For the past year, Ivan Babikov dreamed of racing up the calf-pounding hills of Val Di Fiemme, Italy at the 2013 Nordic ski world championships.
The 32-year-old, nicknamed the bulldog for his tenacious work ethic, knew the infamously steep course that scaled the Dolomites was his best shot at ski glory this season, as it was the home of his two World Cup victories of his career.
Then, a week before the race, he got sick.
Babikov struggled through his earlier races, but would not be denied his shot at the 15 kilometre freestyle race.
Instead, he laid down the performance of his lifetime to grab fourth place against the best skiers in the world with a time of 35:30.7, a mere 30 seconds off the podium. The race finished with a three-kilometre climb up a 28 per cent grade, which has become the Canmorite’s specialty.
“It isn’t a medal, but I’m pretty happy for sure,” Babikov said. “I have not been feeling great last week and was pretty down after the pursuit. To get my body and legs back is really good.”
Hearing his name alongside the best skiers in the sport compelled him to push harder.
“I could hear the splits on the course, and was feeling so good,” Babikov said. “When I realized I was staying with the leaders I was getting more psyched and pushed even harder. Who knows what could have happened if I had a little porridge for breakfast this morning, but I’m still psyched.”
Norway’s Petter Northug finished first (34:37.1), followed by Sweden’s Johan Olsson (34:48.9) and Tord Asle Gjerdalen (34:59.4) of Norway.
Earlier this year, Babikov said a new training regime has paid off, as he’s had his most consistent season ever. Almost always finishing in the top 30, the fourth place finish is the best of his season to date.
Canada’s Devon Kershaw finished 33rd (37:31.1) and Graham Nishikawa was 39th (37:40.7).
The result was Canada’s best in the second half of world championships. The Canadian men’s 4x10 km relay team of Babikov, Kershaw, Len Valjas and Alex Harvey were considered medal contenders, but faded early to finish 12th.
Harvey was the top Canadian in the 50 km classic mass start, finishing 28th, while Nishikawa was 48th and Babikov had to pull out of the event.
Dasha Gaiazova was the top Canadian woman in the 10 km classic, finishing 40th, followed by Emily Nishikawa in 58th and Brittany Webster in 68th. Emily Nishikawa was the lone Canadian in the 30 km classic, but was lapped out of the race.
The team will now split as several young Canadian racers, including Graham and Emily Nishikawa, Webster, Michael Somppi, Andrea Dupont and Jesse Cockney will get a chance to gain World Cup experience. Graeme Killick was also a late addition to the final European tours before ski nationals in Whistler from March 23-30.
