Valérie Maltais secured a silver medal in the women’s mass start event on Sunday, marking her second podium finish of the weekend at the final speed skating World Cup competition of the season. Hailing from La Baie, Quebec, the 35-year-old completed the 16-lap race in eight minutes and 38.77 seconds, coming in behind Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands, who finished in 8:38.32.
Reflecting on her performance, Maltais expressed satisfaction with her racing experience despite her initial uncertainties due to a recent intense training phase. She noted feeling strong and optimistic about her future races.
In a previous event on Saturday, Maltais clinched a bronze medal in the women’s 3,000-meter race. Her recent success in the mass start race further adds to her impressive track record, with a total of six World Cup podium finishes in individual distances, primarily excelling in the 3,000-meter category.
Maltais, who has qualified for her fifth Olympic Games, is set to compete in the women’s 3,000-meter event on February 7. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s Ivanie Blondin narrowly missed the podium on Sunday, finishing just behind American Mia Manganello. However, Blondin managed to secure a silver medal in the women’s team sprint event alongside her teammates from Quebec City and Prince George, BC.
The Canadian long track speed skating team will continue their preparation in Inzell with a week-long training camp before heading to Italy for the upcoming Olympics. Racing at the Milano Ice Park’s temporary oval in Rho is scheduled to take place from February 7 to 21.