SOLDIER HOLLOW, UT (Feb. 1, 2017) - Vladislav Vechkanov led a Russian podium sweep in the men’s 10k freestyle at the USANA FIS Junior Nordic World Championships Wednesday. He took a 7.9 second margin over teammate and silver medalist Egor Kazarinov with Yaroslav Rybochkin taking bronze.
Hunter Wonders (Anchorage) was the top American in 16th with Wyatt Gebhardt (Steamboat Springs, CO) 19th.
Action continues for juniors Friday with a skiathlon.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Russian swept the men’s 10k freestyle at the USANA FIS Junior Nordic World Championships.
- Silver went to Egor Kaarinov with Yaroslav Rybochkin bronze.
- Hunter Wonders (Anchorage) of APU Nordic was the top American in 16th with Wyatt Gebhardt (Steamboat Springs, CO) of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club was 19th.
- The men race a skiathlon on Friday at Soldier Hollow.
Vladislav Vechkanov charges to gold in the men's 10k. (U.S. Ski Team - Steven Earl)
QUOTES
Vladislav Vechkanov
[How did the race finish]
I arrived at the finish and actually I didn’t think I would win gold. So I pushed knowing that I would be in top three, but not winning. I started really slow. The on the second loop I tried to increase my speed. On the last uphill I tried my best to make it to the finish line without any strength and I hoped I would be in the top three. But now I’m first!
[On the Course]
When I started preparation for the competition, I realized it was really hard.
Yaroslav Rybochkin
I felt well today. A successful day for me.
RESULTS
Men’s 10k Freestyle
Watch every event of the 2017 USANA FIS Nordic Junior and U23 World Ski Championships LIVE from Utah's 2002 Olympic venues through Feb. 5.
