November 24, 2012 (Gällivare, Sweden) – Canada’s Ivan Babikov continued his strong start to the season leading the North American contingent in 14th as Norway’s Martin Johnsrud Sundby showed the field how it’s done grabbing the first WCup victory of season in the men’s 15km FR interval start in Gällivare, Sweden on Saturday.

Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ) had a strong day claiming second while Sweden’s Marcus Heller salvaged the second half of his race to claim third in front of his home crowd in the Gällivare stadium that bears his name. Finland’s top dog, Matti Heikkenen, was on form as well for 4th with Sjur Roethe (NOR) taking 5th.

The USA’s Kris Freeman lead the American charge just out of the points in 33rd as the North American contingent had a lacklustre day on the trails with Canadian stud Alex Harvey in 36th followed by the USA’s Noah Hoffman in 38th with Devon Kershaw, second overall last year, in 44th. The USA’s Tad Elliott finished 59th, Simi Hamilton (USA) was 63rd, Canuck Kevin Sandau was 64th and American Sylvan Ellefson was 76th.

The tough course humbled other top contenders as Petter Northug (NOR) settled for 7th, Russian star Maxim Vylegzhanin was 14th, and World Cup leader Dario Cologna (SUI) surrendered his leader’s jersey placing a surprising 19th on the day.

A field of 97 skiers were on the start line as mid-race snow may have affected the results of some the bigger names who started later and had to contend with tougher conditions.

Full results HERE.
Full results w/splits HERE.