February 3, 2009 (Praz de Lys Sommand) – The first of two distance races at the 2009 World Junior Championships in Praz de Lys Sommand, France took place Tuesday with the women skiing a 10km pursuit and the men 20km. Graeme Killick of Canada was the top North American placing 15th, 2:14 seconds back from the men’s race winner Petr Sedov of Russia. Raul Shakirzianov of Russia was second and from Norway in third was Hans Christer Holund. The USA’s Noah Hoffman was 17th.

In the women’s race Sophie Caldwell of the USA was the top North American female in 26th just under three minutes off the lead. It was a Scandinavian sweep in the women’s race. Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg of Norway won in a time of 31:57.1. Krista Lahteenmaki of Finland was second, and in third was Hanna Brodin of Sweden. Canada’s top finisher was Janelle Greer in 37th.

Next up the athletes will compete in the 5km and 10km skate race February 5.

Men’s results here
Women’s results here

Result (brief)

Men

1. Petr Sedov (Rus) 52:54.1
2. Raul Shakirzianov (Rus) 53:42.5
3. Hans Christer Holund (Nor) 53:43.5
4. Tim Tscharnke (Ger) 53:44.5
5. Hannes Dotzler (Ger) 54:01.0

15. Graeme Killick (Can) 55:08.8
17. Noah Hoffman (USA) 55:49.8
22. Alexander Treinen (USA) 56:09.1
25. David Greer (Can) 56:21.3
26. Patrick Johnson (USA) 56:26.1
44. Erik Bjornsen (USA) 58:05.8
49. Ghislain De Laplante (Can) 58:46.1
59. Jesse Cockney (Can) 59:18.7

Women

1. Ingvild Flugstad (Nor) 31:57.1
2. Krista Lahteenmaki (Fin) 32.21.5
3. Hanna Brodin (Swe) 32:37.5
4. Hilde Lauvhaug (Nor) 32:49.2
5. Maiken Caspersen (Nor) 33:22.8

26. Sophie Caldwell (USA) 34:51.9
33. Adele Espy (USA) 35:06.2
37. Janelle Greer (Can) 35:12.6
39. Marlis Kromm (Can) 35:30.1
43. Jessica Diggins (USA) 35:40.5
51. Rebecca Rorabaugh (USA) 36:48.5
57. Lauriane Ouellet (Can) 37:52.3
58. Catherine Auclair (Can) 37:56.3