January 9, 2010 (Val di Fiemme, Italy) – Like a lion in waiting Lukas Bauer (CZE), 2008 Tour de Ski champ, captured the men’s 20km Classic mass start race by 31.5 seconds over TdS leader Petter Northug (NOR) and moved into second place overall only 8.3s back. Canada’s Alex Harvey logged an impressive 13th place continuing his steady surge forward to finish less than one minute behind Bauer and sits in 19th overall.

Axel Teichmann (GER) claimed third on the day and is 3rd overall, while 2009 TdS winner Dario Cologna (SUI) and yesterday’s stage winner Daniel Rickardsson (SWE) snatched fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

“I felt really good today, but I’m a little disappointed because I blew up at the top of the course. I really felt like I could have fought for the podium today,” said 21-year-old Harvey. “My skis were a little slow, but I found the energy to fight through and get my way up to that front pack. I do believe now with all the racing that I’ve done that on a good day I can compete for the podium out here,” said Harvey. “These races have given me a lot of confidence to know that I can be there.”

Other Canadians in the mix were Devon Kershaw in 22nd and Ivan Babikov (CAN) in 25th, the top Canuck overall in 13th, while George Grey did not start today’s stage as he injured his back on a fall during Thursday’s classic race.

Harvey is looking forward to the final Stage 8 on Sunday and the 425-metre climb to the top of Alpe Cermis mountain which marks the finish of the 10-kilometre final stage of the Tour de Ski. “At this point of the Tour everyone is tired so it is a matter of who is tired the most,” added Harvey. “I do feel like I have always done well at the end of the ski season because I don’t get as tired as most athletes do so I’m hoping that will be the case tomorrow and I can try and gain a couple of more spots on the leaders.”

Northug, lost precious seconds to Bauer in defense of his overall Tour de Ski lead with a mere 8.3 second gap on the charging Czech and looks more vulnerable than at any time during the Tour. Bauer who has been out of the limelight until today’s win is clearly back in the game for top honours. Germany’s Teichmann is currently ranked third overall for the top prize as the final Stage 8 awaits all skiers on Sunday where the winners will be crowned.

With files from CCC.

Men’s Press Conference 20 km C Mass Start

Men’s Full Results here.
Men’s Sprint Overall here.
Men’s Overall here.

Results (brief)

1. Lukas Bauer (CZE) 59:03.5
2. Petter Northug (NOR) +31.5
3. Axel Teichmann (GER) +33.3
4. Dario Cologna (SUI)
5. Daniel Rickardsson (SWE)

13. Alex Harvey (CAN)
22. Devon Kershaw (CAN)
25. Ivan Babikov (CAN)
DNS George Grey (CAN)

Overall after Stage 7 (brief)

Men

1. Petter Northug (NOR) 3:39:18.9
2. Lukas Bauer (CZE) +8.3
3. Axel Teichmann (GER) +1:30.3
4. Dario Cologna (SUI) 1:31.5
5. Daniel Rickardsson (SWE) 1:42.9

13. Ivan Babikov (CAN) +3:34.8
15. Devon Kershaw (CAN) +4:03.5
19. Alex Harvey (CAN) +5:32.4