December 18, 2017 (Toblach, Italy) – Canadian Alex Harvey took home a strong 9th-place finish in the men’s 15km Classic pursuit race in Toblach, Italy on Sunday as Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo set a new benchmark with his record-setting 7th World Cup victory before the new year in a single season.

Russia’s Sergey Ustiugov finished in second place at 1.9 seconds back with Kazakhstan’s Alexey Poltoranin taking the final podium spot in third at 4.5 seconds behind. Klaebo now leads the overall World Cup standings by an impressive 328 points as he eclipsed fellow Norwegians, Petter Northug Jr and Martin Johnsrud Sundby who both had six victories prior to the new year.

Harvey was skiing with a group of four for most of the first two kilometres, which expanded to an eight-pack by the midway section of the race. Tactically working his way in the pack, Harvey took his turns in the lead until the final two kilometres when Russia’s Sergey Ustiugov broke the front group, and only Norway’s Johannes Klaebo was able to respond.

“These other countries are fighting for spots at the Olympics so they have to be on the podium every race. My goals are to be reaching my top gear by the Tour de Ski. Racing has been good training for that, and I’m exactly where I want to be at this time of the year,” said Harvey.

The top American as Erik Bjornsen in 26th at 1:43.1 behind Klaebo with Canadian Devon Kershaw in 33rd at 2:02.8 back. Scott Patterson (USA) was 39th, Patrick Caldwell (USA) was 44th, Noah Hoffman (USA) was 49th, Graeme Killick (Can) finished 50th, Russell Kennedy (Can) was 66th Knute Johnsgaard (Can) was 76th

“I have been a little bit better than last year at this time. I have a lot of confidence now knowing that I can be in the top-10 even when I’m not at my best,” added Harvey.

The World Cup now takes a holiday break until the Tour de Ski which kicks off in Lenzerheide, Switzerland on December 30.

Results here.
Standings here.