Huntly pair fail to make an impact

HUNTLY teenagers Andrew Musgrave and Andrew Young finished well outside qualification in the Olympic cross-country sprint at Whistler.

Musgrave was back in 58th after covering the 1,600 metres course in 3min 58.43sec, while Young was two places further back, clocking 4:02.19, despite falling late in the race.

Musgrave will now refocus his sights on his favoured endurance events with two days of rest before he competes in Saturday’s 30k pursuit.

“I’m not really a sprinter, it was just a chance to get back out there and experience what another Olympic race is like,” he said.

“It was really a training run for me and I will try to get back into better shape before the 30 kilometres.

“I’m loving the experience so far, even if I think my form could be a little better.

“I am trying not to focus on the hype surrounding the Olympics too much, but it’s hard.

“I am just trying to focus on getting in the best shape I can and having the best races I can.”

Musgrave and Young are still competing on the junior circuit and admit they’ve found the step up hard.

“It’s a big gap – this has always been a sport for older guys and I might be 10 years or more away from my peak,” added Young, who celebrates his 18th birthday in just three days.

“I’m not planning much of a party, that will have to wait until after the Olympics.”