CROSS COUNTRY SKI WORLD CUP. Swiss Olympic Champion Dario Cologna was too strong for his contenders today. He finished first in 10 km classic 6,7 seconds ahead of Alexander Legkov from Russia. Daniel Rickardsson from Sweden showed great performance as well and took the third spot.

Cologna started strong and was second behind Emil Joensson (SWE), who is the new leader of Ruka Triple, at the 5 km intermediate point. Legkov and Rickardsson were not under top three at the middle of the race but had a very strong finish.

In the multistage event Ruka Triple, Joensson is leading with 5,4 seconds ahead of Alexey Poltaranin who finished 18th today. Dario Cologna will start as third in tomorrow’s handicap race, 9,7 second behind the Swedish leader.

Cologna took over the World Cup lead after today’s stage with 15 points ahead of Marcus Hellner (SWE). On third spot with a gap of 34 points is Daniel Rickardsson (SWE).

Quotes

Dario Cologna (SUI):
“I tried to find the correct speed, not starting too slow but at the same time, not too fast. I think my start was very good, and I had a good pace throughout the race. I'm very satisfied winning a classical race.

I'm definitely hunting Emil tomorrow being 9 second behind, it's going to be exciting in the last 5 km's. It seems like these mini tours fit me, as I like to have the chance to compete in different races and the fact that I still have the chance to win the triple tour tomorrow.“

Alexander Legkov (RUS):
“I'm happy with the race, I like the course and the weather. I had some problems in the beginning loosing my glasses, but after that it went ok. I'm definitely going for a victory tomorrow, winning the Triple Ruca. It's going to be hard, especially with the Swedes.”

Emil Jonsson (SWE) – Ruka Triple leader:
“I feel lucky and had a great day. If you had asked me about leading the Ruka triple yesterday, I would have said no. I wasn't thinking too much today, didn't even listen to my coaches, just going. I was really tired, cold and couldn't see properly in the end, so I'm just glad to be over with this race and happy to still be leading the overall Ruka triple. I don't have one specific favorite for tomorrow, I think it will be a very tight race where everything can happen. Hopefully with a Swede on the podium though.”

FIScrosscountry.com
Saturday 27 November 2010

Superb Bjoergen shines again in Kuusamo at Ruka Triple

Marit Bjoergen won the second stage of Ruka Triple over 5km, 2.1 seconds ahead of Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) and 16.8 seconds ahead of Petra Majdic (SLO) who finished third.

Marit Bjoergen shows that she is in great shape in all disciplines, finish on the top position in all World Cup and stage races so fare. Focusing on the climbs today, she was very happy to win ahead of two strong athletes. Polish Justyna Kowalczyk was close to capture her first victory on a World Cup level this season, but finished second. She didn't mind the cold Finnish weather and was satisfied with the slope. Slovenian Petra Majdic finished third, as yesterday, and shows great performance at the start of the season.

Bjoergen proclaims the title as World Cup Leader and leads by 25.6 seconds for Petra Majdic for tomorrows finals in the Ruka triple. Kowalczyk will start third, being 34.6 seconds behind, followed by Charlotte Kalla (SWE) and Vibeke Skofterud (NOR) respectively 43.3 and 1.01.7 seconds behind.

In the World Cup ranking Bjoergen has 200 points whilst Charlotte Kalla is second with 154 points. On third spot is currently Petra Majdic 111 points. Tomorrows 10 km skate event will be an exciting final of the Ruka triple, with a close heat at top.

Quotes

Marit Bjoergen (NOR):
“I'm not sure if I like the position of starting the race tomorrow, but hopefully the gap to the others will be big enough. I will make sure to rest well today, stay indoor, followed by a short run tonight and be prepared for tomorrow."

Justyna Kovalczyk (POL):
“I really like today’s course, as its hard and firm. The cold weather doesn't bother me as I love to ski in these conditions. I am happy with my skiing and will fight tomorrow again.”

Petra Majdic (SLO):
“I’m very happy about today as I expected to finish some place between 5th and 10th. Things went well, but I had more problems downhill than uphill which is something I will work on for tomorrow. Overall I'm very satisfied with this weekend as it is the start of the season for me, and finishing 3rd twice is very okay.”

FIScrosscountry.com
Saturday 27 November 2010