November 25, 2012 (Gällivare, Sweden) – Norway remains unstoppable in the men’s relay no matter what the distance as the new 4×7.5km relay format debuted at the first World Cup in Sweden on Sunday with Petter Northug soloing in for the victory as the contest for the remaining podium spots raged behind.

In a see-saw battle between five teams chasing, Sweden’s Marcus Hellner prevailed for the silver as Russia took home the bronze courtesy of Ilia Chernousov. Canada was in contention with Alex Harvey in striking distance of the podium but he settled for 5th in the dash to the line behind Switzerland in 4th with Germany 6th.

The Canucks matched their best previous relay result in 2009 at the Nordic Worlds in Liberec with stalwart Lenny Valjas putting in a strong leg as he returned to racing following his broken finger while Devon Kershaw and Ivan Babikov also put in solid legs affirming the team’s on track.

Their US counterparts consisting of Andy Newell, Noah Hoffman, Tad Elliott and Kris Freeman, were not able to keep pace ending up 15th on the day.

By the second classic leg Norway I, Germany, Russia I, Sweden I and France established themselves as the leaders but France struggled and soon it became a 3-horse race on the first skate leg as Sjur Roethe put pressure on the others and only Russia I and Germany could respond.

With a comfortable lead Roethe tagged Northug but the race for silver and bronze was far from over as Germany and Russia were under attack by Sweden’s anchor Marcus Hellner aided by Harvey and Roman Furger (SUI) who caught Chernousov and Hannes Dotzler (GER).

With Hellner leading the charge it was clear he would not catch Northug but he was unable to shake off the posse of contenders yet the talented Swede salvaged some honour for the home crowd crossing the line in second with Chernousov 3rd.

Full results HERE.
Full results w/splits HERE.