December 20, 2014 (Davos, Switzerland) – Norway showed its teeth again with a surprise win by Anders Gloeersen who earned his first distance victory as he led a podium sweep in the men’s 15km FR. Petter Northug settled for second at 4.8s behind and Chris Andre Jespersen skied for the bronze at 10.4. Gloeersen, known for his sprinting prowess, was not slated to race but when others were sick he was called up to race for the mighty Norge red machine.

Anders Gloersen © Nordic Focus

Canada’s Ivan Babikov led the North American contingent in 34th at 1:18.4 behind as Alex Harvey skied to 38th, Devon Kershaw finished 52nd, Graeme Killick climbed to 20th spot before dropping back in the pack to 54th, Erik Bjornsen, the lone men’s starter for the U.S., finished 56th, and Kevin Sandau rounded out the Canadian results in 70th.

Ivan Babikov © Nordic Focus

World Cup leader Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR) ended up 6th behind Calle Halfvarsson (SWE) in 4th and Jean Marc Gaillard (FRA) in 5th.

“It was not the best race today. Ivan was returning from Canada and maybe not 100 per cent,” said Tor Arne Hetland, Canadian World Cup coach. “The team was not very happy with their performance. It is not good enough, but we have a new race tomorrow.”

Full results here.

Final podium © Nordic Focus