Stage 1 Preview – Prologue – Women 3.0km Classic, Men 4.5km Classic. All is now set for the 2007-2008 Tour de Ski to start. Snow conditions are good, the weather is stable and waxing is expected to be relatively easy. The Stage 1 Prologue is a short interval start classic race, 3km for women and 4.5km for men. A new starting system is being used that has never been used before on World Cup. The athletes are seeded according to the World Cup ranking with the leaders going off last, the same as currently used in interval start races on World Cup. However the first skiers will start at 20 second intervals and the top 30 ranked competitors will start at one minute intervals. The intention is that the television cameras will able to focus more on the highest ranked athletes as they count down towards the last starter. Some coaches have expressed concern that some of the earlier starters could get “a ride” to a better result if they are caught by a faster skier from behind, while the last 30 skiers will essential ski the race entirely alone. As this format has not been used before, we will not really know until after the races are over.

Home victory for Bauer in Prologue
Stage 1 Summary - Men

Two of the Tour de Ski overall favourites have stamped their mark on the opening Prologue, with Lukas Bauer (CZE) claiming first place and Axel Teichmann (GER) second place in the 4.5km Classic event at Nove Mesto. Bauer finished just 1 second ahead of Teichmann who was in turn 2.3 seconds clear from classic specialist Odd-Bjorn Hjelmeset (NOR).

Lukas Bauer of Czech Republic speeds on his way to win the 4.5 kms classic race of the Tour de Ski cross-country skiing event in Nove Mesto na Morave, some 160 kms east of Prague, Czech Republic, on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/CTK, Lubos Pavlicek)

Axel Teichmann of Germany speeds on his way to take second place during the 4.5 kms classic race of the Tour de Ski cross-country skiing event in Nove Mesto na Morave, some 160 kms east of Prague, Czech Republic, on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/CTK, Lubos Pavlicek)

Odd-Bjoern Hjelmeset of Norway speeds on his way to take third place during the 4.5 kms classic race of the Tour de Ski cross-country skiing event in Nove Mesto na Morave, some 160 kms east of Prague, Czech Republic, on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/CTK, Lubos Pavlicek)

Early starter and late entrant to the Tour Dmitrij Liashenko (RUS) recorded the best time split to 2.2km, 3 seconds ahead of the next fastest Eldar Roenning (NOR). Liashenko's time at the finish lasted over twenty minutes until finally he was knocked out of the top place by Sami Jauhojarvi (FIN). Then the rest of the big names started coming in. Mats Larsson (SWE) looked like he could take the lead, but was just short of Jauhojarvi. Svartedal (NOR) slotted in behind Larsson. Then Hjelmeset came flying in like a steam-train and took the lead by just 0.2 of a second. Soedergren (SWE) couldn't match it. Angerer was out of the running. Roenning (NOR) couldn't hold his early pace. Finally Lukas Bauer (CZE) came in to the cheers of the crowd and pushed Hjelmeset back to second. Hetland (NOR) the second last starter looked strong, but the time ticked down too quickly and he was out of the hunt. Finally the World Cup leader Teichmann came towards the stadium and over the last little hill, seemingly picking up speed with every stride. The huge German kept the excitement going right down the last second of the race, when he just slotted in behind Bauer.

With the time bonuses added Bauer and Teichmann will start 19 seconds and 13 seconds ahead of Jauhojarvi in 4th place. Both are strong skaters and may be able to work together to stay ahead of the pack. But what a pack! It is 10 seconds from Jauhojarvi to Hetland in 10th place. Then in the next 20 seconds are another 34 skiers! It will likely be chaos tomorrow in the first few kilometres of the 15km Pursuit, with so many skiers trying to move up or hold their place. But the Nove Mesto 3.75km loop has some big hills in it, and the field will probably start to spread out a bit. At the end of tomorrow we will start find out the serious contenders in the 2007-2008 Tour de Ski.

Kuitunen wins Prologue
Stage 1 Summary - Women

Reigning Tour de Ski Champion Virpi Kuitunen (FIN) has made the perfect start to the 2007-2008 Tour de Ski, winning the Stage 1 Prologue in Nove Mesto by just 0.7 of a second ahead of team-mate Aino-Kaisa Saarinen. With time bonuses included Kuitunen will start the Stage 2 10km Pursuit 5 seconds ahead of Saarinen and 21 seconds ahead of 2006-2007 runner-up Marit Bjoergen (NOR) who finished 4th.

Virpi Kuitunen of Finland speeds down on her way to win the three-kilometer opening race of the Tour de Ski cross-country skiing event in Nove Mesto na Morave, some 160 kms east of Prague, Czech Republic, on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/CTK, Lubos Pavlicek)

Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) started fast and recorded the quickest time past the 1.8km intermediate timing point, 6-7 seconds ahead of Saarinen and Kuitunen. However the Finns were faster over the last kilometre of downhill and undulating terrain, pushing Kowalczyk down to third place at the finish 1.9 second off the pace. Seraina Mischol (SUI) made an impressive start to the Tour to take 5th place, 12 seconds off the pace.

Of the other main overall contenders Ariana Follis (ITA) is within striking distance 17 seconds back in 11th place. World Cup leader Astrid Jacobsen (NOR), also the fastest qualifier from the only Classic Sprint World Cup this season, was surprisingly 21 seconds back in 18th place, and Petra Majdic (SLO) was also a little disappointing to be 24 seconds back in 20th.

Virpi Kuitunen of Finland speeds on her way to win the three-kilometer opening race of the Tour de Ski cross-country skiing event in Nove Mesto na Morave, some 160 kms east of Prague, Czech Republic, on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/CTK, Lubos Pavlicek)

The new interval start system seemed to work well. The earlier starters 20 seconds apart provided regular action past the intermediate timing point and down the finish straight, while the one minute interval for the back markers gave more time to build up suspense as the favourites gave it their shot at knocking off the best time. Several Russians posted the early fastest times, with Julia Ivanova holding the number one spot for quite a while until Mischol with start number 39 pipped her at the finish. Mischol didn't hold the top position long, as Saarinen started only two minutes behind.

The Pursuit start tomorrow will be interesting. The top four skiers will each be approximately 5-6 seconds apart, but from Mischol onwards it is almost a mass start. Only 25 seconds separate the 5th placed Swiss from 29th place.

