Vylegzhanin victorious in World Championships skiathlon

As he did in the last skiathlon World Cup event in Rybinsk in late January, Vylegzhanin showed his strength over the last kilometre to hold off 2014 Olympic champion Dario Cologna of Switzerland who had to settle for silver.

In the bronze medal position and on the podium for the second time in these championships was Canadian Alex Harvey as just 1.6 seconds separated the top three positions.

Cologna attacked on the final lap of the skiathlon and only Vylegzhanin and Didrik Toenseth were able to match his pace.

Harvey and Frenchman Maurice Manificat worked to close the gap to the leaders but only Harvey was able to rejoin as the group approached the final two climbs of the sprint course.

All four athletes entered the final curve together with Vylegzhanin in the lead and he held off Cologna, as Harvey overtook Toenseth for third on the homestretch.

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