February 11, 2012 (Nove Mesto, Czech Republic) – Sweden’s Johan Olsson pulled a move similar to Marit Bjoergen in the men’s 30km CL race, as he attacked overall World Cup leader, Dario Cologna, near the end of the race on the final downhill into the stadium, creating a gap that Cologna could not run down. Russia’s Maxim Vylegzhanin coming off his 30km Skiathlon victory in Rybinsk out-paced the rest of the field for 3rd.

For North American fans the drama unfolded with Canada’s Devon Kershaw grabbing the first 15km bonus points and teammate Lenny Valjas in second for 12. Kershaw’s move was not lost on Marcus Hellner (SWE), battling with the Canuck in the overall standings, who claimed third for 10 points.

Hellner was very active at the front attacking after the first bonus points but could not get away. Kershaw was always strong with teammates Alex Harvey and Ivan Babikov nearby as Valjas dropped back given his goal to earn bonus points and move closer to the top 50 was accomplished.

But Canada’s plans unravelled a bit as Harvey was forced to abandon at about the 10km mark with back problems again. Kershaw and Babikov stayed the course finishing 12th and 16th earning valuable bonus points along the way. For Kershaw it was a good day at the office as he pushed further ahead of Hellner and closer to Petter Northug (NOR) who is in second overall.

“We have a different strategy now and today’s goal was to earn World Cup points and move Devon closer to Northug while distancing him from Hellner – and he accomplished that,” said Canadian Head Coach Justin Wadsworth in a phone interview post-race. “He earned 72 points (only 8 shy of second place on the podium) today… he paid for it at the end and was close to the front but it was a hard-fought 12th.

“Ivan also had a great day earning points with a solid 16th-place finish. And Lenny scored 12 points which helped to move him into 51st overall as he needs to be in the top 50 for the final in Falun. Perianne also skied really well to make the points in 30th – so overall a solid day except for Alex’s back which seized up on him again – like in Lahti last year.

“We’ve got the best physios – Shane and Wolfman – ready to give him some special attention this evening so hopefully he’ll come around for next weekend.”

The American team also suffered a loss as Andy Newell, their top sprinter who is making gains on the distance front, was as high as 19th but was forced to abandon also due to back problems.

“I’m all good, just still dealing with a back injury I had about 10 days ago,” Newell wrote SkiTrax. ” It felt fine for the first two laps then it just kind of seized up on the third. So I will be sitting out tomorrow in order to get ready for the next races.”

Leading the US squad just out of the points on the day was Kris Freeman in 33rd, who is coming off a stellar 13th place finish in Rybinsk. Back in the mix in 47th was Noah Hoffman, Simi Hamilton was 55th and Sylvan Ellefson was 56th. For the relay Tad Elliott will replace Ellefson with Freeman leading off on Sunday.

Northug, who returned to the WCup circuit this weekend after competing in some marathon races, was not a factor today placing 14th. For Olsson it was a deja vue of his big win at the World Cup season opener in Sjusjoen, Norway.

“I had excellent skis today. I had some tough weeks this winter but my season are usually like that. I’m quite sensitive about getting cold,” said Olsson in a FIS XC interview, “I have had some good races lately with Otepää and Swedish Championships. I think my shape is rising but today the biggest difference was my skis. I am planning to take part in all the remaining World Cups and my focus is on the World Cup finals on home ground in Falun.”

Full results HERE.