Norway's Martin Johnsrud Sundby got himself back in the Ski Tour Canada picture with a strong performance today in the men's 30 km Skiathlon in Canmore, Canada.  Sundby won in a time of 1:16.29.7 to capture the stage 6 event and moved his way up in the overall Tour standings.  He now sits in 3rd just +1:04 back from Tour leader Sergey Ustiugov of Russia.  Ustiugov chased Sundby to the finish line ahead of the leading group to take second place on the stage +2.8 second back from Sundby.  Matti Heikkien of Finland recorded his best World Cup finish since Rybinsk 2015 to take third place +3.7 off the lead.  Heikkinen has been returning to form all season after a slow start as he was recovering from a back injury in the autumn.  

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ATHLETES QUOTES

Martin Johnsrud Sundby, NOR
It was a tough race in difficult conditions. The courses are tough too and the field stayed together. It was a good performance from team Norway. Sergey Ustiugov was very strong.

Sergey Ustiugov, RUS
It was a good race for me. I picked up a few bonus seconds. I am still in a lead of the Ski Tour. There are 2 important competitions left ahead and I have to stay focused.

Matti Heikkinen, FIN
It has a been a while since I was on the podium. I had problems with my back in the autumn. So it is great to be third today. I have had good results at the Ski Tour Canada. It is a positive sign for me. I need some good months of summer training and I believe I will be back 100% next winter.

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OFFICIAL RESULTS - Men's 30 km Skiathlon

1. SUNDBY Martin Johnsrud 1984 NOR 1:16:29.7
2. USTIUGOV Sergey 1992 RUS +2.8
3. HEIKKINEN Matti 1983 FIN +3.7
4. KROGH Finn Haagen 1990 NOR +5.0
5. TOENSETH Didrik 1991 NOR +7.1

Complete results are available HERE.

SKI TOUR CANADA STANDINGS

1. Sergey Usiugov, RUS 2:42:52.4
2. Petter Northug Jr., NOR +47.3
3. Martin Johnsrud Sundby, NOR +1:04.5

Complete Ski Tour Canada standings available HERE. 

OVERALL WORLD CUP STANDINGS

1. Martin Johnsrud Sundby, NOR 2157 pts
2. Finn Haagen Krogh, NOR -721 pts
3. Petter Northug Jr., NOR -825 pts

Complete Overall World Cup standings available HERE. 

Source: fis-ski.com