February 02, 2017 (Soldier Hollow, UT) – The USA’s Patrick Caldwell had a stellar performance placing 9th in the U23 Men’s 15km FS individual start as the Russian team owned the podium again led by Alexander Bolshunov with a decisive 22-second victory over teammate Alexey Chervotkin. Denis Spitsov rounded out the podium at 28.2 seconds behind Bolshunov.

Caldwell’s first lap of three on the 2002 Olypmic 5km course put him into the top 5 against a very competitive field of 51 athletes but he slipped back on the second and third laps to finish at 1:03.6 behind Bolushnov.

Adam Martin (USA) was the next North American finisher, crossing the line in 22nd at 2:22.4 back. Martin was closely followed by teammate John Hegman in 24th at 2:25.2 behind. Callan Deline rounded out the American squad, placing 37th at 3:48.6 behind Bolshunov.

Palmer-Charrette was the fastest Canuck on the day in 36th at 3:20.2 back. He was followed by teammates Alexis Dumas in 38th (+3:52.9), and Julien Lamoureux in 43rd (+4:16.7). Scott James Hill skied to 49th as fourth best Canadian at 6:17.2 back.

It looks like temperatures will continue to rise at Soldier Hollow over the next couple of days, but race organizers should have no problems given the deep natural snowpack.