Bauer Holds Off The Pack
Stage 2 Summary - Men

Lukas Bauer (CZE) made it back to back victories today in Stage 2 of the Tour de Ski, winning the men's 15km Pursuit in convincing style in front of the home crowd in Nove Mesto in the Czech Republic. The 30 year old skied four solo laps of the 3.75km course to win by 47 seconds ahead of a very large bunch sprint.

Axel Teichmann leads the block. Tour de Ski Stage 2 - Nove Mesto (CZE), 29th December 2007. (Photo: NordicFocus)

After such a dramatic women's pursuit, what would happen with the men? However the men's event unfolded in a much different manner to the women's. Bauer started with a 6 second lead over Axel Teichmann (GER), with the main opposition starting on the track after19 seconds. Third placed Hjelmeset (NOR) was soon swallowed up by the chasing pack, leaving Bauer and Teichmann the only skiers out in front. Bauer's lead increased steadily in the first few kilometres, out to 25 seconds at the 2.6km mark, while Teichmann seemed to cruise along with the ever growing pack 3-4 seconds behind him. Over 40 skiers were crammed into the next 30 seconds. Anders Soedergren (SWE) lead the pack up to catch Teichmann at the top of the hill on the second lap, while Bauer's lead extended out to 36 seconds. The front of the pack was all stretched out in single file, but still over 30 athletes were within 20 seconds.

Then not much really happened for the next lap. Bauer's lead blew out to 57 seconds, while the pack began to bunch up more than before. Sodergren stayed at the front the entire time, accompanied by Vylegzhanin (RUS), Piller Cottrer (ITA), and Teichmann (GER). Gaillard (FRA) fell on a downhill, but was up again and rejoined the pack of about 30. Fredriksson (SWE) and Roenning (NOR) lost contact with the main group. The last lap begins and Checchi (ITA) and di Centa (ITA) join Piller Cottrer at the front. Over the top of the hill and then Angerer (GER) and Cologna (SUI) both fell in quick succession on a downhill but still managed to stay in contact with the pack. The Italians lead the race for second place down towards the stadium for the final time. Suddenly another fall, right at the front! Piller Cottrer lost balance and brought down di Centa with him! Sodergren hits the front again as they top the rise into the final straight but then his team-mate Marcus Hellner comes storming past to win the bunch sprint and take second. Next Soedergren, Vylegzhanin, and Oestensen (NOR). Bauer? Oh yes, he is already giving interviews while the others are still catching their breath. Most of the overall contenders are in the main group, with the exception of the already mentioned Fredriksson and Roenning, who are 1:32 behind, Legkov (RUS) who is back at 1:51, and Vittoz (FRA) who had a terrible day to end up 3:15 behind Bauer.

Tomorrow everything can change with the overall standings. The winner of the Stage 3 Freestyle Sprint in Prague receives a 60 second time bonus. Bauer normally doesn't qualify for World Cup sprint finals, though he never would have had such incentive as now. There are plenty of eager contenders with striking distance of taking the overall lead if Bauer doesn't make the top 30, including Oestensen, Northug (NOR), and even Bauer's Czech team-mates Koukal and Jaks, who are normally stronger sprinters. However there are also plenty of sprint specialists further down the result list who have been conserving their energy so far and waiting for their chance of glory in the Sprint in Prague. Whose legs will be freshest after two tough stages? We will see tomorrow...

Bjoergen Wins Dramatic Pursuit
Stage 2 Summary - Women

Marit Bjoergen (NOR) won the Tour de Ski Stage 2 Pursuit in Nove Mesto today with an incredible burst of speed to catch and sprint past Charlotte Kalla (SWE) in the final straight. Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) took third place 7 seconds back in what was an exciting contest amongst the best female cross country skiers in the world.

The ladies in action. Tour de Ski Stage 2 - Nove Mesto (CZE), 29th December 2007. (Photo: NordicFocus)

The winner of prologue Kuitunen (FIN) started steadily, holding her time gap over Saarinen (FIN) and Kowalczyk (POL). Kalla starting 7th quickly took the lead of a chasing pack, and then at 1.5km left the pack behind as she set out to catch 4th placed Bjoergen who had started 8 seconds in front. Kowalczyk caught Saarinen after 2km, and started to pull back Kuitunen, while at the same time Kalla caught Bjoergen. Kowalczyk dragged Saarinen up to Kuitunen, however soon after all three leaders were caught by Kalla and Bjoergen as they hit the stadium at the end of the first 3.3km lap.

Back behind Ariana Follis (ITA) and Claudia Nystad-Kuenzel (GER) managed to break free from the rest of the pack, and at the 3.8km split were 9 seconds behind the leading five skiers. The next 15 skiers were still within 22 seconds of first place. Follis bridged the gap, but suddenly Kuenzel had disappeared. She emerged back in the main pack, apparently having fallen on a tricky right hand corner which all the top skiers had snow-ploughed. Up the front Kalla kept the pace up, splitting the front group into three pairs at the end of the second lap – Kowalczyk behind Kalla; Saarinen and Bjoergen; Kuitunen and Follis. Kalla went clear at the front, while Bjoergen skied across to Kowalczyk – interestingly both wearing the same red suit with white stripes just to try and confuse us. The other three were swallowed up by the chasing pack of 10 skiers, including young Anna Hansson (SWE) and 2006-2007 Tour de Ski bronze medal winner Valentina Schevchenko (UKR).

Kalla looked strong at the front, holding off Kowalczyk and Bjoergen by 4-5 seconds, and was seemingly on her way to her first World Cup win. The gap came down a little over the last hill and on the downhill, but the victory seemed to be within the 20 year old Swede's grasp. Then with 500m to go Bjoergen stepped out from behind Kowalczyk and started sprinting. The gap to Kalla closed down second by second, and as they topped the last pinch into the stadium the Nowegian was right on her heels. Kalla fought hard and gave it everything but she couldn't stop Bjoergen from overtaking and claiming the win and the lead in the Tour by a fraction of a second.

Kowalczyk seemed satisfied with her third place, and Kuitunen lead the rest of the pack in 15 seconds off the pace. Rotcheva (RUS) was 5th ahead of Hansson, Valbusa, and Follis. There was only 7 second from Kuitunen back to Skofterud in 14th place, with pre-Tour World Cup leader Jacobssen (NOR) 29 seconds behind Bjoergen in 15th place. Most of the overall favourites are still in touch, with the exception of Majdic (SLO) back in 25th place 1:10 behind Bjoergen.

