Tough Day for Aussie Quartet in Cross Country

Courtesy of olympics.com.au

23-year-old Steve de Campo has led home the four-man Australian contingent in the gruelling 15km classic in ideal conditions at the Zhangjiakou Cross Country Skiing Centre on Friday.

De Campo finished the 15 km journey in 44:21.2 seconds to be placed in 72nd position, narrowly ahead of Phil Bellingham in 75th place with a time of 44:46.8 with compatriot Lars Young Vik one place behind with a time of 44:50.6.

Hugo Hinkfuss rounded out the Australian performance with a time of 46:05.9 to finish in 81st place.

Finland's Ivo Niskanen blitzed the field to claim the gold medal, stopping the clock in an impressive 37:54.8, more than 23 seconds clear of his nearest rival.