Skiing stars have descended on the historic Plains of Abraham in Quebec City for this year’s Cross-Country World Cup.
Locals are abuzz over the event, in particular to support their own local athlete, who could take top podium position.
Quebec City native Alex Harvey, 28, has already won two world championships and had placed third overall at the start of the race.
Friday afternoon, he won the final sprint.
READ MORE: Canadian skier Alex Harvey wins world cross-country gold in 50K, celebrates with air guitar
“These are the best athletes in the world at this sport, right here.”
Organizer Patrice Drouin noted the event, which is free for spectators, was originally scheduled to be held in Russia.
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Following the Russian doping scandal, the International Ski Federation (FIS) had to find another host.
Quebec City had just two months to prepare for the competition.
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Europe has hosted previous legs of the competition, so local fans were excited to be able to see their favourite skiers up close — even more so when one of those competitors is your son.
Janet Thompson’s son, Bob Thompson, from Woodstock, Ont., placed 30th at the World Cup.
Organizers and fans alike expressed gratitude for the good weather — no, not sunshine and blue skies, but rather the unusual winter blizzard that provided fresh snow for the ski trails.
READ MORE: Hundreds of skiers and snowshoers enjoy wintery Mount Royal trails
“The snow is perfect. We have a beautiful track,” Drouin said.
“Comments from the athletes and the teams are great about the track, so they are very happy to be here.”
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