CROSS COUNTRY SKI WORLD CUP. Marit Bjoergen is unbeatable in the beginning of the season. She dominated all three races at Kuusamo's ruka triple and raced today for overall victory.

Norwegian Marit Bjoergen started already in todays handicap start competition over 10 km in free technique with a lead of 25.6 seconds to Petra Majdic (SLO) and increased the gap already after 2.5kilometres. Majdic had a rough day skiing and lost her position as second after a few kilometres. Kowalczyk (POL) who started third began her fight with Charlotte Kalla (SWE) and it was a tight race until the very last bit. Kalla got stiffer by the end of the race, and Kowalczyk used this opportunity to go all in at the last hill. Kowalczyk came in 33,6 seconds behind Bjoergen and Kalla 45,7 seconds.

Bjoergen managed to win all three stages of the Ruka Triple and was unbeatable at the moment. She explains her triple victories with a great season preparation programme, the same programme she used for the previous season. For Bjoergen, who was never winning the Tour de Ski, the 8-days-multi stage event, it was the 39th World Cup victory.

Fastest skier today was Therese Johaug (NOR), she skied the 10 km in a time of 29:24.2min.

The yellow bib belongs currently as well to Bjoergen. For her victory she got today 200 points in addition and has increased her lead to 440 points. On second spot is Charlotte Kalla with 311 points while Justyna Kowalczyk has 309 points as third.

FIScrosscountry.com
Sunday 28 November 2010

Alexander Legkov: I wait for you, Petter!

Alexander Legkov conquered victory in Ruka Triple - mini tour in Kuusamo. Dario Cologna came second and Daniel Rickardsson third.

The men’s competition was packed full with excitement. Favourite Dario Cologna closed the gap in the handicap start race over 15 km in free technique to Emil Joensson (SWE) and Alexey Poltaranin (RUS) soon and the group was joint as well by Daniel Rickardsson (SWE), Alexander Legkov (RUS) and Alex Harvey (CAN).

In the last lap, only Cologna, Rickardsson and Legkov were left in the leading group and Legkov attacked at 13,5km. The Russian took the victory of Ruka Triple 10,1 seconds ahead of Dario Cologna (SUI), Rickardsson finished third with a gap of 14,2 seconds.

Fastest time over the 15 km had Lukas Bauer with 38:10,5 minutes.

Alexander Legkov, who won today his third World Cup competition, is now leading the overall World Cup ranking with 318 points just 7 points ahead of Cologna. On third position is Marcus Hellner with 265 points.

Quotes

Alexander Legkov (RUS)
It was excellent competition for me today. I believed I could win this race. My skis were perfect and I think they were best. I realized I could win the race in the uphills, as I was confident and believed in my strengths. I look forward to Davos and La Clusaz. I would like to win Tour de Ski. I’m waiting for you, Petter!

Dario Cologna (SUI)
It was a very tough race today. The guys that came from behind were very strong. I had to push all the time and maintain the speed. I was a bit tired in my legs in the second half of the race, but I m happy with my performance and the second place. It was a good weekend and I am especially satisfied with the result of yesterday. In the race itself we had very good pace and had a big gap on the group of chasers. I’m looking forward to going home. I am little bit tired of these cold temperatures that have been here for three weeks. I look forward to home race in Davos where I hope will be on the podium again.

Daniel Rickardsson (SWE)
It is my third place in three weeks and I am very happy. Dario and Alexander were very strong. I tried to attack but the others were very strong and I could not open a gap. Next competition for me will be Davos 15 km and I look forward to that and hope to be on the podium again. It is beginning of the season and there will be a lot of training before the World Championships, which is of course the biggest goal this season.

FIScrosscountry.com
Sunday 28 November 2010