Lady of the Day, Charlotta Kalla, and Lady in Gold, Marit Bjoergen. Tour de Ski Stage 2 - Nove Mesto (CZE), 29th December 2007. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Tomorrow's Sprint will be exciting. Bjoergen is in good shape and could still be leading into the next Pursuit on Stage 4, however anthing can happen in the head-to-head Sprint competition and there are plenty of strong sprinters who can claim valuable bonus seconds. Follis and Mischol (SUI) only need to gain 18 seconds on Bjoergen, which is the differnce between 1st and 6th. And Kalla only needs to finish one place ahead...

Morillov Wins Sprint; Oestensen Takes Golden Bib
Stage 3 Summary - Men

Twenty-one year old Nikolai Morilov (RUS) won his first World Cup in the Stage 3 of the Tour de Ski in Prague today, holding off fast finishing Norwegians Simon Oestensen and Tor-Arne Hetland in the Sprint A-final. Morilov now leads the Sprint classification in the Tour, while Oestensen's bonus seconds have catapulted him past Lukas Bauer (CZE) into the golden bib of the overall tour leader.

Nikolay Morilov of Russia (15) is in a lead ahead of Norway's Simen Ostensen (4) and Tor arne Hetland (1) in the final of the Tour de Ski World Cup cross country sprint skiing event in Prague December 30, 2007. REUTERS/Petr Josek (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Spectators cheer for competitors at the historical Hradcanske Square near Prague Castle during the Tour de Ski World Cup Cross-Country Sprint skiing event in Prague December 30, 2007. REUTERS/Petr Josek (CZECH REPUBLIC)

The men's heats were hotly contested, with many sprinters trying to make the most of their specialist event and the top overall contenders knowing that they would gain valuable seconds on their rivals if they make it through to the next round. When the snow and broken poles had settled from the heats four Norwegians, three Russian, two Italians, a Finn, a Czech, and an Estonian readied themselves for the semi-finals.

In the first semi-final Oestensen, Hetland, Northug and Gjerdalen (NOR), di Centa (ITA), and Parfenov (RUS) got to steady their nerves a little longer after di Centa broke at the start. At the second attempt the start was clean, but 50m into the race di Centa stuck his pole between Hetland's skis and fell over – amazingly Hetland kept his feet. Northug lead into the first corner ahead of Parfenov, but the Russian put in a burst before the next corner and hit the front, and behind Hetland moved up to third past Oestensen. Parfenov lead the rest of the way to final metre where he was out-lunged by Northug, while right on their heels Oestensen out-lunged Hetland. On to semi-final number two.

Morilov, Vylegzhanin (RUS), Kozisek (CZE), Simonlatser (EST), Pasini (ITA) and Jauhojarvi (FIN) all gave no quarter down the starting straight, fighting to be first into the corner. Morillov made it there first ahead of Pasini, while right behind Kozisek and Simonlatser caught skis and spun each other around. Vylegzhanin and Jauhojarvi made it around safely, and then Vylegzhanin worked hard to pass Pasini and move up into second. The Russians held on down the finish straight, and though Jauhojarvi kept going all the way to the line the time was slower and so once again four skiers progressed from the first semi-final.

In the B-final Simonlatser was out to prove that he should have been in the A-final, and went straight to the front. Kozisek clashed skis with Pasini this time, but stayed up in second place while the Italian hit the snow. Jauhojarvi made a nice overtaking manoeuvre past di Centa into third place, but then di Centa took him straight back before the next corner. In the finish Simonlatser held on ahead of Kozisek, with the next three all lunging together and Gjerdalen coming up on top for third place and hence 9th overall.

The A-final – three Norwegians and three Russians. Morilov wins the start ahead of Oestensen, with Parfenov third and Hetland fourth. The places stay the same for a full lap, with Morilov looking strong at the front. Hetland overtook Parfenov into third place. They hit the finish straight and everybody gave it all they had. Morilov punches the air two, three times as he crosses the line – he is a happy and very adrenaline full man. Oestensen just gets second ahead of Hetland, Northug is 5th and Vylegzhanin 6th.

Competitors get on a track of the final of the men's Tour de Ski World Cup cross country sprint skiing event in Prague December 30, 2007. REUTERS/Petr Josek  (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Czech Republic's Dusan Kozisek crashes during the semifinal heat of the men's 1.0 km race of the Tour de Ski World Cup cross country sprint skiing event in Prague December 30, 2007. REUTERS/David W Cerny (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Estonia's Timo Simonlatser (R) and Norway's Tord Asle Gjerdalen (C) compete as Russia's Nikolay Chebotko crashes during the quarterfinal heat of the men's 1.0 km race of the Tour de Ski World Cup cross country sprint skiing event in Prague December 30, 2007. REUTERS/David W Cerny (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Nikolay Morilov of Russia waves to spectators during the presentation ceremony of the final of the Tour de Ski World Cup cross country sprint skiing in Prague, December 30, 2007. REUTERS/Petr Josek (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Now for the implications for the overall standings. With the exception of Morillov, all the A-finalists were in the main bunch of the Pursuit yesterday, so now they fill six of the top eight spots. Bauer who failed to make the finals is in second place behind Oestensen, 12 second pack, and Hetland, Vylegzhanin and Northug are within five seconds of Bauer. The field is spread out more than before, with Soedergren (SWE) one minute behind in 15th place. But then it is tight again, with the next 14 skiers within ten seconds and including Sommerfeldt (GER), Kershaw (CAN), Chebotko (KAZ), Checchi (ITA), Jonnier (FRA), Teichmann (GER), Dementiev (RUS), Piller Cottrer (ITA), Nousianien (FIN), and last year's winner Angerer (GER). This pack will be doing their best to steamroll through the Pursuit on New Year's Day like they did on Stage 2. However Oestensen, Bauer, Hetland and others will have other plans. The stage is set for another exciting race in two day's time.

Follis Takes Sprint Victory
Stage 3 Summary - Women

Ariana Follis (ITA) jumped up to second in the Tour de Ski overall classification with an impressive victory today in the Freestyle Sprint in Prague. Follis won the 1km qualifying time trial then lead all the way through the semi-final and A-final to win ahead of Pirjo Muranen (FIN) and Marit Bjoergen (NOR); the Norwegian taking enough bonus seconds to hold onto her overall lead in the Tour.

