March 18, 2018 (Falun, SWE) – Canada’s Alex Harvey raced to 2nd overall in the men’s 15km FR Pursuit finale in Falun, Sweden for his fourth podium of the year. Russia’s Alexander Bolshunov took the final mini tour victory with Dario Cologna (Sui) in third. Cologna also clinched the overall distance World Cup title.

Harvey also had the fastest time of the day for a double-podium finish as he found his form again following a disappointing Olympic Games where he fell short of winning a medal. His teammate Devon Kershaw also squeaked into the top-30 finishing 28th. The top American was Erik Bjornsen in 38th.

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo of Norway at the age of 21 became the youngest winner of the men’s overall World Cup classification. His overall crystal globe adds to his already impressive collection of two Sprint Cup overall globes. Three-time overall globe winners, Cologna and Sundby, were ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively in this year’s standings. Harvey finished 4th overall.

“It was a hard race today. Bolshunov was skiing fast from the start,” said Klaebo. “I saw the opportunity to secure the overall World Cup title. The last couple of days were tough but it’s cool to be standing here with the globe. It is always fun to compete in Falun. The crowd was amazing.”

Starting in 18th spot Harvey steadily worked his way up to the lead pack on a course. “It took some effort to get up to the leaders, but I still felt strong and knew I needed to go for it coming into the final kilometre,” said Harvey.

“It was a great way to finish off the season. I had very, very good skis today. This helped me a lot since I’ve been feeling quite tired the last couple of weeks after getting sick following the Olympic Games. It finally feels like I got my legs back today, and I couldn’t be happier,” he concluded.

This was the last race for Canada’s Graeme Killick from Fort McMurray, Alberta, who finished 56th in Falun and will hang up his skis following a stellar career. Killick was with the senior team for nine years and has won two nationals titles recording his best 50km CL finish at Falun 2015 World Championships placing 19th.

Harvey has had a great deal of success in Falun where he now has five World Cup medals during his career. His first World Cup victory came in Falun in 2012 when he won a gold and bronze at those World Cup finals. Today’s silver brings his career total to three, second-place finishes in the Pursuit race on the Swedish tracks in Falun.

It is the same venue where his father, Pierre, also won his first of three World Cup medals in 1987.

“Falun just seems to be a great place for me,” said Harvey, who now has 28 career podium finishes on the World Cup, along with five World Championship medals.

Pursuit results here.
Fastest of the Day here
Mini Tour results here.
World Cup Distance here
Overall World Cup here