Petr Sedov wins his first Junior World Champion title

Fri, Feb  6, 2009 - By FIS

Petr Sedov claimed victory in the Pursuit race over 10 km and 10 km in the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Praz de Lys (FRA).

The 18-year old Sedov who comes from the region of Moscow, won in a tremendous manner in a time of 52:54.1min the Pursuit race , clearly 48,3 seconds ahead of his team mate Raul Shakirzianov. The third place took Hans Christer Holund, the Junior World Champion in the 10 km in classical technique from last year, 49,4 seconds behind the winner.

The leader after the first part in the classical style, Tim Tscharnke just edged out of the podium and finished fourth.

Sedov was in the leader group after the first part already and changed the ski's as third but then he started an attack and nobody could follow him. His team mate Raul Shakirzianov was not so strong in the classical part but than in the free technique part he took over six athletes.

For Petr Sedov, it is best result in his career. Last year he finished second in the 20 km Mass start race in the free technique in Malles in Italy. Raul Shakirzianov, finished last year as well during the Junior World Championships in on podium by finishing third in the Sprint.

The FIS Nordic Junior World Championships in Praz de Lys will continue with the Individual start race on Thursday over 5 km (ladies) and 10 km (men) in free technique.

Quotes:

Petr Sedov (RUS)

It is amazing! A great victory for me, I didn't expect such a good result. This morning I was just going to the start and skied. I had no special tactic and was just skiing fast and thought nothing. I'm as well happy about the double victory with Raul."

Raul Shakirzianov (RUS)

Indeed, I am very happy with my podium place, I was really unexpected. It is a very good course here - very interesting. I helped me probably that we had here in the last few weeks a training camp and know now the courses in all the details."

Hans Christer Holund (NOR)

"After a good start into the classical race I got tired in the last lap and really tired in the free technique part after changing the ski's. On the last round I saw that the athletes in front of me are getting tired and I saw my chance for the podium. I hope I can make this result as well on Thursday in the 10 km."

OC Website: www.prazdelys2009.org