Canada’s Dubreuil sets tone at speed skating World Cup opener after stellar 2023-24 season [Video]

Laurent Dubreuil is picking up this season’s ISU World Cup speed skating campaign where he left off.

The long track star from Lévis, Que., captured silver in his season debut in a men’s 500-metre race Friday at M-Wave in Nagano, Japan.

Dubreuil said while his race wasn’t perfect, he’s happy with the result.

“The start was a bit slower than last week, but this was my first time skating a lap under 25 seconds at sea level this year,” he said. “I know there is a tenth or two to be gained out there, so hopefully I can find that speed for the next 500 metres this Sunday.”

Skating in the second-last pair, Dubreuil knew the time to beat was 34.43 seconds by reigning world champion Jordan Stolz of the United States.

WATCH | Dubreuil clocks 34.58 seconds for 500m silver medal in Japan:

Laurent Dubreuil of Quebec City captured …