February 26, 2017 (Lahti, Finland) – Canada’s Alex Harvey claimed a stellar 5th in the men’s 30km Skiathlon as Russia’s Sergey Ustiugov took the win over Norway’s Martin Johnsrud Sundby who stumbled on the final climb and settled for the silver. Fellow Norge, Finn Haagen Krogh, grabbed the bronze in a bunch sprint to the line.

“It’s disappointing to be so close to the goal in my favourite race,” said Harvey who had the podium in his fingertips. “I had really, really fast skis, and I was in good position in the top-four near the end, but completely blew up.”

Harvey led out of the transition zone following the Classic leg but missed the important break by Sundby and Ustiugov with about 10km to go and was left battling for third.

“That is the part of the race I wish I could relive because I thought I had the legs to go with them today, but once you have a gap, it was so windy, that it is really hard to come back,” said Harvey.

In the final descent into the stadium he got pinched in the final sharp corner into the finishing stretch and couldn’t respond with Krogh leading into the final curve to take the final sprint and the bronze medal. Sjur Roethe crossed the line in 4th just 0.2 seconds ahead of Harvey in 5th.

“I got pushed to the outside, and that is where the podium was played,” added Harvey, 28. “I had great skate skis and it was a really good course for me.”

Ustiugov and Sundby traded the lead back and forth until the final lap when the gamesmanship began with neither really wanting to take the lead. On the final climb Sundby attacked on the outside as the two leaders went head-to-head at full speed.

Just as Sundby appeared to be getting the upper hand he missed a pole plant and faltered ultimately breaking his pole and the gold went Ustiugov who soloed into victory that resonated for the Russian who settled for sprint silver on the opening day.

Harvey was the top North American by a long shot today, continuing to prove his ability to medal at any distance in either discipline.

Canadian Graeme Killick finished in 47th (+6:23.5), followed by Americans Tad Elliott in 48th (+7:11.2) and Kyle Bratrud in 49th (+7:16.5). Canadian Knute Johnsgaard was 55th (+8:40.2), and American Noah Hoffman was 57th (+9:33.6).

“The vibe in Lahti is great. Huge crowds well run and organized great hotel. The team vibe is amazing and things are going really well. It was perfect hardwax skiing out there with some cold snow falling overnight and some man made snow peaking through. Really fun and fast skiing out there,” wrote Elliott.

“My classic leg was ok. I went deep. The deepest I have all year. I just got out powered by those world cup guys. My skis were awesome thanks to Salomon and Tim B. My transition was smooth and I felt leg I was ready to go on the skate. My skate leg went well and I felt like I was moving well out there. Kyle B and I skated together and were able to move up through the race. I am not happy with the result or performance. I am happy with the effort I could dig into but want more in these championships. Hopefully I will get some more chances and really get after it,” he added

58 men finished the race, and five men were pulled after being lapped. American Ben Lustgarten and Canadian Devon Kershaw did not start.

Results here.