Canada’s Brian McKeever and Russell Kennedy take bronze at Para nordic World Cup

VUOKATTI, Finland –Brian McKeever and his guide Russell Kennedy won the bronze medal in the men’s 20-kilometre visually impaired cross country skiing race at the Para nordic World Cup on Monday.

Russia’s Stanislav Chokhlaev took gold in 45:47.4 while Belarussian Yury Holub was second in 45:53.9. The two Canmore, Alta., racers charged to third 46:02.0.

“We played strategies,’’ said McKeever, 42, Canada’s most successful winter Paralympian with 17 medals. ‘’We played with the pacing and we played with techniques, but it was a hard day. We went hard, but just didn’t have any speed and things just felt heavy.’’

The pair won gold on Friday in the 12.5 kilometre and were fourth Saturday in the sprint.

‘’The fact we are competitive, and in the game, when I’m not feeling amazing is a positive thing,’’ McKeever added. ‘’I know there is a lot left in the body yet. We just need to find it. We will be back.”

In the women’s 15-kilometre standing race, Brittany Hudak of Prince Albert, Sask. third in Friday’s 10 kilometre, was fifth. Lyne-Marie Bilodeau of Sherbrooke, Que., was seventh in the women’s sitting race.

The Para nordic World Cup continues on Tuesday.