January 23, 2010 (Rybinsk, Russia) – Canada’s Graham Nishikawa earned his best World Cup result placing 17th place also winning the first intermediate sprint in the men’s 30km Pursuit (15km C+15km F) as the Russians swept the podium with Artem Zhmurko the surprise winner in Rybinsk on Saturday. Right behind him were Russian teammates IIlia Chernousov, only 0.9s back, and Sergei Shiriaev in third place.

“Graham stayed with the lead group for most of the first 10k, capturing some bonus world cup points by winning an intermediate sprint. As the race progressed Graham dropped back a bit off the pace skiing most of the way alone in 16th, and finishing in 17th out of 22 finishers,” reported Cross Country Canada. Both Brent McMurtry and Phil Widmer were unable to start due to flu symptoms.

The racing was tight, with a photo finish deciding the 3rd-7th positions between Shiriaev, Rene Sommerfeldt (GER), Konstantin Glavatskikh (RUS), Thomas Moriggl (ITA), and Sergei Dolodovich (BLR). It was good day for the host nation with three Russians on the podium, and five in the top 10.

Men’s full results here.

Results (brief)

1. Artem Zhmurko (RUS) 1:15.23.2
2. Ilia Chernousov (RUS) +0.9
3. FF Sergei Shiriaev (RUS) +1.5
4. FF Rene Sommerfeldt (GER) +1.6
5. FF Konstantin Glavatskikh (RUS) +1.6
6. FF Thomas Moriggl (ITA) +1.9
7. FF Sergei Dolidovich (BLR) +2.1

17. Graham Nishikawa (CAN) +4:04.6