Canadian speed skaters Weidemann, Maltais and Blondin advance to team pursuit gold-medal final

Isabelle Weidemann, Valérie Maltais and Ivanie Blondin beat the U.S. in the women's team pursuit semifinal at the Milano Cortina Games and will skate the gold-medal final at 10:40 a.m. ET against the Netherlands, ensuring a medal.

The Canadian women's team pursuit of Isabelle Weidemann, Valérie Maltais and Ivanie Blondin won their semifinal at the Milano Cortina Olympic Games and advanced to the gold-medal final. The result gives the trio a chance to defend the Olympic title they won in Beijing 2022. Their next race will be the final against the Netherlands. The event was contested as part of the women's speed skating program. Key details: - The Canadian team beat the United States in the women's team pursuit semifinal. - They will skate in the gold-medal final at 10:40 a.m. ET. - The Netherlands won the other semifinal and will be Canada's opponent in the final. - Weidemann, Maltais and Blondin were the gold-medal winners in Beijing 2022 and are now guaranteed a medal in Milano Cortina. Summary: The Canadian victory in the semifinal secures a podium result and sets up a gold-medal final against the Netherlands at 10:40 a.m. ET. The final will determine whether the team can retain the Olympic title they won in 2022.