Random Direction said:Somewhere up above clocxii asked about Harvey and Kershaw. Alex's genetics surely play a part in his success. Was excellent from a young age. Used to coach at races where Devon skied (and raced him once or twice). Clearly superior talent then.
I'd put the general increase in Canadian success down to less doping from the Norwegians, Italians, Finns and Russians now. As a nation we were clueless as to the depth of top level doping from 1988 to 2006 ( to pick the cycling year). Never came up in conversations even though we were dealing with junior elites. Thunder Bay 1992 was hilarious for the doped up ones. Wonder if the heavy stuff started earlier with Skiers with Conconi than for cyclists.
Again, there is no indication of any Norwegian doping. These are clinic theories not supported by any positives/police revelations/tell all books/death bead confessions etc.
The Italians have the Coni investigation revealing things.
The Finns had the 2001 tests, and the follow up.
The Soviets had positives to numerous to mention.
I have a hard time seeing any junior doping from any of the above(maybe Russian individuals). It wouldn't make sense to dope your juniors. Dope is/was expensive, and that money would be used for the big senior races.
Thunder Bay was in 1995 with weird snow conditions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_FIS_Nordic_World_Ski_Championships