December 01, 2018 (Lillehammer, Norway) – Canada’s Alex Harvey finished 17th on a challenging course in the men’s 15km FR individual start won by Norway’s Sjur Roethe on Saturday at Day Two of the World Cup mini tour in Lillehammer, Norway.

Didrik Toenseth, also from Norway, claimed second at six seconds back while Russia’s Denis Spitsov was third. The top American was Erik Bjornsen in 43rd.

“It was a tough day. Getting to a sprint final always takes a lot out of you and there were lots of emotions yesterday too, so the legs weren’t quite there for a challenging course,” said Harvey who dug deep from the outset to hold pace with the frontrunners for each of the two laps in the tricky individual start competition in warm conditions.

“I didn’t feel good right from the start. The conditions were a bit slower for everyone. The snow had a bit more resistance in some of the climbs so that made it harder on the legs. Tired legs and the conditions were a bit of a double whammy. I knew where my zone was. I was just steady in 17 to 19th place and had to fight to stay there,” he continued.

Harvey will begin Sunday’s 15-kilometre classic-ski pursuit race in 10th. “I will have Dario (Cologna) and (Martin) Sundby just ahead of me so I will try to latch onto those guys,” added Harvey. “I have a good group around me who are all strong classic skiers so hopefully I’ll be able to ski to a better result.”

Results here.