March 02, 2011 (Oslo, Norway) – Matti Heikkenen gave Finland its second Nordic Worlds medal with a gold medal performance in the men’s 15km classic besting all the favourites. Heikkenen scored the win with a comfortable margin of 13.3s over Norway’s Eldar Roenning who jetted out on the course and looked strongest but in the second half paid the price for his heady start. Martin Johnsrud Sundby delivered yet another medal to the Norwegian hosts claiming the bronze.

The USA’s Kris Freeman placed a respectable 24th, short of the mark the American hoped for but a decent result after his run began to fall apart en route to the finish. Team mate Noah Hoffman energized the team with his 29th place finish showing that his classic form is on track.

The top Canadian was veteran Ivan Babikov just behind Hoffman in 30th also with sub-par performance. Both Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey did not race as it was decided to rest them up for the Team Sprint on Wednesday. Len Valjas finished 48th, Stefan Kuhn was 52nd and George Grey finished 57th.

The USA’s Lars Flora (Anchorage) and Simi Hamilton (Aspen, CO) also competed in Tuesday’s 15k classic finishing respectively in 39th and 51st.

Full results HERE.