“Canada’s Speed Skating Champions Prepare for Winter Games”

Following their victory in the team pursuit event at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, speed skaters Ivanie Blondin, Valérie Maltais, and Isabelle Weidemann have become the target for other teams worldwide looking to challenge their dominance.

Aware of the upcoming Winter Games, Canada’s defending champions understand the importance of continuous improvement and are not complacent about their success.

Blondin, Maltais, and Weidemann are currently in Salt Lake City for the first World Cup event of the long track season, with a specific focus on team pursuit, which is a key discipline for them heading into Milano-Cortina 2026.

Prior to joining the rest of the Canadian team, the trio arrived early in Utah to participate in a team pursuit-centered camp aimed at refining their strategy and enhancing their performance on the ice.

Although the trio has skated together in the past, this camp marks the first time they have dedicated intensive training solely to the team pursuit discipline, aiming to regain their competitive edge and secure more victories.

WATCH | Explaining team pursuit:

Team pursuit is the excitement of speed skating multiplied by three

February 15, 2022|

Duration 1:19

The women’s team pursuit involves two teams of three skaters each racing simultaneously on a 400-metre oval, completing a total of six laps. Effective teamwork, strategic positioning, and precise timing are crucial in this discipline where the clock stops only when all three skaters cross the finish line.

Reflecting on their initial team pursuit experience at the 2019 world championships, Blondin, Maltais, and Weidemann recall the challenges they faced and the subsequent evolution of their race tactics to stay ahead of the competition.

Blondin expressed her confidence in the team’s potential following their impressive performance at the world championships, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation to stay ahead in the sport.

Individual excellence is a hallmark of the trio, with Weidemann, Blondin, and Maltais each contributing their unique strengths to the team. With a combination of experience, talent, and strategic planning, they aim to elevate their performance and reclaim their position at the top of the podium.

Having fine-tuned their team pursuit tactics over the past seasons, the three skaters are determined to maximize their potential and achieve new heights in their pursuit of success on the ice.