Arianna Follis of Italy (1) is followed by Marit Bjoergen of Norway in the final of the women's Tour de Ski World Cup cross country sprint skiing in Prague, December 30, 2007. REUTERS/Petr Josek (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Sprint course. Tour de Ski Stage 3 - Prague (CZE), 30th December, 2007. (Photo: NordicFocus)

The 450m loop in the centre of Prague had some tight corners and there was some fierce racing through the head-to-head rounds. The snow was soft which made it more challenging, but there was plenty of space down the main straight for overtaking.

Follis and Mischol (SUI) progressed through from the first heat. Kalla (SWE) had some bad luck in her quarter final, leading most of the way before breaking a pole in the final straight and ending up fourth behind Jacobsen (NOR), Roponen (FIN), and Korosteleva (RUS). Muranen and Genuin (ITA) lead all the way through their quarter-final, as did Kuenzel (GER) and Kowalczyk (POL) who held off Bjoergen in the final straight. Kuitunen (FIN) lead Prochazkova (SVK) in the last heat, with Majdic (SLO) fighting her way up to third but unable to catch the Finn and the Slovak in the final straight. Korosteleva and Bjoergen were the fastest of the third placed finishers and took the last two places in the semi-finals.

The first semi-final was relatively uneventful. The pace was high with Follis at the front leading Genuin and Bjoergen. Bjoergen pulled up to Genuin down the finish straight and pipped her on the line, with Muranen also finishing fast to be only 0.7 back in fourth and still with a chance of qualifying for the A-final on time. The second semi-final saw Kuitunen squeeze in ahead of Prochazkova and Kowalczyk into the first corner. A lap later Kowalczyk tried unsuccessfully to overtake Prochazkova, and maybe the pressure was too much as the very next corner Prochazkova stumbled and went down, bringing Kuenzel down behind her. Jacobsen must have gone down as well, as then there were only three fighting for the line. Kuitunen got in first, with Kowalczyk ousting Korosteleva in a photo-finish. The second semi was a couple of seconds slower, so four skiers went through to the final from the first semi.

Next up was the B-final. Prochazkova looked a little uncoordinated but still managed to be fastest out of the start ahead of Mischol; the Swiss skier sat behind then overtook at the end of the first lap. Kuenzel was in touch and tried to make her move down the final straight but the line came too quick, Mischol kept her lead and took 7th place ahead of Prochazkova.

In the A-final Follis got off to a good start as usual, with Muranen on her heels into the first corner. Kowalczyk fell by herself and was out of the running. Bjoergen was in third place ahead of Genuin then Kuitunen. And that's how the places stayed until the finish. Muranen tried her best down the finish straight but Follis was too strong.

Marit Bjoergen of Norway prepares herself for the qualifying run of the Tour de Ski World Cup cross country sprint skiing in Prague, December 30, 2007. Prague Castle is seen in the background. REUTERS/Petr Josek (CZECH REPUBLIC)

In the overall classification Bjoergen now has a nine second lead over Follis, with Kowalczyk in third 22 seconds behind. It will definitely be another interesting Pursuit in Nove Mesto on Stage 4 on New Years Day. The fastest skier from Stage 2 Kalla is sitting in 6th, 38 seconds off the pace, with Kuitunen and Mischol in between. Another fast Finn, Roponen, will start only 7 seconds behind Kalla, while the German trio of Sachenbacher, Kunzel and Zeller will start five seconds apart one minute off the lead, together with Italian Valbusa. Follis and Valbusa will both be looking to be as high as possible in the standings before the tough individual classic stage on January 2.

Czech One-Two
Stage 4 Summary - Men

Two Czech men now lead 2007-2008 Tour de ski after a dramatic finish to the 15km Pursuit in Nove Mesto. Lukas Bauer is back in the golden leader's bib, with team-mate Martin Koukal only 3.3 seconds behind after an incredible finishing sprint to overtake Italians Piller Cottrer and Checchi. The Pursuit unfolded in a much different manner to that of Stage 2, despite being held over the same distance on the same course today.

Competitors speed up the hill at a track of the fourth stage of the Tour de Ski World Cup cross country men's 15 km (9.3 miles) free pursuit event in Nove Mesto na Morave January 1, 2008. REUTERS/Petr Josek(CZECH REPUBLIC)

Bauer caught Tour leader Simon Oestensen (NOR) only four minutes into the race, with a pack of three – Hetland (NOR), Vylegzhanin (RUS), and Northug – forming behind. Just before the 2.6km timing point Northug made a concerted effort to bridge the gap, dropping Hetland and Vylegzhanin. The next chasing group was Di Centa (ITA) and Gjerdalen (NOR) 30 seconds off the lead of Bauer. Northug looked like he would catch the leading two, but before he could get there Bauer made a surge and dropped Oestensen. Oestensen managed to get back on again, but Northug burned up all his energy and dropped back to his original pack of three. Then we saw the first sight of the main chasing bunch of about 18 skiers, lead by Piller Cottrer (ITA), Checchi (ITA) and Soedergren (SWE), and containing most of the other big names including the Germans Teichmann Sommerfeldt and Angerer. The pack was 46 seconds back but most of the skiers in it had already made up some time.

At the front Bauer suddenly started calling for a new pole! His pole basket had come off. Oestensen leads for a short while but Bauer doesn't really lose any time. Behind Di Centa and Gjerdalen caught up to Hetland, Northug and Vylegzhanin. Over the top of the course Bauer made another burst and dropped Oestensen, who gradually worked his way back to the small chasing group mid way through the third lap. But by then Vylegzhanin was gone – he couldn't hold on. Di Centa drove the train with four Norwegian passengers. He looked for help, but none of the red suited Norwegians came forth. And we soon saw why. Northug was spent and dropping back rapidly. Oestensen was dropped next. Back behind there was breakaway bunch from the larger group – Piller Cottrer, Checchi, Sommerfeldt, Koukal, and Jonnier (FRA) managed to go clear and at the 10km mark these five are 30 seconds from Bauer and only 15 seconds behind Di Centa's shortened train of three skiers. Coming into the stadium before they start the last 3.75km loop Di Centa steps aside and waves the Norwegians through, and Hetland reluctantly goes to the front. 500m into the last lap they had pulled a few seconds back on Bauer, but not as much as Piller Cottrer's group, who were then only 21 second behind, and also the next group containing Teichmann who were another 10 seconds further back.

