attempting to push the pace early and break away. On paper, and based on the past week’s results, only Sweden could stay with Canada over four legs of strong skiing. Forming a break early, if Norway could not hold the pace, would negate the most dangerous finish man in skiing today, Petter Northug, who showed his incredible kick in the team sprint. The risk of the Canadian strategy is that the race stays together for a group finish, in which case Canada will not field a man with a proven finish kick.

However, the past few relays have come down to front groups of two or three; if this remains the same Wednesday, Canada could be attempting to put itself into medal contention as a priority, regardless of the colour.  SRC