David La Rue and Tyson Langelaar return to form, and podium, following challenging 2023-24 seasons
QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC – Ivanie Blondin and Connor Howe were crowned 1500m national champions on the third day of racing at the 2024 Canadian Long Track Championships presented by Intact Insurance.
Blondin’s win was her third in as many days, having also stood atop the podium in Thursday’s 3000m and Friday’s 1000m.
The Ottawa native finished the 1500m distance in 1:56.966, ahead of longtime Team Pursuit teammate Valérie Maltais (La Baie, Que.), who settled for silver with a time of 1:58.582. Béatrice Lamarche (Quebec City, Que.) rounded out the podium in bronze medal position (1:58.971).
Ivanie Blondin“I was happy with today’s result. I was missing a little bit of speed today and felt the ice wasn’t cooperating as much. Yesterday, I had Carolina [Hiller] pushing me in the 1000m, but today I was missing that top end speed at the beginning of the race. It wasn’t a terrible race, but it wasn’t my best one either. Definitely something to build off of though.”
Howe (Canmore, Alta ), meanwhile, earned his second distance title of the competition, adding to his 1000m win yesterday. The 24-year-old Olympian finished Saturday’s 1500m in 1:45.825.
Connor Howe“I am pretty happy with my race. Yesterday’s 1000m gave me confidence. I just tried to go out and skate a bit smoother, yet aggressive still. The opening was a bit sloppy, but I think I got a good first two laps in and that made the race solid. “
Howe was joined on the podium by David La Rue (Montreal, Que.) and Tyson Langelaar (Winnipeg, Man.), who posted times of 1:46.933 and 1:48.458, respectively. Both skaters had their 2023-24 seasons cut short due to injuries.
The 2024 Canadian Long Track Championships presented by Intact Insurance conclude tomorrow with the men’s and women’s mass start. Races can be watched live on CBC Sports digital platforms, as well as Speed Skating Canada’s YouTube channel.