To the closing kilometres. Hetland was done after his turn at the front and dropped off, leaving Di Centa and Gjerdalen alone in the podium positions. In the second chasing group Sommerfeldt felt the heat and was also dropped. The Italians Piller Cottrer and Checchi were in perfect unison as they kept grinding back the seconds. Over the top of the hill with 1.2km to go and Bauer's lead was 12 seconds over Di Centa and Gjerdalen, and 18 seconds over Piller Cottrer, Checchi, Koukal, and Jonnier. There's not going to be a big pack finish like in the last pursuit. Bauer came into the last short pinch into the stadium and it was apparent that he would hold on, but not by much. Piller Cottrer started sprinting, jump skating into the stadium and the gap to Bauer closed rapidly. Then Koukal suddenly appeared from nowhere, overtaking Checchi and pulling alongside Piller Cottrer. The Italian tried hard but could match Koukal's finishing speed. Checchi took fourth place, then it was Gjerdalen and Di Centa, and Jonnier unable to go with the hot pace at the end in 7th 15 seconds behind.

For the home crowd it was Czech one-two, but for the Italians it was also a big day with three skiers in the top six all within eight seconds of the overall lead. Compared to the start of the day the Norwegians suffered. Gjerdalen moved up into the top five, but Hetland dropped to 8th, Oestensen to 14th, and Northug paying the price for his early move down in 15th, 55 seconds behind. One of the biggest drops was from Vylegzhanin, from 4th overall down to 25th, caught by his team-mate Legkov who started the race 1:50 behind him. The German team didn't grab the centre stage today, but neither are they out of the hunt. Teichmann moved up to 10th, and he, Goering and Sommerfeldt are only 35-39 seconds from the lead. By no means is this race over yet.

Kalla Takes Golden Bib
Stage 4 Summary - Women

Four stages down in the 2007-2008 Tour de ski and three women have donned the golden bib of the overall leader. Twenty year old Charlotte Kalla (SWE) hit the front today with an impressive ski up to first place from sixth place, while yesterday's leader Marit Bjoergen felt the effects of four days of racing and slumped to 9th place in the overall classification.

Arianna Follis of Italy is followed by Justyna Kowalczuk of Poland during the fourth stage of the Tour de Ski World Cup cross country women's 10 km free pursuit event in Nove Mesto na Morave, January 1, 2008. REUTERS/Petr Josek (CZECH REPUBLIC)

At the start of the women's 10km Freestyle Pursuit there seemed to be a little less urgency than in the men's event. Ariana Follis (ITA) closed up the 10 second to the leader Bjoergen, and then the two seemed quite content to be caught by Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) who started 22 seconds behind. Kuitunen (FIN) tailed Kowalczyk for a while, then let the Polish skier ski away up to the front. As they wound their way up the hill Kalla could be seen ominously through the trees in the background, the Swede slowly but steadily working away on her 38 second deficit.

After the first 3.3km lap the leading trio held a seven second gap on Kuitunen, with the difference to Kalla down to 20 seconds. Mischol (SUI) and Roponen (FIN) skied solo races behind, with a large pack building up behind them. At the 3.8km timing point the pace didn't seem to be on at the front and the gap to the chasing pack was down to 45 seconds, with Korosteleva (RUS) leading a group containing Jacobssen (NOR), Sachenbacher (GER), and also Valbusa (ITA) who started 1:02 behind Bjoergen. But the white suit of Kalla was growing closer to the front, and she soon caught and went straight past Kuitunen without a pause.

The leaders hit the 5.5km mark and suddenly Bjoergen was dropped! The gap to Kalla was nine seconds and closing. Nystad-Kuenzel (GER) moved up to the front of the chasing pack which was then 40 seconds back. Kalla went straight past Bjoergen who had no answer. As they approached the stadium the second time Follis put on a little burst that dropped Kowalczyk, just as Kalla was on their heels. Kalla overtook Kowalczyk, and when she caught Follis she finally took a short break and sat behind for the first time in the race. Bjoergen and Kuitunen were in no-mans land in the middle, with Roponen leading a pack of seven including Mischol, Korosteleva, Jacobssen and several Germans, but not Valbusa.

As they started the big climb Kalla went to the front and picked up the pace. Over the top she lifted again, made a break and went clear from Follis and Kowalczyk. As Kuitunen and Bjoergen made their way up behind spectators were running across the track to get down to the stadium to watch the finish. With 1.2km to go Kalla's leading margin was up to six seconds on Kowalczyk and Follis, with Kuitunen at 17 seconds and Bjoergen really suffering 33 seconds back and about to be caught by the pack led by Kuenzel. Kalla kept driving all the way to the finish line to take her first World Cup victory. Follis sprinted past Kowalczyk like the Pole was standing still to take second place, 8.5 seconds behind. Kuitunen took fourth, and Kuenzel was 5th only 30 second back, following by Rotcheva (RUS), Korosteleva, Sachenbacher, and Bjoergen 38 seconds behind. Valbusa lost even more time at the end to finish up in 19th place, 1:20 behind.

Tomorrow the Tour continues with a 10km Classic individual start, with the overall classification still wide open. Kalla, Follis, and Kowalczyk will be pretty happy where they are sitting at the moment, but Kuitunen is well within striking distance. The Germans Kuenzel, Sachenbacher, and Zeller are also close enough if they have a good day. Although classic isn't their best technique, a lot could depend on which teams come out on top with the classic waxing. The biggest question mark lies over the head of Bjoergen. At 38 seconds she is by no means out of it, especially with another sprint race coming up in Stage 6 and bonus seconds up for the taking. But after blowing up today will the Norwegian be able to recover in time to put in a good performance on this tough Nove Mesto course?

Bauer Unstoppable?
Stage 5 Summary - Men

Lukas Bauer (CZE) stamped his mark on the Tour de Ski in Nove Mesto today, winning his third stage of the Tour and extending his overall lead to more than two minutes over his nearest rival. The 30 year old Czech was unstoppable as he ripped through the field from the back marker, overtaking many of the overall contenders who struggled to make the top 10 and lost considerable time.

