November 30, 2013 (Kuusamo, Finland) – Canada’s Ivan Babikov lead the North American charge on day 2 of the Ruka Triple in Kuusamo placing 21st in the men’s 10km CL individual start as Lukas Bauer (CZE) showed his form besting Norway’s Eldar Roenning by a 3s-margin for the victory with Russia’s Dmitriy Japarov taking third. Bauer and Germany’s Tim Tscharnke were the only non-Norwegian or Russian skiers in the top 10 indicating the powerhouse battle that seems to be shaping up this Olympic season.

Team USA’s Noah Hoffman also delivered a respectable 28th landing in the points as did Alex Harvey for Canada in 30th while veteran American Kris Freeman was 57th followed by Canadian stud Devon Kershaw in 65th. Sprinter Andy Newell (USA) placed 77th with teammate Simi Hamilton 79th as rookie Canadian Jesse Cockney was 92nd followed by his teammate Len Valjas, who tested out his knee again, finishing 110th. The USA’s Mike Sinnott was 114th.

Roenning leads the mini series with Japarov 2nd and Paal Goldberg (NOR) in third. Harvey leads the North American men in 27th overall.

Full results HERE.
Overall standings HERE.