February 22, 2015 (Falun, SWE) – Canada’s Alex Harvey won historic bronze in a thrilling finish to the men’s 30km Skiathlon as Russia’s Maxim Vylegzhanin won his first ever international gold medal beating Dario Cologna (SUI) by just 0.4 seconds. With his second podium in as many days Harvey became the first Canadian cross-country skier to win two medals at a World Championships.

Fellow Canuck Ivan Babikov finished 23rd while American Erik Bjornsen had a breakthrough race finishing 28th. The USA’s Noah Hoffman placed 44th, Kris Freeman was 48th and Matt Gelso was 54th.

“It’s a great day for me. Hard to believe,” said Harvey. “I felt pretty good in the classic and my skis were amazing – the wax team is doing a great job. I have not been feeling as good in skating this year so my plan was to stay in front and go slower on the climbs because that’s where I’m weak and it worked.”

Harvey and Petter Northug (NOR) opened strong at the front with Calle Halfvarsson (SWE) and Ivo Niskanen (FIN) with them during the first lap. Northug dropped back as Maurice Manificat (FRA) and Lars Nelson (SWE) broke loose from the main group after 5 km but Harvey led the chase to reel them, and then took over the lead looking strong and composed at the exchange zone.

At the pit stop the lead group featured about 20 contenders led by Harvey followed by Niklas Dyrhaug (NOR) and Jean Marc Gaillard (FRA) with several top names like Cologna, Northug and Marcus Hellner (SWE) lurking further back.

Harvey was in control but then several skiers including Hellner tried to beak loose. It wasn’t until they faced the Mördarbacken climb for the third time that Cologna initiated a strong attack with only Vylegzhanin and Didrik Toenseth (NOR) able to respond as the trio managed to get a few meters on the chasers.

Harvey looked like he might be done but the Canadian star reloaded and bridged to the three leaders before they entered the final straightaway to the finish for a thrilling finish with Vylegzhanin leading and Cologna on his heels.

The Russian, who was runner up to Petter Northug Jr. in Oslo four years ago and fifth at Fiemme 2013, went head-to-head with defending champ Cologna for the win showing impressive speed in the finishing lanes to secure his first-ever international gold medal. Harvey could not catch the leaders but jetted past Toenseth to claim the bronze, his second Worlds medal.

“I was trying to save everything for the last two kilometres,” said Harvey. “Even when Dario attacked I drifted, but on top of the Mördarbacken I was still in reach with the skis that I had, as the next part of the course was good terrain for me.

“From Thursday’s result I knew that I could sprint well but I was just trying to stay on my skis because my legs were pretty jammed by then. I was starting to not see clearly but it was good enough to grab bronze. I’m surprised. I have two world medals in my career in three days,” he concluded – post race interview below with SVT.

We caught up with the USA’s Bjornsen to hear about his great top-30 result at Worlds. “I was very happy with today’s result. It’s my best world champs result and my first top-30 for a distance race this season. My goal was to fight the whole way and that’s exactly what I was able to do.

”For the classic leg I went for fast skies and a little light on the kick. I’ve been working on my classic technic and was just trying to stay relaxed. In the skate I was trying to hold on to a group and was surprised as I passed a couple of them in the last kilometers and then came up to more guys.

”I was starting to cramp so I just tried to hold on. I was pretty happy the last few kilometers as I was able to pick a few more spots. It was awesome. I’m pretty excited. Thanks to my coach, Erik Flora and the programs I’ve been working with the last few years with APU/USST.

“Of course I couldn’t be here without the support from my parents all through the years. I also have to thank Alaska Seafoods and Lund Engineering for financially supporting me. It was a great day with a great atmosphere on the track,” added Bjornsen.

Full results here.