December 18, 2011 (Rogla, Slovenia) – The USA’s Simi Hamilton turned heads qualifying 7th to lead the North Americans in 10th overall as Dario Cologna (SUI) scored the win in the men’s 1.2km freestyle sprint over Nikolay Morilov (RUS). Morilov attacked just before the final climb and tried to escape in the final but had to settle for second in the end as Cologna was too strong, with Norway’s Gloeersen in third.

Hamilton’s teammate Andy Newell qualified a strong 10th along with three Canadians including Len Valjas, Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey, but all were disappointed with their showings in heats and were out quickly on the fast, tight and unforgiving Rogla course.

For Hamilton it was a breakthrough day as he was the lone North American to advance to the semis as a lucky loser, but then drew a very fast heat with Gloeersen and Morilov taking first and second to move on to the final. Hamilton’s semi also included both lucky losers – Paal Golberg and Erik Barndsal from Norway – as the speedy American ended up 10th.

“The course seemed to suit me really well. A lot of tight, technical corners that you really had work as well as a pretty short length and firm conditions,” Hamilton wrote SkiTrax post-race. “My training was really quality this summer and fall, and even though I’ve been battling some bouts of illness recently, I knew that my preparation was good. My coach Pete [Vordenberg] and I designed a training plan that really focused on improving my weaknesses.

“I had a really good start in my quarterfinal – another thing that Pete and I worked on a lot on this summer. It basically came down to drag race in the last 200 meters, and a good lunge got me into that lucky loser spot. In the semi I wanted to go with a different strategy… there was a long slingshot downhill pretty early in the course that Gloersson passed me on in the quarterfinal, so I wanted to be in 2nd or 3rd on that section. After that long downhill and the corner section, I tried to make a move over the steep climb but got boxed out by Gloersson and pinballed by Morilov on the right.

“I’m definitely satisfied with today. I’ve known all fall that this is where my fitness and speed are at, but just haven’t gotten a chance to prove that. I’m really looking forward to the Tour de Ski and the rest of the winter.”

For Newell it was another day of frustration on the sprint course as he allowed others to control the race despite his better positioning. “The course in Rogla is a good one, perfect conditions today and lots of fun corners and stuff on the sprint loop. I tried to get out in front in my heat and control things which I did for a period of time but then managed to get pushed around and cut off too many times in the last portion of the heat.

“It’s completely my fault I don’t know why I’m skiing like such a wimp. I need to hold my ground better and not allow myself to get boxed out on the hills or cut off in the finishing lanes – it’s just happening too often. I’m feeling pretty good so hopefully I can turn that around. I was a little tired after the classic race but I should still be able to sprint it out. I’m satisfied with the distance result but still haven’t had anything to be too stoked about on sprint side yet this year.”

In a phone interview Canada’s Kershaw echoed similar sentiments. While it was great to qualify three team members he wanted more. “It was busy out there and for sure a great day for Chandra. I’m disappointed that I didn’t get better positioning early on to make a go of it later in the sprint. It was tough to pass guys and having Cologna and Hattestad in the mix didn’t help.”

Kershaw was up against teammate Len Valjas as well – so what’s it like facing a teammate in an important race like this? “We’re getting more used to it which is good,” said Kershaw. “Lenny’s a really laid back guy and it’s all part of the game, plus it’s a chance for us work together and hopefully both advance.”

Harvey was disappointed as well but on the short twisty course there was little chance to gain ground. “I tried but it’s not super wide and there are lots of turns so you’re chances are limited. Still we have lots to celebrate with Chandra’s podium and qualifying three guys… we’re ready for the Tour de Ski and more racing.”

Both coaches were pleased overall… “Today was filled with big ups and downs, but when the team is rolling the way it has in period one it’s easy to focus in on the positive,” said US Coach Matt Whitcomb. “Simi and Ida were the big hits of the day. Simi took his first World Cup top-10 and Ida her first World Cup points. Neither of them ever faded in their elimination heat. They had a lot to give today, and had good production right through to the finish.

“These two have been a bit flat for parts of period 1, and today’s race indicated that training is being absorbed and good feelings are here. Ida goes home to Rumford now satisfied with a great result, and Simi heads into our Tour de Ski pre-camp feeling more confident. Andy and Kikkan each looked fit for the finals today, but standard course contact got the best of them. Still, we’ll take four in the top 25 any day. Plus the techs made great skis again today.”

For Canadian Coach Justin Wadsworth a podium finish in the bag as the first Euro campaign comes to an end feels good. “The team is doing really well. Chandra’s podium is icing on the cake of three top 20s in each race – that’s a solid start. Plus Dasha’s personal best in the skate sprint – it’s all adding up to solid training and a good mindset. We know they can all perform and the proof sets the stage for the Tour de Ski and races to come.”

Wadsworth is American so how does it feel to see success there as well? “We’re one big family, both teams, and we feed off each other and work hard together for overall success… I’m really pleased to see success there as well.”

According to Wadsworth Harvey, Kershaw, Babikov and Valjas will head to Davos and prepare for the Tour de Ski – Valjas is not competing at the Tour but training with the three studs is “good for him overall.” Crawford and Gaiazova head back to Canmore to train and will rejoin the team in Jan. The US teamers are spending Xmas in Ramsau in their lead up to the Tour de Ski when the fireworks begin again.

Men’s Qualifications.
Men Final HERE.