Key Takeaways
- Team Canada’s women’s skaters won gold in the team pursuit at the ISU Speed Skating World Cup in Hamar, Norway
- Canada broke a first-place tie with Japan to finish first overall in the team pursuit standings
- Isabelle Weidemann and Ivanie Blondin also won individual medals, with Weidemann taking silver in the 3000m and Blondin taking bronze in the mass start
- Weidemann is currently in second place in the World Cup long distance standings, 19 points behind Norway’s Ragne Wiklund
- The race for the overall long distance champions will conclude in Inzell, Germany from January 23 to 25, just ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games
Introduction to Team Canada’s Success
Team Canada’s women’s skaters had a remarkable weekend at the ISU Speed Skating World Cup in Hamar, Norway. The team, consisting of Valérie Maltais, Ivanie Blondin, and Isabelle Weidemann, won gold in the team pursuit, crossing the finish line just 0.86 seconds ahead of the United States. This victory was a significant one, as Canada had finished in second place at the previous two pursuit races this season. With this win, Canada broke a first-place tie with Japan to finish first overall in the team pursuit standings.
The Team Pursuit Victory
The team pursuit final was a thrilling event, with Canada trailing the American time for 11 laps in the 12-lap final. However, the Canadian team managed to pull ahead in the final lap, securing a narrow victory. Japan finished in third place in Sunday’s race with a time of 2:58.622, further solidifying Canada’s position at the top of the standings. This win was a testament to the team’s determination and skill, and it sets them up for success in future competitions.
Individual Medal Wins
In addition to their team pursuit victory, Weidemann and Blondin also won individual medals over the weekend. On Saturday, Weidemann reached the podium with a silver in the 3000m, while Blondin took home bronze in the mass start. Weidemann’s silver medal was a hard-won one, as she got off to a slow start before making her move around the fifth lap. She jumped into podium position with three laps remaining, passing Norway’s Ragne Wiklund in the final lap to claim silver. Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands won gold in the 3000m.
Weidemann’s Pursuit of the Top Spot
Weidemann is currently battling Wiklund for first place in the World Cup long distance standings. With her silver medal in the 3000m, Weidemann sits 19 points back of the Norwegian for first place overall. Canada’s Valerie Maltais, who finished fourth in the 3000m, is in third place in the overall standings. Weidemann’s performance in Norway was impressive, and she will look to continue her strong skating in the upcoming competitions.
Blondin’s Comeback in the Mass Start
Ivanie Blondin had a remarkable comeback in the mass start, rising from the middle of the pack to claim a medal. She fell to seventh place in the 14th lap, but stormed back in the final two laps to finish in third, taking home a bronze. Blondin was the gold medal winner in the mass start at the ISU stop in Calgary, and sits in third place overall in the category with just one race remaining in the 2025-26 ISU Speed Skating season. Her ability to come back from a difficult position and secure a medal is a testament to her skill and determination.
The Road to the Milano Cortina 2026 Games
The race for the overall long distance champions will finish just ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, as skaters will compete in Inzell, Germany from January 23 to 25. This competition will be a crucial one, as it will determine the final standings in the World Cup long distance category. Weidemann, Blondin, and the rest of the Canadian team will look to build on their success in Norway and secure their positions at the top of the standings. With their strong performances and determination, they are well-positioned to achieve their goals and bring home medals from the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.