Kershaw finishes Tour de Ski in 7th

Devon Kershaw knew the final stage of the Tour de Ski was going to present a unique personal challenge, and he wasn't wrong.

Canada's newest sports star wrapped up the gruelling eight-event cross country ski marathon with a 12th place finish on the uphill course at Italy's Alpe Cermis on Sunday.

That put the 28-year-old Sudbury native seventh overall, behind winner Dario Cologna of Switzerland and Petter Northug Jr. of Norway.

Ivan Babikov, of Canmore, Alberta, was a strong sixth on Sunday for 21st overall, while Alex Harvey, of St-Ferréol-les-Nieges, Que., came through 20th for 10th best in the final standings.

"I knew this race was my strength," Babikov said. "I never seem to mind the pain. That is the way I train and it prepares me for these types of races. It was nice to end with a good result."

Kershaw had begun the day fourth, just five seconds behind third for an unprecedented podium spot, but could not keep up on a course that began with a four-kilometre flat section before heading straight up a downhill ski run to the finish.

Czech Lukas Bauer surged to his third place podium place emphatically by winning the stage.

"The fact I was able to take my carcass up the hill today is unreal," said Kershaw, who warned the day before this wasn't going to be his event and predicted it would be Babikov who would lead the way for Canada.

"I'm pretty tired and I just can't wait to get home and see my friends and train at the Canmore Nordic Centre," Kershaw said.

Dropping back on the final day does not limit the effect of Kershaw's stunning entry into the top levels of the world stage this season, one emphasized by his four podium finishes, and one victory, on the gruelling Tour de Ski over the last 10 days.

There were eight races spread over five venues.

"It has been quite the journey," he said. "I still can't believe I hit the podium four times in one week."