February 05, 2012 (Rybinsk, Russia) – The Russians were not going to be denied on the final day of the FIS World Cup stop in Rybinsk as they stormed the men’s 30km Skiathlon (15kmCL+15kmFR) with all cylindars. When the dust settled it was veteran strongman, Maxim Vylegzhanin, taking home the victory with teammate Ilia Chernousov in second and stalwart Tobi Angerer from Germany in third.

The North Americans lead by Devon Kershaw were out in force as well with two in the top ten as Kershaw finished 6th and Harvey was 8th. Showing his great form today was American Kris Freeman with a resolute 13th place finish followed by Ivan Babikov, on familiar turf in his native homeland, claiming 17th. The two remaining US players, Tad Elliott and Sylvan Ellefson were lapped but gained more experience in high pressure top level World Cup field.

With another strong day Kershaw moved into third overall ahead of Marcus Hellner (SWE) in fourth and is within striking distance of Petter Northug (NOR) in second.

“I felt super good again today and the energy was high but we our skate skis were a little slow on the downhills so it was tougher to find good positioning on a course like this. They were good on the uphills and I was able to grab a few preems. It’s hard not to be happy with 6th [and 8th], but coming off a win yesterday and with the way things have been going we’re aiming higher,”said Kershaw in a phone interview with SkiTrax.

“It warmed up a bit today, -12 degrees felt kind of tropical – and it was great to sneak into third overall and hit another personal best [Kershaw has 881 points vs last year’s 602]. It’s still early and there’s lots of racing to come so we’re looking forward to the upcoming events and continuing to be competitive,” he added.

Harvey echoed similar sentiments wanting more but was happy all the same with a top-ten result. “The classic section was harder than the skate yet it was the same for everyone. I’m feeling really good and felt the best during the skating leg but we didn’t have the glide on our skis we needed and the Russians did – and they were everwhere.

“My body was really good and I felt better than 8th…you want to be on the podium every day but anytime you’re in the top 10 in a World Cup race you can’t complain. I’m happy with a top ten any time,” he confided.

For the USA’s Freeman it was somewhat of a coup as the veteran skier has had a lacklustre start to the season but found his legs today with solid classic and skate legs.

“Great day for Kris Freeman. He looked relaxed and snappy the entire race; in control and skiing easily with the main group,” said Chris Grover, Head Coach U.S. XC Ski Team, “He also built on yesterday’s finish and was much closer to the winner in the last kilometers. He was smart about getting warm feeds where he could and skiing hard when he needed to. I am looking forward to seeing him in 30km classic next weekend [in Nove Mesto].”

Both Grover and Canadian Head Coach, Justin Wadsworth, are on their way to Sochi for Olympic preparations and we caught up with Wadsworth in the bus on the way there.

“A solid day but the guys wanted more and didn’t have the normal rockets under their feet like their used to. It’s good when you’re disappointed with 6th and 8th… Ivan wanted to do better as well but cramped up a bit at the end.

“It’s great that Devon has moved into third overall and has a bit of a gap on Hellner and Alex is in 6th so we’re sitting better than last year and everyone’s feeling good – we’ll see where it can take us.”

Full men’s results HERE.
Men’s World Cup standings HERE.