December 30, 2017 (Lenzerheide, SUI) – Canadian star, Alex Harvey, was 7th on the day just missing the final by a boot toe in the men’s 1.5km Sprint FR as defending champ Sergey Ustiugov (Rus), also the top qualifier, won the opening stage of the Tour de Ski. Italy’s Federico Pellegrino skied to second place, while Lucas Chanavat of France, took the final step on the podium.

“It’s a really good start. It is always important to get some bonus points in the first stage,” said Harvey. “If I look at the overall there was maybe only a couple of contenders ahead of me. The other guys were all pure sprinters. I got a lot of bonus time on those guys so it was a good start and my best sprint finish of the season.”

Americans Simi Hamilton (15th), Andy Newell (20th) and Eric Bjornsen (25th) also made the heats but were eliminated in the 1/4 finals. This is Newell’s eighth Tour de Ski. Canada’s Devon Kershaw, one of two skiers (Jean Marc Gaillard, FRA) to have raced in all previous 11 editions of the Tour was 86th in preparation for Sunday’s 15km classic-ski race on Stage 2.

Harvey handily won his opening quarter-final and was on pace in his semi. Trying to conserve energy for the second climb he found himself in an all-out battle with two French skiers, Chanavat and Richard Jouve. Chanavat skied away as Harvey and Jouve battled to the line with the Frenchman edging out the Canuck to make the final.

“We had really good skis and I didn’t want to be in the lead on the first downhill,” added Harvey. “I had a lot of speed coming into the finishing stretch and was reeling in the French skier in, but it was too little too late.”

Hamilton wanted more but is happy to be healthy. “It wasn’t the start to the Tour I was hoping for, but I’m still happy about my result. I missed a big chunk of training when I was really sick at the start of period 1 but recovered and felt good. It was tough to get through traffic… still it was a great day for Team USA with Sophie on the podium.”

“Amazing day for Sophie,” said Newell. “I’m not particularly happy with my result but know that the body is feeling strong and fit. I chose the first heat with Ustinov knowing that It would be a tough 1/4, but my best chance to podium. It’s one of the strategies I’ve been using this year – go big or go home – still I’m positive I can do much better.”

Qualifications here.
Results here.