Lukas Bauer of Czech Republic speeds on his way to win the 15 km classic race of the Tour de Ski cross-country skiing event in Nove Mesto na Morave, some 160 kms east of Prague, Czech Republic, on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008. (AP Photo/CTK, Igor Sefr)

It was an interesting start to the day, as several of the top sprinters attempted to gain the bonus seconds up for grabs at the 2.6km marker. Jon Kristian Dahl (NOR) was one of these, stopping the clock at 6:24.3, well clear from the nearest time. Sprint leader Nikolay Morillov (RUS) gave it his best shot, but was 16 seconds slower than Dahl as he pulled to the side of the track and walked for a while to regain his breath. Mats Larsson (SWE) moved into second place, 13 seconds behind Dahl, however had no intention of stopping there and continued on intent on carrying his speed all the way to the finish. Parfenov (RUS), 4th in the sprint standings, was the next to give everything for the bonus seconds and was more successful than his Russian team-mate, posting the second fastest time 1.6 seconds ahead of Larsson. From then on everyone seemed to have given up on the bonus seconds, including the Eurosport TV coverage which did its best to show everything else but the 2.6km split times. Finally, along came Lukas Bauer, the final starter for the day. Bauer took second place 7.5 seconds behind Dahl, earning himself 10 bonus seconds for his troubles. Dahl received a 15 second bonus, and Parfenov 5 seconds – enough to move him to third in the sprint classification.

Meanwhile there was another race going on. Mae (EST) and Poltranin (KAZ) were posting good early times, but a little further down the start list a couple of Norwegians Roenning and Svartedal were out to make up for their slow start to the tour so far. And a handful or Russians also seemed to be up for a big day – Pankratov , Vylegzhanin, and Dementiev. Small groups of 3-4 skiers from different laps were working together, or at least skiing together. Roenning dragged Northug on his tail, and Larsson rode behind Bauer and Koukal. With the TV determined to display no split times for skiers contending for the overall race lead it was up to the commentators and stadium announcers to keep the viewers informed. The top three at the 5.5km mark were Bauer, Dementiev and Larsson. Pankratov moved into the top three somewhere in the middle of the race. Dementiev still had the fastest time at the 11.75 km make, but it was difficult tyring to keep track of everything else so we might as well jump to the finish.

Larsson had the best time with 30 skiers having finished. Roenning lost time in the last half a lap, and crossed the line 10 seconds back. Pankratov came in and took the lead by 11 seconds. Then Svartedal exhausted his tank down the straight to take the lead by 0.7 of a second. Dementiev came in, the commentators thought he was still a podium contender but he crossed the line in 5th, 25 seconds behind Svartedal. The top 15 skiers in the overall ranking began to finish. Soedergren (SWE) was not in contention, 1:02 behind Pankratov. Most of the Germans were well off the pace, but Sommerfeldt (GER) had an okay day and was 1:07 behind. The camera followed Bauer and at the 13.85km mark he led Svartedal by 36 seconds. As they crossed the finish line the rest of the top ranked skiers weren't anywhere close. Gjerdalen (NOR) went across in 17th place, with almost the same time as Sommerfeldt. Then came Bauer, having overtaken and dropped Koukal, Piller Cottrer, Checchi, and Di Centa. He won the race by a comfortable 27.8 seconds ahead of Svartedal, with Pankratov rounding out the podium.

Jens Arne Svartedal of Norway crosses a finish line of the Tour de Ski World Cup cross country men's 15 km classic individual event in Nove Mesto na Morave, January 2, 2008. REUTERS/Petr Josek (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Where now with the overall standings? Bauer has a 2:07 gap over second placed Gjerdalen, with Piller Cottrer still in third place. Sommerfeldt has jumped to 4th overall, not so much from his great race today (he was 17th) but more due to the collapse of the rest of the overall contenders. Svartedal is up to 6th overall, from 28th before today's stage. There are three stages to go, including the longest 20km stage and the Final Climb up Alpes Cermis. But if Bauer can break into the top 30 in Asiago and get some sprint bonus seconds then he would just about have the race sown up.

Skiers from around the world take part in the second leg of the FIS Tour De Ski Skiing competition held at Jingyuetan national forest park in Changchun, northeastern China's Jilin province Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008. (AP Photo/Color China Photo)

Finnish Double - Saarinen Wins Stage, Kuitunen Back In Gold
Stage 5 Summary - Women

Aino-Kaisa Saarinen (FIN) claimed her first stage win of the Tour de Ski in the 10km Classic in Nove Mesto today, tipping out Virpi Kuitunen (FIN) by just 2.6 seconds after nearly half and hour of racing. Junior Therese Johaug (NOR) took third place. Saarinen led at all the intermediate timing points, picking up maximum bonus seconds, and her victory today has moved her up to 6th place overall.

With the overnight leader Kalla finishing in 6th place, 25 seconds behind, Kuitunen is now back in the leader's golden bib. Kuitunen also leads the sprint classification after gaining 20 bonus seconds today, with 79 points ahead of Arianna Follis (ITA) with 60 points. Saarinen is now in 3rd with a total of 57 points after scoring 30 today. Follis will continue to wear the silver bib of the sprint leader while Kuitunen is in gold.

The interval start race was seeded in reverse order, with the overall winner starting last. Smutna (AUT) starting with number 17 held the early lead at the 2.2km timing point, which was also the first intermediate sprint of the Tour and worth a bonus of 15, 10, and 5 seconds for the fastest three skiers. Johaug smashed Smutna's time by 21 seconds, but she held the top spot for only two minutes when Saarinen came through 6 second faster, and 10 seconds quicker than Majdic (SLO) who was having her best race in the tour so far. The faster seeds came through one by one but no-one came within 10 seconds until Rotcheva (RUS), the 6th last starter. Bjoergen was out of it, 21 seconds down. Then there was Kuitunen, quicker than Johaug but just 0.2 seconds behind Saarinen. Kowalczyk was 12 second back, Follis 18.5 behind, and then Kalla just missed out on bonus seconds with the 4th quickest time, 0.8 behind Johaug.

At the 7.1km time check Smutna's leading time was blitzed again by Johaug, and when Saarinen came through she was only 5 seconds up so the young Norwegian was holding her steady. Follis on an earlier lap was following in Saarinen's slipstream, so if the Italian could hold the Finn it would move her up the rankings. Mischol (SUI) came through only 37 seconds behind Saarinen, not bad for the Swiss, and Jacobsen (NOR) was also doing okay 34 seconds down. Bjoergen... Still out of the running, back in 21st place. Kuitunen was down to third place, 8 seconds behind Saarinen and 3 behind Johaug, and Kowalczyk and Kalla were almost dead even 19 seconds off the pace.

