All eyes will be on Laurent Dubreuil and American phenom Jordan Stolz on Saturday when the first 500m of the World Cup is shown, but Cédrick Brunet will come out big.
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Brunet will try to qualify for the distance world championships, which take place March 15-18 in Calgary.
The fastest Canadian skater behind Dubreuil gets the final pass, as Canada only has two participants.
“Since the beginning of the season, the goal has always been to qualify for the World Championships and I have done everything I can to become a better athlete,” Brunet said. I will start with the same mood as I would at any other race, without putting any additional pressure on myself.”
“My job is to run well and finish behind Laurent to chase Brunet. The ice advantage never lies and I feel more confident.”
Brunet was banned from the World Cup in both the winter of 2023 and the fall, earning his spot for the Salt Lake City and Quebec stages.
“It was difficult at the time, but I had to progress and become stronger and more durable,” he explained. My work has paid off and I need to continue to develop my consistency. I also became a better athlete off the ice, which helped me. I am a much more balanced athlete now. When I’m not at the oval, I have to find something else to think about besides skating.”
In addition to Brunet, we find the other Canadians Anders Johnson, Yankun Zhao and Joshua Telizyn in Group B, who will fight for a place in the World Championship.
“Give a show”
Antoine Gélinas-Beaulieu will also make his debut on Saturday and will be in action in the mass start. He is very excited to perform in Quebec.
“I enjoy running my own business and traveling often is hard on my morale,” he said. As I drove to the oval I practically had tears in my eyes. It’s only positive to skate at home.”
Gélinas-Beaulieu is confident.
“I always do better at home,” he said. The audience has a big influence on me and I want to put on a good show. I will show my joy and leave everything on hold.”