March 10, 2013 (Lahti, Finland) – Petter Northug (NOR) silenced any remaining dis-believers in his ability to time trial delivering a decisive victory once again in the men’s 15km CL individual start World Cup in Lahti on Sunday in cold (-5 degrees) but clear and sunny conditions. His closest rival Alexey Poltoranin was a distant 31.7s behind with Northug’s teammate Martin Johnsrud Sundby in 3rd at 35.1s.

The USA’s Kris Freeman the only North American to land in the points, was on form for a respectable 25th finish at 1:44.9 behind Northug. While this is the American veteran’s signature distance he told SkiTrax his goal today was “… to pace the race well and have a great result. I had a good result.”

Teammate Noah Hoffman was the next best American in 4oth followed by Canadian stud Alex Harvey, of St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que., who struggled to find his top form as he skied in the top-30 for most of the race, but ran out of gas in his final lap and dropped to 41st at 2:14.8 behind the winner.

The hot seat changed several times with top sprinter Emil Joensson (SWE) enjoying a short stint in the leader’s chair. Italy’s  Dietmar Noeckler put in a solid run mid-race but Germany’s Tobias Angerer was faster only to get bumped by Olympic silver medalist in the 15km CL, Lukas Bauer (CZE).

Sundby bested Bauer but Poltoranin wasn’t having it as they watched Northug demolish all scores with an incredible finishing time of 34:35.6 – the only skier to break 35 min.

Also racing for Canada was Graeme Killick of Fort McMurray, Alta., in 55th, Michael Somppi, of Thunder Bay, Ont., in 72nd, and Canmore’s Jesse Cockney in 78th. For the US Andy Newell was 61st, Torin Koos finished 67th and Tad Elliott was 77th. Canadian stars Devon Kershaw and Ivan Babikov did not start.

Dario Cologna (SUI) not on the start line continues to lead the over WCup with 1173 points followed by Alexander Legkov in second with 1,066 points as Northug sits in third with 1,055 points. The top North American is Ivan Babikov (CAN) in 15th with 354 points – Newell is the top American in 27th with 259 points.

Full results HERE.
Overall WCup standings HERE.