February 23, 2013 (Val di Fiemme, Italy) – Swiss star Dario Cologna attacked with 3km to go in the skate portion of the 15kmCL/+15kmFR men’s Skiathlon to open up a gap large enough to secure his first ever World Championship gold. Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR) took silver, maintaining enough energy after attempting a failed, but heroic break-away attempt only 4km into the skate portion. Norway Sjur Roethe completed the podium with taking the bronze at 2 seconds behind Cologna. Defending champ, Petter Northug of Norway, was slow to react to Cologna’s breakaway move, and was left off the podium in fourth.

Dario Cologna (SUI) wins his first Worlds title © Nordic Focus

The best North American skier was Canada’s Alex Harvey, who maintained contact near the front or in the large chase pack, finishing 13th at 16.1 seconds behind the winner. Also finishing within a minute out was fellow Canuck Ivan Babikov in 32nd. After staying near the front for most of the classic stage the top Americans were Kris Freeman and Noah Hoffman, who fell back to 41st and 43rd respectively, more than two and a half minutes off the pace. – full report and photos coming.

Full results HERE.
Full results w/splits HERE.