Laurent Dubreuil was surprised by his performance, which allowed him to qualify for the 1000 m World Cup.
At the end of the 500m race, on Thursday in Calgary, during the Canadian Championships, Dubreuil had doubts about his chances of doing well in the 1000m race, but he ultimately finished 2nd behind Connor Howe, who won the race finished with an excellent final lap.
“I was a little worried because I wasn’t fully prepared due to my knee injury,” he explained. I didn’t know my worth and knew the field was strong. This happens to me in my exams, but I’m not used to being underprepared for a race. I was pleasantly surprised.”
This silver medal had greater value than the gold medal from the previous day. “I’m happier than I was on Thursday, even though I didn’t win,” said the 500m vice world champion. I’ve found my speed again and that’s encouraging. After the first lap I believed in my chances of winning, but Connor had a phenomenal final lap. I have rarely seen such a fast time.”
“When I came to Calgary my goal was to qualify for the 1000m World Cup and that mission was accomplished,” Dubreuil added. I still have a month to refine my preparation.”
Dubreuil clocked a time of 1:08:08, compared to 1:07:79 for the Alberta skater. Vincent De Haître completed the podium with a time of 1 minute 08 seconds 31.
A personal victory
Antoine Gélinas-Beaulieu didn’t reach the podium in the 1000 m race, but he achieved a personal victory. He battled severe asthma attacks in the altitude and dry air of Calgary and was in great shape after crossing the finish line.
“It is 1,000 times better than in the past,” said Gélinas-Beaulieu. I had no symptoms. It’s a combination of factors. I am being closely monitored at the Institut de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec (ICPQ) and only arrived in Calgary 48 hours before the races to control the inflammation in my lungs. It’s a victory to breathe so well.”
It’s not set in stone yet, but Gélinas-Beaulieu’s fourth place finish should be enough to open the doors to the World Championship for him. “I only need two duplicates to get into the top 24 of the Speed Skating Canada (SSC) matrix,” he explained. I had a bad start because I was stuck at the start line, but I managed to get back.”
Personal best for Valérie Maltais
Together with Olympic medalist Isabelle Weidemann, Valérie Maltais achieved her best time in her career, finishing 2nd in the 5000m behind the Canadian flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Games. “I didn’t expect to run under 7 minutes,” admitted Maltais. I beat my personal best by two seconds. I was in a good pair and remained confident and patient even when I fell behind.”
Maltais froze the time at 6:58:77, compared to 6:56:28 for Weidemann.