TOBLACH, Italy – It’s no secret that Canada is a superpower in Para nordic skiing and that fact was reemphasized with six medals at the first two days of competition at the season opening World Cup in Toblach, Italy.
Mark Arendz of Hartsville, PEI, an 11-time Paralympic medallist, has led the charge with gold in the men’s standing 10 kilometre classic and silver in the 10 kilometre mass start.
‘’It was my first World Cup classic race since the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games relay,’’ said Arendz. ‘’I had felt good in classic leading up to the World Cup, but it is still about bringing the work together and performing in the moment.
‘’Thrilled to return with a win to kick off the WC season.’’
Arendz was also pleased with his mass start performance.
‘’A strong performance today in the 10km mass start,” Arendz commented on his Instagram account. ‘’I'd almost say a better feeling race then yesterdays. In challenging conditions, I fell short in making up the hunting stagger.’’
Not to be outdone, Brittany Hudak of Prince Albert, Sask. has reached the podium twice on the women’s side with silver in the women’s standing 10 kilometre and bronze in the mass start.
Veteran Derek Zaplotinsky of Smoky Lake, Alta. collected bronze in both races in the men’s sitting category.
‘’What a start to the World Cup season!’’ wrote Zaplotisnky on his Instagram account. ‘’Another podium!’’
Canadians are savouring a well-deserved day off on Friday. Action resumes on Saturday with the 1.2 kilometre sprint.
