March 03, 2019 (Seefeld, Austria) – Canadian Alex Harvey finished 12th in the men’s 50km FR, while American David Norris raced to a personal best 20th, as Norway’s Hans Christer Holund was crowned king after executing an unchallenged attack at 22km for the biggest victory of his career.

“Of course I wanted a better result, but I was really able to execute my plan to the dot,” said Harvey, who won the World Championship 50km FR two years ago. “It was a dream for me to come away from these World Championships with a podium, yet I think it was a good day. I just wasn’t strong enough on the skis.”

“I felt good and my skis were working really well,” said Norris. “It almost seemed easier to position myself in the top 15 as best as possible and just try to stay out of trouble. Then I came into 700 meters in medal contention but at that point I had no more juice left and just tried to survive.”

Both Harvey and Norris were near the front until Holund escaped and continued there in the chase group. When no one challenged Holund it was Russia’s Alexander Bolshunov who went solo to chase him down coming within 23 seconds as he settled for the silver.

On the final climb to the finish Norway’s Martin Johnsrud Sundby and Sjur Roethe attacked from the chase pack with Roethe edging his countrymen for the bronze.

“I was third with a kilometre to go, but I didn’t have the legs to go up the final uphill into the stadium,” said Harvey. “I was right in there side-by-side with Sundby. I knew the attack was going to come and it did. I was right where I wanted to be but just didn’t have the legs to fight for the podium. I went one stride with him, but my legs were just fried, and I didn’t have it.”

Scott Patterson (USA) was 23rd on the day, Simi Hamilton (USA) finished 34th with Adam Martin (USA) in 45th. Other Canadians included Russell Kennedy 46th, Evan Palmer-Charrette 47th and Scott Hill in 50th.

“I was in for the hunt, but I felt like I wasn’t skiing the downhills well and I missed the move on that last lap,” said Patterson. “I was thinking I need to go, need to go, but it was too late. I felt like if I had made that split, I could have fought with guys.”

Results here.