January 08, 2015 (Toblach, Italy) – Canada’s Alex Harvey finished a strong 6th as Petter Northug Jr. (NOR) won his second stage of the 2015 Tour de Ski in Toblach, Italy today, taking the 25km FR Pursuit, to extend his overall lead to +7s over defending TdS champ Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR).

Petter Northug (NOR) © Nordic Focus

Northug started the day with a +1.5s lead over Sundby and was soon joined by three chasers, eventual second place finisher Calle Halfvarsson (SWE), Sundby, and Evgeniy Belov (RUS). The quartet skied together, gaining time over their chasers, with Northug sitting on the back of the group, biding his time.

He struck late in the race with the winning attack, snagging the bonus points and precious time. Sundby took third spot, only +2.2s back. Andrew Musgrave (GBR) logged the fastest time of the day, which moved him into 11th place in the overall rankings.

Alex Harvey (CAN) © Nordic Focus

Meanwhile, Harvey skied behind in second chase group and powered to a solid sixth at  +1:46.0 behind the leader. Canadian teammate Devon Kershaw picked up five spots and finished in the points again placing 25th while fellow Canuck Ivan Babikov was just out of the points in 31st. No US skiers started.

“My optimistic goal was to ski back into the top-five. I just got outsprinted at the end, but I improved on my result so I have to be happy with today,” said Harvey. “The group didn’t push too hard today so I’m feeling less tired than I did at this point last year. I’m pretty much on par with my goals throughout the Tour. I’d like another podium and I’m really looking forward to Saturday’s race.”

Results here.

Final podium © Nordic Focus