November 17, 2013 (Muonio, FIN) – Russia’s Irina Khazova and Yulia Tchekaleva went 1-2 in the women’s 10km FR race on the final day of racing in Muonio deposing Justyna Kowalczyk, who won the first two days of racing, as the Polish star finished 24th. Czech skier Eva Vrabcova-Nyvltova was third while Canada’s Brandy Stewart was 124th and American Emily Ramsey was 155th.

Freeman racing Classic in Muonio © Will Sweetser

In the men’s 15km FR the USA’s Kris Freeman was just out of the points again finishing 33rd behind winner Petr Sedov followed by two Swedes Matti Heikkinen in second and Tero Similae in 3rd.

Following the race our international correspondent Peter Graves caught up with Freeman.

“The races weren’t that exciting but I am in the game. I placed 32nd in both the 10k classic and 15k skate, roughly a minute and ten seconds out. Will Sweetser was up against the full World Cup waxing crews of Kazakstan, Russia, Japan and the wax bus enabled Finns and Germans,” said Freeman.

“For the classic race, testing went very well in the morning but then the temperature dropped several degrees and and we did not have the manpower to adapt. I ended up racing on too large of a grind with too warm kick wax which resulted in pretty slow skis.  I was giving up significant time but we knew we were coming to a gun fight with a knife. I laid down a good effort and my sensations were very positive,” added the New Hampshire skier.

Freeman racing in Muonio © Will Sweetser

Freeman continued saying the waxing proved to be just as tough for Day 2. “The waxing didn’t get any easier for the skate race but Will was able to take advantage of stable conditions and put my skis right in the game. I skied relaxed and smooth but was giving up about 20 seconds a lap to the top guys despite my best efforts. I was able to put myself deep in the pain cave and crawl back out of it which is a good indication of things to come. Over the next few weeks, I will cut my volume significantly and focus on speed and hard intervals.”

Now it’s on to Kuusamo.

Women’s 10km FR results here.
Men’s 15km FR results here.