At the finish Antonova (KAZ) enjoyed a moment in the spotlight as the early leader. Smutna took over for only a minute before Johaug came in, almost skating in her eagerness to double-pole fast and unable to control her legs. Majdic came in only 12 seconds back, no doubt happy to have finally had a good race in this tour. Then came Saarinen, the likely race winner, 13 seconds ahead of Johaug. Steira (NOR) and Skofterud (NOR) came in, both nearly one minute behind, then Shevchenko (UKR) who had hardly been sighted all race with a good time, 23 second down and likely to move up in the overall standings. Mischol snuck in a couple of seconds ahead of Zeller (GER), who turned out to be the fastest German of the day. Rotcheva came in with a fast finish and looked like she might knock down Johaug, but the clocked ticked over one second too late. Then Kuitunen was picked up early by the cameras and following all the way in. Could she beat her team-mate. No, the first paragraph already told the story and Saarinen won by 2.6 seconds. Kowalczyk lost time in the last kilometre to end up 8th overall, and Kalla the last to finish was 6th, just behind Shevchenko.

With the bonus seconds added in Kuitunen ended up 25 seconds ahead of Kalla in the overall classification, with Kowalczyk in third place 42 seconds behind. Rotcheva jumped up from 6th to 4th, and is now just 3 seconds behind Kowalczyk. Follis is still in touch, 5th place overall and 56 seconds behind. With Stage 6 another Freestyle Sprint the Italian has a chance to score bonus seconds once again. The big loser of the last two stages has been Bjoergen, who has dropped from 1st to 11th in the overall classification. Though she too would normally have been looking forward to picking up seconds in the next Sprint in Asiago, it is hard to see her coming back after two average days. The first Norwegian in the overall standings is now Jacobsen in 8th place. Tomorrow is a rest day, but there is also about 900km of travel from Nove Mesto to Val di Fiemme where most teams are setting up camp for the last three stages. In Asiago in two days time we will see who has managed to travel and recover the best.

Northug Wins Dramatic Sprint; Bauer Still In Gold
Stage 6 Summary - Men

After controversial tactics in the semi-final Petter Northug (NOR) won the A-final for the Stage 6 Sprint in Asiago in Italy. Nikolay Chebotko (KAZ) lunged in for second place ahead of Hetland (NOR) and Zorzi (ITA). Fastest qualifier Gjerdalen (NOR) was unlucky in the final straight, however still managed to improve his claims on a Tour podium spot by pulling back over 40 seconds on the race leader Bauer (CZE).

Norway's Petter Northug churns his way to win a cross country Tour de Ski World Cup 1.2 K sprint race, in Asiago, Italy, Friday, Jan.4, 2008. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

Technically Northug may have broken no rules in the semi-final, however definite team tactics were at play in the semi-final as Northug swerved to block Di Centa from overtaking while his team-mate Hetland led the race. Di Centa immediately expressed his dissatisfaction with the manoeuvre, and took it up again with Northug directly after the heat, which Hetland and Northug won. Northug reacted to Di Centa's verbal complaints by pushing the Italian in the chest a couple of times, before he was dragged away from the melee by Hetland.

There were some pretty tight contests for the 12 semi-final places – the first two from each heat go through automatically, then it is the next two quickest times from the five heats that make it through. Gjerdalen, Roenning (NOR), and Dahl (NOR) tried to keep the pace high in the first heat, but though Roenning finishing with 0.3 of a second behind Gjerdalen and Dahl it wasn't quick enough to get a finals spot. Zorzi and Piller Cottrer (ITA) shared the lead and took the two spots from the second heat; Cologna (SUI) missing a couple of pole plants to put himself out of contention and dropping to 4th behind Dementiev (RUS). The third heat was a hot one. Parfenov (RUS) and Vylegzhanin (RUS) led for the first half of the race, with Hetland overtaking Hellner (SWE) on the second hill to move up to 3rd. Parfenov had a small gap at the front, but was pulled back on the last downhill, and Hetland made his move from third place on the inside on the final corner. Parfenov was leading down the straight then stumbled across to the inside lane; when the Russian went back to his original lane he cut in front of Hellner, who changed lane to behind Hetland then again to the next lane to give himself a crack at the finish. Hetland and Parfenov (? Vylegzhanin?) crossed the line first, then Chebotko who had pulled out a very fast finish to take third place in a lunge ahead of Hellner. It turned out later that this was the fastest heat, and all four athletes went through! Probably assisted by heavy snow which began to fall, and would have slowed down the times of the last two heats. From the fourth heat Di Centa and Koukal (CZE) managed to get a small gap and went through clearly, and from the last heat Morilov (RUS) and Northug (NOR) progressed through.

With snow still falling Gjerdalen swapped his trademark aviator glasses for some wrap-around glasses. Dahl led at the start then neatly moved aside for Gjerdalen to go to the front. Zorzi moved up on the inside on a corner, then Hellner went to the outside up the hill and took him back again to pull into 2nd behind Gjerdalen. Piller Cottrer and Zorzi were well placed around the last corner and attacked Gjerdalen from two sides down the straight. All three lunged and... you couldn't pick it. The slow motion reply showed just 2cm from 1st to 3rd, and behind them Chebotko made another quick finish to take 4th place 0.3 of a second behind.

Then, the controversial second semi-final. Northug was first out of the start, and kept looking over his shoulder to see where everyone else was. He let his team-mate Hetland through to the front, with Di Centa then in 3rd and Morilov in 4th. Di Centa made a couple of moves, but Northug kept looking over his shoulder and had him covered. Then on a straight with lots of space Di Centa made a big move on the inside. Northug swerved over sharply to cut him off, and as Di Centa's speed was checked he through his pole in the air in frustration. But though Di Centa was upset the race was still going on. Koukal drew level with Northug up the last hill, but the two Norwegians still led into the finish straight and in the end won comfortably. The pace was slow, not surprisingly considering Northug's tactics, and so four skiers progressed from the first semi-final. The race jury saw nothing wrong however and there were no protests.

The B-final was won by Koukal ahead of Hellner and Dahl, the only thing worth mentioning was Dahl winning the start then virtually stopping to let others take over the lead. Vylegzhanin was 4th and Di Centa 5th, gaining 34 seconds and 32 seconds respectively.

