Blondin, originally from Ottawa, covered the distance in 4 minutes 3.76 seconds. Norwegian Ragne Wiklund and Dutch Joy Beune followed her, both crossing the finish line in 4:04.60.
For Blondin, who started in the third pair of skaters out of eight, this is the first individual World Cup medal since the 2019-20 season, apart from the mass start.
“I knew it was a good race, but I didn't expect such a result after finishing it, given the level of the skaters who were going to follow,” said Blondin, according to a Speed Skating press release. Canada.
“I knew I was skating well these days, especially after yesterday's 1500m, which confirmed the fact that I'm going in the right direction. But I'm still a little in shock that I won! My mentality is good this year. I'm trying new things and having a lot of fun in practice, and I think the fact that I'm more relaxed is paying off on the ice.”
Maltese fifth
Quebecer Valérie Maltais took fifth place in this event. Isabelle Weidemann placed ninth. Among the men, Graeme Fish had the best result in fourth place, while Ted-Jan Bloemen was sixth in the final ranking.
In the 1000 m, Blondin is in 10th position, ahead of Béatrice Lamarche, 15th. Laurent Dubreuil was the best Canadian among the men in ninth place.
The first World Cup of the season ends on Sunday with the team pursuit, the second 500m event, the mass start and the mixed relay.
