Sundby repeats at Holmenkollen, secures crystal globe

(Oslo, Norway) - Norway’s Martin Johnsrud Sundby has become the first male skier to win back to back Holmenkollen World Cups. He won today’s 50 km classic mass start competition in a time of 2:02:59.7 just +9.9 ahead of second place finisher Iivo Niskanen of Finland. In third place was Russia’s Alexander Bessmertnykh +1:15.2 back. Bessmertnykh took third in a 3-way photo finish with Norwegian’s Sjur Roethe and Niklas Dyrhaug. Canada’s Alex Harvey and recent 50 km World Champion from Lahti finished just 0.2 behind the trio.

RACE FACTS

• Sundby clinches third career Overall World Cup crystal globe

• Sundby secures Distance World Cup crystal globe

• Sundby becomes first male skier to win back to back Holmenkollen World Cups

• Harvey has moved into 3rd in the Overall standings

ATHLETE QUOTES

Martin Johnsrud Sundby NOR
It was a tough pace right from the beginning today. When Iivo broke away and I was able to get back to him we worked well together and I actually convinced him to change skis with me on the 4th lap. He was going to change on 3rd lap but I told him I would lead and we could get away together. He’s 15 km World Champ in classic and it was a tough fight with him.

Iivo Niskanen FIN
After the 4th lap we both switched skis and it meant that I had fresh skis to battle with Martin. He was really strong today. I didn’t have any chance in the last uphill. He was running like Mo Farrah. I’m happy with second but my goal was for the victory. You have to have a good race to be on the podium and I think I made a good race today but Martin was better.

Alexander Bessmertnykh RUS
I had great skis today so thank you to the servicemen. My body also felt really strong. It was my goal to be in the top 3. But of course I hoped I would win but third place is fine for me.

OFFICIAL RESULTS - Holmenkollen 50 km classic

1. Sundby Martin Johnsrud NOR 2:02:59.7
2. Niskanen Iivo FIN +9.9
3. Bessmertnykh Alexander RUS +1:15.2
4. Roethe Sjur NOR 1:15.2
5. Dyrhaug Niklas NOR +1:15.2

Full RESULTS

OVERALL WORLD CUP STANDINGS
1. Sundby Martin Johnsrud NOR 1626 pts
2. Ustiugov Sergey RUS 1176 pts (- 450)
3. Harvey Alex CAN 844 pts (- 782)

Overall

DISTANCE WORLD CUP STANDINGS
1. Sundby Martin Johnsrud NOR 1056 pts
2. Heikkinen Matti FIN 537 pts (- 519)
3. Harvey Alex CAN 514 pts (- 542)

Distance