Antoine Gélinas-Beaulieu showcased his prowess at the Canadian long track championships in Calgary, ending a 19-month hiatus from mass starts. Despite feeling anxious at the start line, the speed skater from Sherbrooke, Que., maintained composure during the 16-lap men’s event. He strategically positioned himself throughout the race and surged ahead in the final sprint, clinching victory in 7:55.88. Jake Weidemann from Ottawa secured second place with a time of 7:55.96, followed by David LaRue from Montreal clocking in at 7:56.43.
Reflecting on his win, Gélinas-Beaulieu expressed satisfaction, mentioning that it had been two years since his last mass start in Calgary, where he won a silver medal at the World Championships. Valérie Maltais from La Baie, Que., dominated the women’s category, leading a field of 14 competitors. In a thrilling finish, Maltais outpaced Rose-Anne Grenier from Sainte-Marie, Que., and Darby Beeson from Airdrie, Alta., to claim first place in 9:08.72. Grenier secured the silver medal in 9:10.46, while Beeson took the bronze with a time of 9:10.61, edging out Isabelle Champagne from Calgary.
Maltais shared her pre-race nerves but exuded confidence, emphasizing the unpredictability of mass start events. She emphasized her desire to represent Canada at the World Cups. Meanwhile, Ivanie Blondin from Ottawa has already secured a spot in the World Cups based on her stellar international performances, including a silver medal at the World Championships in Hamar, Norway. The selection of Canada’s team for the upcoming World Cup season will be determined in the following weeks, considering the outcomes of the recent championships and last year’s international achievements.
