January 23, 2016 (Nove Mesto, CZE) – Canada’s Alex Harvey battled through challenging conditions to a solid 7th in the men’s 15km World Cup in Nova Mesto, Czech Republic on Saturday. Maurice Manificat, of France claimed the top spot on the podium over Norway’s Martin Sundby in second at 10.8 behind with Russia’s Sergey Usiugov in third at 13.0s back.

Alex Harvey (CAN) © Nordic Focus

“The snow was really soft and completely different than yesterday so it was extremely slow today and I had to work the whole way,” said Harvey who is coming off the grueling Tour de Ski and a bout of illness last week. “I really wanted to try and catch on to someone but it seemed I skied alone the entire day which made things tough – especially in the windy parts of the course.”

Noah Hoffman (USA) © Nordic Focus

The USA’s Noah Hoffman finished 27th in the points at 1:38.3 behind while Canada’s Devon Kershaw was 38th, Erik Bjornsen (USA) was 39th, Scott Patterson (USA) was 42nd, Canada’s Graeme Killick was 63rd and Knute Johnsgaard was 76th.

“I felt pretty good today. I was in the top-five most of the way. I’m definitely happy with a top-10 result. That is the goal every time I race,” said Harvey, of Saint Ferreol les Neiges, Que. “Our wax techs did a great job on the skis today. Overall it was a good day.”

Devon Kershaw (CAN) © Nordic Focus

“I am ok after the Tour. I’ve been feeling pretty up and down since the Tour ended with regards to my energy – which is pretty normal and the first week after the Tour was very relaxed to give myself the best chance to come back quickly. And yeah, age doesn’t help coming back from the Tour quicker, haha,” said Kershaw.

“The race today was disappointing. It was too little too late today for me. I was terrible in the first lap, a little better in that 2nd lap, and better still in the 3rd lap, but when you give up that much time that early, you never get it back. Not sure why I am starting so slowly in individual starts this year, especially when I make it a goal to start harder. On to the next one. I’m excited for the relay tomorrow – hammering around  a 7.5km is always fun,” he added.

Final podium © Nordic Focus

It is the third consecutive podium for France and Manificat’s third podium of the season, including his first win since the 30 km free in Davos in December 2013.

“I was focused on this weekend. There are not many 15 km Free technique in the World Cup calendar. I knew Martin was a favorite but I was ready to fight. I had excellent skis. I am very happy for the first victory of the season. I had the advantage of starting behind Martin to get all the times. I know that when I am in the best shape I can ski like today,” said Manificat.

The World Cup wraps up in Nova Mesto on Sunday with the men’s and women’s relay races.

Men’s results here.