Gjerdalen reverted back to the aviators for the A-final, despite falling snow, and won the start and led up the first hill ahead of Hetland and Northug. Piller Cottrer decided to take up the race to the Norwegians, and overtook first on a hill and then the next corner to move up to 2nd place behind Gjerdalen. Northug fought his way back past Piller Cottrer, but at the same time Zorzi was passing him and so Northug was still in 3rd behind a different Italian. As they hit the final straight suddenly Northug was the red Norwegian in front! Northug won, Zorzi and Hetland lunged for second, and then also Chebotko in the same lane as Northug was lunging as well. And the Kazak got it by a toe; Hetland 3rd, Zorzi 4th, Piller Cottrer 5th, and Gjerdalen off the back in 6th. Did he fall or break a pole? The cameras missed it.

In the overall classification Bauer's lead has been reduced to 1:17 over Gjerdalen, and 1:45 over Piller Cottrer. With their bonus seconds Hetland and Northug are now also back in the top 5 on the overall leaderboard. But with the form that Bauer has shown in every distance race in this Tour is it all too late? Unless Bauer misses the wax or breaks a ski in the 20km classic race tomorrow it's hard to see him not finishing amongst the top skiers. Maybe a new race is about to begin in the Tour - the battle for second place behind Bauer.

In the sprint standings Northug and Hetland are now equal on 104 seconds, 14 ahead of Morilov who picked up 30 seconds for his 12th place today. It will be interesting to see if Russians Morilov or Parfenov try for the early bonus sprints in tomorrow's race like they did in Stage 5. However there will likely be others in the overall classification who will be keen to get the bonuses and move up the overall standings as well.

Kalla Wins Stage; Kuitunen Holds Onto Golden Bib
Stage 6 Summary - Women

With an impressive victory in the Stage 6 Sprint in Asiago Charlotte Kalla (SWE) is now neck and neck with Virpi Kuitunen (FIN) in the Tour de Ski overall standings. After six races Kuitunen leads by just two tenths of a second. The 9th fastest in the qualification, Kalla had no problems through the heats and led all the way in the A-final to win ahead of Korosteleva (RUS) and Kowalczyk (POL). Kuitunen was knocked out in the semi-final and finished 11th after the B-Final, scoring just enough bonus seconds to hold onto both the gold bib of the Tour leader and the silver bib of the Sprint leader.. Follis (ITA) the fastest qualifier finished 4th, which left her in 2nd place in the Sprint rankings just 2 second behind Kuitunen.

In the first of the heats Jacobssen (NOR) and Follis (ITA) progressed without any great difficulty. The second heat was much closer, with Kowalcyzk leading off the front but then just holding on ahead of a three way sprint and lunge for the line between Fabjan (SLO), Genuin (ITA), and Rotcheva (RUS). The Slovenian took second, while the other two were in with a good chance to take the extra two final places on heat time. Majdic (SLO) went to the front at the start of the third heat, but was swamped after the first downhill by Korosteleva, Roponen (FIN), and Saarinen (FIN) and dropped to 4th position. Korosteleva won the heat ahead of Roponen, and while Majdic fought her way back to take third place her time was not going to be quick enough to make the next round. Kalla led the start in the fourth heat ahead of Kuitunen, Mischol (SUI), and Sachenbacher (GER). Sachenbacher worked her way up to 2nd place, however Kuitunen worked hard on the outside up the second hill and overtook everyone to go into the lead. Kuitunen held on down the finish straight, and Kalla took 2nd just ahead of Mischol who finished fast from 4th position. In the final heat Muranen (FIN) led all the way, it was a tough battle for the next position between Kuenzel (GER), Prochazkova (SVK), Ivanova (RUS), and Johaug (NOR), with Prochazkova getting away at the end to claim the last final spot. The two “lucky” finals places based on time went to Genuin and Rotcheva.

Kowalczyk went straight to the front in the first of the semi-finals, displaying her slightly ungainly technique. Follis overtook Fabjan into 2nd place and went out after Kowalczyk who had a small gap. Jacobsen followed Follis into 3rd place. The two chasers closed on Kowalczyk on the last downhill and threw everything at her down the finish straight, but the Pole held on to win by a foot ahead of Follis, Jacobsen third 0.4 of second back. In the second semi-final Kalla took the lead from the start ahead of Russian Korosteleva and Rotcheva. Kuitunen tried to move up but then suddenly dropped to the back, unable to hold the pace. Kalla hit the final straight with just the Russians left on her tail, Korosteleva stepped up a gear to take the win, while Rotcheva took third place with a quick enough to make the finals along with Jacobsen from the previous semi-final.

The B-final still held important bonus seconds for Kuitunen – 7th place overall would gain 40 seconds, while 12th would get 30 seconds. However the Finn didn't have enough left in her tank. Her team-mates Muranen and Roponen took the first two places ahead of Genuin, and Kuitunen just got up into 5th place at the end.

In the A-final there was a lot at stake, with Kalla aiming for the gold bib of the overall classification and Follis trying to get the silver bib for the Sprint division. Kalla made another quick start to lead ahead of Kowalczyk and Jacobssen, with Follis working her way up to 4th ahead of the two Russians after a slow start. Kowalczyk moved up onto Kalla's shoulder, but the Swede held her line and kept the front position. Kowalczyk squeezed back in behind Kalla, and in the process Jacobsen dropped back suddenly – either from a clash with Kowalczyk or with her ski caught on the inside fence. Kalla hit the final straight in front ahead of Kowalczyk and Follis, then Korosteleva came at them from nowhere with her trade-mark fast finish. Kalla held on for her second victory of the Tour, and Korosteleva took 2nd ahead of Kowalczyk; then Follis, Rotcheva, and Jacobssen.

The situation is now very interesting in both the Overall and Sprint classifications. In the Overall standings Kowalczyk is only 23 seconds behind Kuitunen and Kalla. Rotcheva is 36 seconds back in 4th place, and Follis 38 seconds back in 5th. Bonus seconds during tomorrows 10km Classic mass start in Val di Fiemme will be very important before the Final Climb up Alpes Cermis on Sunday.

In the Sprint standings Kuitunen leads by just 2 seconds ahead of Follis, with Kowalczyk 10 seconds further back in third place. It seems unlikely that these skiers will go for the sprint bonuses just for the Sprint standings; the prize money for the overall classification is much greater. However other Finnish skiers such as Muranen (4th in the sprint standings) and Saarinen (8th overall) could be tempted to make a break for the early points. For the top overall contenders the sprint bonuses are important, but not enough to risk blowing up and losing contact with the pack.

Tour Web Editor: Finn Marsland (AUS)
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