Australian cross country skier Ben Sim finished in 41st place in the 30km mass start classic race, the opening men’s event of the 2004 World Junior Championships.

Sim started conservatively, and despite a fall on the third lap and a broken pole on the third lap – for which he received a quick replacement - he was satisfied with his performance.

The field spread out very early after the first three skiers broke away away from the pack soon after 3km. After about 20km Neuchesov from Russia and Perl from Switzerland made it clear from Goering from Germany, with Neuchesov breaking away on the last hill to win by just 12 seconds. Ben finished strongly towards the end, gaining time on all skiers around him.