November 17, 2012 (Muonio, Finland) – USST veteran Kris Freeman powered to 4th place landing just off the podium in the men’s 1okm CL in Muonio on Saturday while Liz Stephen lead the American women’s contingent in 13th as Justyna Kowalczyk claimed her second victory in Finland.

Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ) made it 2-for-2 in the men’s race as Czech strongman Lukas Bauer grabbed second with Jens Filbrich taking the final podium spot over Freeman by 5s. Noah Hoffman finished 3oth and Sylvan Ellefson placed 44th. Tad Elliott, Andy Newell and Simi Hamilton were non-starters.

Following Stephen in 28th was Jessie Diggins with Holly Brooks 34th and Ida Sargent in 36th. Kikkan Randall, while on the start list, remained on the sidelines due to her foot still in recovery mode.

Results (brief)

Men

1. Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ) 00:25:33,61
2. Lukas Bauer (CZE) 00:25:38,43
3. Jens Filbrich (GER) 00:25:46,79
4. Kris Freeman (USA) 00:25:51,91

30. Noah Hoffman (USA) 00:26:33,81
44. Sylvan Ellefson (USA) 00:26:47,37

Women

1. Justyna Kowalczyck (POL)  00:13:35,64
2. Yulia Tchekaleva (RUS) 00:14:04,65
3. Masako Ishida (JPN) 00:14:11,60

28. Jessie Diggins (USA) 00:14:56,70
34. Holly Brooks (USA) 00:15:03,04
36. Ida Sargent (USA) 00:15:03,25

Full results HERE.