February 17, 2013 (Davos, Switzerland) – Johan Olsson laid down a stellar run to claim the Men’s Individual 15km FR in Davos, the final race before the 2013 FIS Nordic World Championships only days away in Val di Fiemme, Italy.

Local fans were hoping Dario Cologna (SUI) would eclipse him at the finish but the Swiss star, who won Olympic gold in this event at Vancouver 2010, was +11.8s short winning the silver. Russian strongman, Alexander Legkov, claimed the final step on the podium.

It was a suprisingly lacklustre day for many stars including Petter Northug (NOR) in 14th, Lukas Bauer (CZE) in 15th and Marcus Hellner (SWE) in 18th. Meanwhile Axel Teichmann showed some mettle taking 4th while Finland’s Matti Heikkinen was 5th and  Maurice Manificat (FRA) also had a good run in 6th.

The top North American was the USA’s Noah Hoffman in 33rd with his teammate Kris Freeman in 50th, now back in the mix following training at home.

Canada’s Alex Harvey was 56th as he rejoins the World Cup as his should was injured while training with Tad Elliott (USA) in 59th and Torin Koos (USA) in 80th. Canada’s Graham Nishikawa is still not well and did not start while Ivan Babikov, who’s had a great season so far did not finish.

Is this cause for worry… ? Not according to Canadian head coach Justin Wadsworth who noted in a team release, “The guys are coming off of altitude so their bodies are not quite responding during this transition time.

“Today wasn’t great result-wise but it was good for them to have one final race before next week’s World Championships where I have no doubt they will be ready to go. This is the event we have been focused on all year.”

Qualifications HERE.
Final HERE.