January 28, 2010 (Hinterzarten, Germany) – There were difficult conditions today in Germany’s Black Forest, as the U23 men’s xc 15km classic competition got underway. Four times around the 3.75km track in snowy, foggy conditions demanded the athletes’ complete attention to pace, and the Russians had the focus.

Vladislav Skobelev won in a time of 37:50.0, 20 seconds ahead of team mate Stanislav Perliak. Kazakhstan’s Gennadiy Matviyenko was just 6/10ths behind Perliak and settled for bronze. The Japanese team continued to work their way towards the podium, as Keishin Yoshida finished in fourth, 12.5seconds behind Matviyenko.

Canada put two men in the top 20 and three in the top 25, all less than two minutes behind the winner while the USA claimed 20th. Kevin Sandau was 13th (+1:29.5), Frederic Touchette 19th (+1:44.5), and Graeme Killick 24th (+1:56.3). Julien Nury, who prefers sprints and freestyle technique, was 47th.

Noah Hoffman led the way for the Americans in 20th place. He, too, has been working on his pacing. “It was better than what I’ve been doing recently-still not great yet,” he said. Tad Elliott was 33rd, and Simi Hamilton, who topped the sprint qualifications on Monday – was 34th. Patrick Johnson was 52nd.

Meanwhile, it was “not a good day at the office” for the Norwegian men’s team. They came into the U23 Worlds with high expectations. Only Eirik Kurland Olsen and Daniel Myrmæl Helgestad squeaked into the top 10, in 9th and 10th place, respectively. Sjur Roth, who scored a bronze medal at the Norwegian Nationals just a week ago, had to settle for 17 place today. “This was not the important race,” said Roth. “I will be back on Saturday for the 20km Pursuit when I go for the medal.”

Men’s results here.

Results (brief)

1. Vladislav Skobelev (RUS) 37:50.0
2. Stanislav Perliak (RUS) +20.7
3. Gennadiy Matviyenko (KAZ) + 21.3
4. Keishin Yoshida (JPN) +33.8
5. Karel Tammjarv (EST) +42.7

13. Kevin Sandau (CAN) +1:29.5
19. Frederic Touchette (CAN) +1:44.5
20. Noah Hoffman (USA) 1:44.8
24. Graeme Killick (CAN) +1:56.3
33. Tad Elliott (USA) +2:29.5
34. Simeon Hamilton (USA) +2:41.5
47. Julien Nury (CAN) +3:23.5
52. Patrick Johnson (USA) +4:03.3