February 12, 2012 (Kontiolahti, FIN) – Team USA continued with strong results in Finland on Sunday grabbing three top-15 spots in the men’s 12.5km pursuit. Tim Burke was just out of the top 10 in 11th place while teammate Lowell Bailey was 12th. They were followed by Jay Hakkinen in 14th, while Russell Currier finished 23rd.

Norway’s legendary Ole Einar Björndalen surprised the men’s field by taking his first win since 2010 besting yesterday’s winner, Martin Fourcade of France by a 14-second margin. Björndalen had two penalties while Fourcade suffered three on their way to the podium. The final spot went to the Russia’s Dmitry Malyshko who was 23 seconds off Björndalen’s winning pace.

Burke led the US charge but wasn’t feeling 100% suffering four penalties. “I felt really drained out there today after racing the previous two days. I made it all the way up to 5th but struggled in the last shooting stage,” Burke told SkiTrax. “I had an opportunity to go for the podium but was not able to pull it together.”

Temperatures were milder then yesterday, but the wind was stronger, which created a challenge in the shooting range. “The shooting conditions were definitely pretty tricky today and it looked like most athletes spent some time in the penalty loop,” added Burke.

The American men have set the bar higher for themselves after the past few weeks of increasing success. “It’s funny how expectations can change so fast,” Burke continued.

“Last year we would have been thrilled to have three guys in the top-15, but today we were definitely a little disappointed as we’re all anxious to crack the podium.”

Björndalen, an icon of the sport, has had a long career but does not find if difficult to stay motivated. “It was hard in summer because I was in really bad shape,” said Björndalen at the post-race press conference. “But my motivation was really strong because I like my sport – I like to train hard and will never give up.”

The win in Kontiolahti gives Björndalen confidence. “For the World Championships this result is important me as I know a little bit more – anything is possible. Now with some weeks of hard training I’ll be in top shape I think.”

Full results HERE.