Canadian cross-country skier Alex Harvey came in only 11.2 seconds behind the defending overall champion to claim silver at the season-opening World Cup event in Kuusamo, Finland.
The 27-year-old, of Saint Ferreol les Neiges, Que., clocked the second-place time of 21 minutes 16.7 seconds in the 10-kilometre race.
Harvey made history last season by becoming the first Canadian to win two world championship medals in the same year with a silver and bronze. The two-time Olympian's goal this season is to capture the overall World Cup title.
"It feels great. This is my first World Cup podium before Christmas so it is a big step for me," Harvey said.
"My target this year is to win the overall title. I didn't necessarily believe that I could do that in the past, but I do believe I have a shot at that title this year. I didn't have a good result yesterday but I knew my fitness was good and I was confident heading into today."
Norway's Martin Johnsrud Sundby finished in 21:5.5 at the Ruka Ski Centre to beat Harvey. Dario Cologna was third in 21:17.1.
It was also a solid outing for Harvey's World Cup comrade, Devon Kershaw of Sudbury, Ont. The three-time Olympian was strong all day while placing 24th at 21:50.2.
They will compete in the final stage of the three-day event in a 15-kilometre pursuit race on Sunday.
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