Poltoranin Scores at TdS 5km CL in Toblach – Canada’s Valjas Strong in 11th

by skitrax.com

January 04, 2013 (Toblach, Italy) – Len Valjas from Toronto led the Canadian men’s team with another great day, placing 11th at Stage 5 of the Tour de Ski, the 5km Classic competition in Toblach. He is now ranked 18th overall. His strong finish comes on the coattails of a recent podium in the free sprint in Val Mustair, Switzerland during his debut year at the Tour.

Len Valjas (CAN) © Nordic Focus

“It was another great day and again a bit unexpected for me,” said Valjas. “I was pretty destroyed after yesterday’s race, but woke up this morning and felt great. I’m in great shape right now and recovering quick.”

Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ) was the big winner on the day, taking victory by 8s over Tour leader Petter Northug (NOR), with Dario Cologna (SUI) snagging the third podium spot.

Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ) © Nordic Focus

Canada’s Devon Kershaw placed 20th and was bumped down to 16th overall, while teammate Alex Harvey also lost ground, finishing 42nd and falling to 21st overall. Ivan Babikov (CAN) wound up 31st and sits in 23rd in the overall standings after five stages.

The U.S. men’s team was led by Andy Newell in 44th spot, followed by Noah Hoffman in 60th, and Kris Freeman in 61st. Freeman is the highest ranked U.S. men’s skier of the tour in 48th.

Results HERE
Overall Men’s Standings HERE