Local heros Charlotte Kalla and Marcus Hellner won the first World Cup races of the 2008/2009 season in front of their home crowd in Gallivare (SWE). The races in free technique over 10 km (ladies) and 15 km (men) took place at the Dundret ski stadium. 

The 21-year-old Tour de Ski winner from last year, Charlotte Kalla took her first World Cup victory on her home course. She claimed victory 24,4 seconds ahead of Marit Bjoergen (NOR). Aino Kaisa Saarinen from Finland finished third 32,0 seconds behind.

Kalla controlled the race clearly from the beginning while Bjoergen and Saarinen increased their speed towards the end of the race. Marit Bjoergen celebrated her 47th podium place whilst for Aino Kaisa Saarinen it was her first podium place in a 10 km free technique race.

In the men's competition, 22-year-old Marcus Hellner, another native of Gällivare, gave it his all and won with a lead of 1,4 seconds ahead of Pietro Piller Cottrer (ITA). Petter Northug (NOR) took third, 6,9 seconds behind the winner.

In an exciting and tight race, Hellner became faster as the race went on and in the last 100 meters he was so strong that he claimed victory just ahead of Piller Cottrer. For Hellner it was the first World Cup victory in his career, as so far his best individual result was the 5th place finishes in Canmore (CAN) and Düsseldorf (GER) last season.

The races were held in wintery conditions as 30 cm of new snow fell the night before.

FIS news
22-23.11.2008

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