December 13, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – Superb conditions continued for the men’s 15km CL as Germany’s Tim Tscharnke took his first World Cup with a surprise attack on the final lap that couldn’t be answered by the other leaders including veteran teammate Tobias Angerer who settled for 3rd behind Norway’s Sjur Roethe.

Canada’s Alex Harvey delivered his best result of the season claiming a respectable 11th while the top American was Kris Freeman just behind Harvey in 14th. Both Ivan Babikov (Can) and Noah Hoffman (USA), who looked strong during the first half could not hold the pace and finished 20th and 22nd respectively. Canmore’s hometown star Devon Kershaw also showed signs that his form is returning placing a decent 17th, his best result so far as well.

“It was hard the whole way today,” said Harvey. “I didn’t feel that good in my warm-up so I kind of expected it to be a hard day. It was a fight all the way. I didn’t blow up at the end or anything, but I just couldn’t go any faster.

“I had to be smart today. I have to be happy with that result because it is my best result of the season. We just got back down from altitude so the body should be adapted by now. I’m really looking forward to the 30 kilometre.”

Freeman was also somewhat pleased but wanted more…”It’s a solid race. I would have loved to have been able to hang with the leaders but the last little bit wasn’t there – I got loaded up.”

Early race leader Martin Johnsrud Sundby (Nor) crashed at about the half way point and could not recover to rejoin the lead group and abandoned. Soon after Angerer and Russia’s Evgeniy Belov asserted themselves and then it became apparent that the Germans had good skis and meant business as Tscharnke and Hannes Dotzler also moved to the front.

With under 2km to go Angerer tried to escape but Belov would not let go. As the leaders regrouped for the final push Tscharnke suddenly made his own decision to claim the race and soon his lead became insurmountable as the chasers fought for the remaining podium spots. Angerer had saved just enough for third while Belov was spent as Roethe positioned himself well to take the silver.

Also in the points was Canada’s Len Valjas in 24th showing that his hand injury is on the mend. Lots of Canadian and US skiers raced today gaining experience and building momemtum for the future.

“Good efforts by the guys. They all were a bit flat, but overall it’s still going in the right direction,” commented Justin Wadsworth, Canadian Head Coach. “Alex finished strong, Ivan has now scored WC points in every distance race and Lenny had a solid race. Devon was flat and had a tough time at the end of the race. Overall not our best day, but it’s a hard course and the guys skied with all their effort.”

Full results HERE.