Maxim Vylegzhanin of Russia recovered well from his 3rd place finish in last weekend's Holmenkollen 50 km to take the win today in the 10 km interval start classic competition in Falun, Sweden.   It was his 8th career World Cup victory and his 5th individual win.  Just behind him in second place was his teammate Alexander Bessmertnykh +3.5, and only 0.1 seconds ahead of third place finisher Maurice Manificat of France.  This was Manificat's first ever individual classic podium.  The top 5 men today were separated by just 9.5 seconds.  Emil Iversen (NOR) missed out on the podium by just 4.2 seconds, and just behind him in 5th was Overall World Cup leader Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR).  

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ATHLETE QUOTES

Maxim Vylegzhanin RUS

I am always happy for a win and it is even better to have two Russian's on the podium with the victory.  It was a slow start to the season for me but I am getting better the past couple of weeks.  The Tour de Ski didn't go as I would have liked but there is still the Ski Tour Canada.

Alexander Bessmertnykh RUS

I am happy to be back on the podium as in Toblach.  I prefer the interval start classic competitions.  It is the best for me.  I will not race tomorrow but will prepare for Lahti and Ski Tour Canada.  

Maurice Manificat FRA

This is my first individual classic technique podium.  I am in good shape now after a training camp in Les Saisies the site from the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games.  My preference, like Alexander is interval start as it is really just a race against your self and your mind.  But I am looking forward to tomorrow's mass start and look for another good result. 

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OFFICIAL RESULTS - Men's 10 km classic 

1. VYLEGZHANIN Maxim 1982 RUS 25:14.6
2. BESSMERTNYKH Alexander 1986 RUS +3.5
3. MANIFICAT Maurice 1986 FRA +3.6
4. IVERSEN Emil 1991 NOR +7.8
5. SUNDBY Martin Johnsrud 1984 NOR +9.5

Complete results are available HERE. 

OVERALL WORLD CUP STANDINGS

SUNDBY Martin Johnsrud NOR 1732 pts
KROGH Finn Haagen NOR 1017 pts
NORTHUG Petter Jr. NOR 1005 pts

Complete overall standings are available HERE. 

OVERALL DISTANCE STANDINGS

1. SUNDBY Martin Johnsrud NOR 1012 pts
2. DYRHAUG Niklas NOR 526 pts
3. MANIFICAT Maurice FRA 495 pts

Complete distance standings are available HERE. 

Source: fis-ski.com