CROSS COUNTRY SKI. Marit Bjoergen and Eirik Brandsdal (both Norway) claimed victory in the classical sprint in Drammen, Norway. On the 1,2 km long course in the middle of the city Bjoergen dominated the women's race clearly and took the World Cup victory ahead of her team mate Astrid Jacobsen. On third position finished Justyna Kowalczyk from Poland. Bjoergen collected her 53rd victory in a tough race in rainy and snowing weather and is now already 118 points ahead of Justyna Kowalczyk, who fell in the final, in the overall World Cup ranking. 

In the men's race, Eirik Brandsdal, the prologue winner,  showed an amazing performance and won the sprint ahead of the Canadian newcomer Len Valjas. Paal Golberg from Norway completed the podium as third. Brandsdal took with this victory the second win in this season after the success in Milan whilst Canadian Len Valjas made his first ever World Cup podium. The overall World Cup was already decided before todays race as Petter Northug announced not to take part. Swiss Dario Cologna will be awarded already for the third time as the best skier overall during the season.

The historical moment delivered Kikkan Randall. The US Skier secured the first ever sprint globe for USA. Also Teodor Peterson is now unbeatable in the sprint ranking for the men and won for the first time this standing.

Quotes from the top athletes

Marit Bjoergen (NOR)
I had a great day, I felt really strong. The audience was amazing even despite this real bad weather and it was fantastic to race here in Drammen. Now it looks good in the overall ranking but still some races to go and I have to be strong there as well.

Astrid Jacobsen (NOR)
It was a great day for me. I had to skip Lahti because of illness but the shape has been good now. I had excellent skis. Our service team did a great job. Even though the weather was not perfect it was a perfect day for me. I had to work more and more in the heats as the snow got slower and slower but it was the same for everybody.

Justyna Kowalczyk (POL)
I am happy to be on the podium but I am also sad about my accident in the final. It was slow today that normally fits me well but sprint is always challenging and you newer know what could happened.

Eirik Brandsdal (NOR)
My plan was to be offensive all the way through and I succeeded. I felt very strong the whole day. My skis were perfect in all the heats. The service staff did an excellent job today. The audience and atmosphere here in Drammen was amazing. It feels great to be the winner.

Len Valjas (CAN)
Actually my goal for today was to get into the top 50 of the overall World Cup ranking to be qualified for the finals. I am so excited about today, I had a really good day and I am happy to get my first podium. I did not believe that I can make this year but we have a strong team and that is a good motivation for all of us. The final straight was perfect for me, the uphill to the finish suits tall guys like me.

Paal Golberg (NOR)
The course was much faster in qualification. I tried to be pushing hard in the heats. It worked out pretty good for me. I had very good skis and I think they saved my podium today.

FIScrosscountry.com
Wednesday 7 March 2012

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