March 10, 2018 (Oslo, Norway) – Canada’s Alex Harvey claimed a strong 9th in the men’s 50km FR at the famed Holmenkollen as Dario Cologna (Sui) edged out Martin Johnsrud Sundby for win by the toe of his boot. Russia’s Maxim Vylegzhanin finished third matching his previous best result here.

Scott Patterson (USA) had a stellar race and was with Harvey and the leaders near the end but faded a bit to finish 16th. Canadian veteran Devon Kershaw was also in the points placing 28th.

Both Harvey and Patterson were near the front as the finish line approached but the pace picked up and a group of seven skiers emerged as the final protagonists to battle for the medals.

Cologna came to the line neck and neck with Sundby who was aiming for a record third consecutive victory on his home course but Cologna captured the Holmenkollen 50 km, perhaps the final race victory missing from his illustrious career.

“I felt very good today. I tried to be in the front during the whole race. Martin was very strong. Both of us wanted to make our final move on Grattishaugen,” said Cologna. “Going to the finish I thought he would be stronger than me. It is amazing to finally win here. It’s the most important individual competition on the World Cup. I had to wait some years to finally get this victory.”

Patterson was happy with his third outing at the Holmenkollen stadium. “This was my third time racing at Holmenkollen, but first time skating. I was 32nd in 2016 and 28th in 2017 in classic.

“I spent most of the race trying to stay relaxed in the lead group and about half the lead pack exchanged skis after the third loop. This split the leaders and I was in the second group but so were most of the Norwegians so we were able to rejoin the leaders pretty quickly. On the final lap, the pace accelerated and the pack splintered on the final time up to the high point and unfortunately, I was a little blocked in behind Manificat and lost the leaders.

“My goal was to try and find the form I had in Korea. Mostly, I was just going for a top 30 and a result that I could feel happy with so 16th definitely accomplished that. Also I was pleased with how I was skiing and especially how I was able to be in the mix with the leaders,” he concluded.

Canadian Andy Shields was the top Continental skier in 47th and was recognized for his efforts with a 3kg wedge of Gruyere cheese. The race also marked the end of American Noah Hoffman’s career on the World Cup.

Results here.