December 06, 2014 (Lillehammer, NOR) – Martin Johnsrud Sundby led another resounding Norwegian victory charge today in the men’s 10km FR race in Lillehammer recapturing the yellow bib as the overall World Cup leader. As with the women’s race lone Swede Calle Halfvarsson spoiled the Norge party taking 4th behind Norwegians Finn Haagen Krogh in second and Sjur Roethe in third as Niklas Dyrhaug was 5th and Chris Andre Jespersen was 6th.

Sundby is all smiles © Nordic Focus

Both the Canadian and USA squads were flat today with Alex Harvey the top North American just out of the points in 33rd and sits 11th overall in the mini-tour. His teammate Ivan Babikov placed 43rd followed by Erik Bjornsen (USA) in 51st with Len Valjas (Can) in 57th and veteran Devon Kershaw in 58th. He was followed by American Simi Hamilton in 74th, Canmore’s Jesse Cockney in 77th, Graeme Killick (Can) was 94th, Andy Newell (USA) finished 103rd and Reese Hanneman (USA) was 108th.

Three-time Olympian, Ivan Babikov commented, “That was a very hard course with lots of climbing, but very fast almost icy conditions. The body felt good, but I’m just struggling to find some speed at this moment. I can’t say I’m happy with the result, but this is just the beginning of the season so hopefully it’ll get better in upcoming races.”

Devon Kershaw © Nordic Focus

We caught up with Canada’s Kershaw for his take on the tough day for both the Canadian and US camps… he was “…disappointed for sure” and shared his thoughts.

“Yes, it was a bit of a tough day for North America. That said, The American ladies really bounced back decently after a dismal sprint yesterday, so that was good to see. Jesse skiing into the top 15 in that field, on that course is a really solid race, and Liz finishing 22nd on such a short 5km after dealing with a bit of a shoulder injury is solid.

“On the Canadian camp front, Alex just missing the points isn’t good and not his level – same for Babs in 43rd – he’s a better skater than that, we all know and have seen it – but that’s the game we play. Some days are up, others down, but on the horizon there’s always another chance and it just so happens we don’t have to wait long – tomorrow will be a 15km classic on a challenging but fair course. Another shot to find that feeling,” explained the Sudbury skier.

We also wondered if the courses in Lillehammer tougher or about the same as elsewhere…

“For me, I do feel as though the courses here are tougher. It’s the hardest courses (other than the skate course in Sochi) that I’ve ever raced. I guess when you’ve had some tough days at the office at a venue that doesn’t help the assessment, but still. The climbing is relentless and there isn’t much gradual terrain anywhere on the course… maybe the stadium, but you carry so much speed into it, that it goes by quickly when you are lapping though,” Kershaw told Trax.

“It is a hard course, but a fair course – it’s very wide and there’s lots of room. The strongest skier wins here – no question. That hill at the back of the course though is a leg and soul crushing climb if you aren’t on a good day,” he concluded.

Men’s 10km FR HERE.
Mini Tour standings HERE.