December 04, 2016 (Lillehammer, Norway) – It was another solid day at the office for Canada’s Alex Harvey who continues to impress making steady gains finishing 9th overall with the 6th fastest time of the day in the men’s 15km CL pursuit to wrap up a three-day mini-tour in Lillehammer, Norway.

The pace was driven Norway’s Martin Johnsrud Sundby as a group of 12 chasers caught lead skier, Calle Halfvarsson (SWE), with about 5km to go. Sundby made his move on the last lap on the longest climb of the course and scattered the lead pack to cruise home for the win by 2.3 seconds.

Twenty year old Johannes Klaebo continues to impress with a second-place finish behind Sundby just ahead of Finland’s Matti Heikkinen who had the fastest time of the day. Halfvarsson hung tough and finished 5th.

Harvey stayed with the group until the 12-kilometre mark where Sundby attacked but the Canadian was not able to respond to the charge for the podium.

“Having the sixth fastest time on the day is my best result of the season so I’m happy with that,” said Harvey. “The Norwegians were pressing really hard from the beginning so it was a fast pace. I just spent too much energy early on and had nothing left at the end.”

Harvey demonstrated his strong early-season shape over the weekend, finishing 10th in both Friday’s sprint and Saturday’s 10-kilometre skate-ski race.

“These are great results for me on courses that historically have been tough for me. I have never been at my best before Christmas so I’m really happy with where things are right now. The big goal is the Tour de Ski, and until then, I just need to stay the course. I’m feeling good, confident and the entire wax team is working really hard and doing a great job with the equipment so I’m looking forward to next weekend.”

Fellow Canuck Devon Kershaw, posted the 23rd fastest time to end up 27th overall for his best race this season. “Today was a good step in the right direction. After being disappointed with the first couple races at this mini-tour, I was happy to move through some bodies today and clamber into the top-30,” said Kershaw.  “We had great equipment all weekend and I have been feeling pretty good so far this year, but I am missing my last gear. That gets exploited in the big leagues here on the World Cup.

“I had the 23rd fastest time which is ok, but I honestly was wanting more because this is my favourite race. Either way, we keep marching forward and I am satisfied with my feelings on the race course. I will take confidence that when I find that last gear I will be able to play near the top again like I have in the past.”

Noah Hoffman led Team USA in 36th, Len Valjas (Can) was 48th, Graeme Killick (Can) finished 53rd, Erik Bjornsen (USA) was 57th, Eric Packer (USA) finished 68th, Knute Johnsgaard (Can) was 72nd, Bob Thompson (Can) was 81st and fellow Canuck Andy Shields placed 83rd.

Pursuit fastest time results HERE.
Tour standings HERE.