Sedov Wins World Junior Pursuit, Hoffman 17th

Topher Sabot · February 4, 2009

Petr Sedov (RUS) claimed victory in the men’s 20km pursuit yesterday at the World Junior Championships.

The 18-year old Sedov, hailing from Moscow, won going away in a time of 52:54.1, a full 48.3 seconds ahead of his teammate Raul Shakirzianov. Third place went to Hans Christer Holund (NOR), the Junior World Champion in the 10 km classic last year.

Places 2-4 were decided in a sprint, with Shkirzianov holding off Holund and Tim Tscharnke (GER) in the homestretch.

Tscharnke led for much of the classic portion before Sedov made a strong move early in the skate leg, while Shkirzianov skied up in the second half of the race.

Sedov was second in the 20km mass start at the World Junior Championships last year.

“It is amazing!” said Sedov. “A great victory for me. I didn’t expect such a good result. This morning I just went to the start and skied. I had no special tactics and was just skiing fast and thought nothing. I’m also happy about the double victory with Raul.”

Noah Hoffman led the US in 17th place. Hoffman is considered a contender for the podium, so this result is somewhat disappointing. Lex Treinen was not far behind in 22nd, and Patrick Johnson took 26th.

Erik Bjornsen rounded out the the field for the US in 44th.

Canada was led by Graeme Killick in 15th.

Racing continues tomorrow with a 5/10km freestyle individual start.

Men’s World Junior 20km Pursuit – Complete Results