Monday, November 26, 2001
Silver medal caps Klassen's long road trip
By GLEN DAWKINS -- Winnipeg Sun
Winnipeg speed skater Cindy Klassen finally reached the World Cup podium, winning the silver medal in a 1,500-metre race yesterday the Hague, Netherlands.
German Anni Friesinger, who has won all seven World Cup races this year, was first in a time of two minutes .31 seconds. Klassen followed in 2:01.20.
"It's nice to end a long road trip this way and get that confidence before coming home," said Klassen. The Canadian team returns to Calgary for next weekend's Canadian Championships.
"I was getting a little frustrated with the fourth and fifths to start the season but now that doesn't matter anymore."
Klassen was paired with Friesinger, the winner of Saturday's 5,000 metres, and had the lead after the first lap.
"It was great to be paired with her because she has a fast opener," said Klassen. "I wanted to get off the line with her and stay as close as possible.
"I went hard and I kept my race together until the finish."
Klassen, who was eighth in Saturday's 5,000 metres, is third in the World Cup 1,500-metre standings.
Winnipeg's Clara Hughes was fifth in the 5,000 metres.
SOLID ICE: Canadian Northern Ice lost 6-4 to Orlando No Fear Friday in the bronze medal game at the International Softball Federation Junior Olympic World Cup under-17 girls fastball tournament in Plant City, Fla.
The team, made up of players from Winnipeg and Brandon, lost to eventual silver-medallist Chinese Taipei 10-0 in the tournament's International Final, held earlier Friday.
Meanwhile, the Manitoba Gators lost 2-0 to Mexico Wednesday in the playoffs.
AWARD WINNERS: It was a big haul for the Canadian champion Smitty's Seniors women's fast pitch team yesterday at the Manitoba Softball Association annual general meeting.
Rhonda Denbow of Smitty's Seniors was presented with the Olive Little Memorial Award as female player of the year while the team was honoured as the MSA's top fast-pitch team. As well, longtime Smitty's coaches Evelyne and Roy Holenski were named winners of the Jim Adams Award as the outstanding administrator, builder or executive member.
Meanwhile, Rob Giesbrecht of the Musketeers was presented with the Wayne Gilbert Memorial Award as top male fast-pitch player.
2002 Games Long Track Speed Skating Coverage
