January 23, 2015 (Rybinsk, Russia) – Canada’s Alex Harvey delivered a strong 10th-place result as Switzerland’s Dario Cologna took no prisoners in cold -12 degrees conditions on his way to victory in the men’s 15km FR interval start at Rybinsk. Local hero Evgeniy Belov claimed 2nd at 16.3 back with teammate Sergey Ustiugov in third at 28.8 seconds behind.

Alex Harvey (CAN) © Nordic Focus

“It was a great win for me today. I caught Sergey with about 3km to the finish and I knew that if I just stayed close to him we would have a fast finish,” said Cologna post-race. “I know he is a great sprinter. I like racing in Russia. I have good memories from Sochi last winter. It’s a nice country to come to and compete. The courses are well prepared and the people are great.”

Final podium © Nordic Focus

For Harvey it was his first race since the Tour de Ski where he captured his first medal of the season. “My legs were a bit stiff in the first lap, but I ended the race strong to finish in the top-10,” said Harvey who was 1:15.7 behind Cologna. “The skis were great.”

Canada’s Ivan Babikov returned to his country of birth where he finished 22nd at 1:53.3 back. “It is good to be back in Russia, but it is colder than I remembered! The fresh, cold snow definitely made a big difference in the speed so it was hard to ski fast out there,” said Babikov.

Ivan Babikov © Nordic Focus

Babikov, 34, skied with Maurice Manificat (France), who set a strong pace for about four kilometres as the early leader, before getting dropped.

“I was able to stay with him on the flats and gradual stuff, but he was very strong and quick on the uphills, and I hop-skated all of it,” added Babikov. “I’m satisfied that I scored some points (in the top-30). My body was feeling good and I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

Greame Killick (CAN) © Nordic Focus

Devon Kershaw (Can) finished 36th, Erik Bjornsen (USA) placed 40th, Graeme Killick (Can) was 43rd and Matthew Phillip Gelso (USA) finished 53rd.

Full results here.