December 6, 2008 (La Clusaz, France) – Canada’s Ivan Babikov, 28, had an excellent race placing 8th in the men’s 30km mass start on Saturday won by Norway’s Peter Northug. Babikov just arrived in Europe six days ago after competing in the opening US SuperTour races at West Yellowstone, MT.

Devon Kershaw continued his impressive start to the World Cup year with a 25th place finish just 30 seconds off the winning time. USA’s Kris Freeman was the top American with a solid performance in 43th. In the women’s 15km skate won by Kristin Stoermer Steira (Norway), Canada’s Sara Renner made her World Cup debut with an impressive 17th place finish.

Full women’s results here.
Full men’s results here.

Results (brief)

Women

1. Kristin Stoermer Steira (Nor) 42:56
2. Aino Kaisa Saarinen (Fin) 43:09
3. Therese Johaug (Nor) 43:10
4. Valentina Shevchenko (Ukr) 43:12.7
5. Marianna Longa (Ita) 43:14

17. Sara Renner (Can) 44:37.3
55. Perianne Jones (Can) 48:48.2

Men

1. Petter Northug (Nor) 1:19:26.5
2. Daria Cologna (Sui) 1:19:26.8
3. Alexander Legkov (Rus) 1:19:28.5
4. Giorgio Di Centa (Ita) 1:19:28.5
5. Tord Asle Gjerdalen (Nor) 1:19:32.4
6. Anders Soedergren (Swe) 1:19:33.7
7. Pietro Cottrer Piller (Ita) 1:19:35.6
8. Ivan Babikov (Can) 1:19:36.7

25. Devon Kershaw (Can) 1:19:56.5
43. Kris Freeman (USA) 1:20:22.7