CROSS COUNTRY SKI WORLD CUP. Kikkan Randall's shape has been on the constant rise and the best U.S athlete scored World Cup victory in Liberec. Ola Vigen Hattestad defended first positiom from 2009 and conquerred victory among men.

Norway's Ola Vigen Hattestad (C) leads a pack of skiers during the men's 1.6km free sprint race at the Cross Country World Cup in Liberec January 15, 2011. (REUTERS/David W Cerny)

Randall outraced the field and edged out Hanna Falk and Celine Brun-Lie. Youngster Federico Pellegrino finished second behind Hattestad and edged out to third Dusan Kozisek.

Kikkan Randall shines in Liberec
Kikkan Randall from USA and the Norwegian Ola Vigen Hattestad are the winners of the free technique sprint in Liberec (CZE).

On exactly the same 1,3 km course like in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2009, Kikkan Randall, the silver medallist from that event took the victory today. The US athlete finished just ahead of Hanna Falk from Sweden whilst Celine Brun-Lie took the third spot on the podium.

Randall attacked Falk on the last uphill just before the finish and was able to hold the lead until the finish. For the US skier , who was competing in the Tour de Ski, it was the third podium place in this season and the second victory in her career.

In the sprint World Cup ranking, Randall is now leading with 291 points just three points ahead of Arianna Follis. Petra Majdic, who finished today fourth is on the third place.

In the overall World Cup ranking, Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) is clearly leading with 1271 points, Follis is second (880 points) and Marit Bjoergen (NOR), who had today a race incident in the semi final after being the strongest in the qualification is third with 796 points.

Quotes

Kikkan Randall (USA)

It was great to race again here in Liberec. The organizers did a very good job and prepared the course very well. I felt very good today. It was pity that Marit Bjoergen was not in the finals. It is always awesome to race against her. Hanna set a really hard pace. I had to give everything I had to win today. For sure I have the Tour de Ski in my legs but I believe that this makes me even stronger.

Hanna Falk (SWE)

I am very happy with the second place today. It has been more than one year since I was on the podium. Kikkan was strong today. I feel that my shape is on the rise and I a getting better and better.

Celine Brun-Lie (NOR)

It was a good race for me. I did not go to Tour de Ski but instead I trained at home. I will compete tomorrow and look forward to the team sprint. I did not like the course in Liberec before but now I have changed my opinion. I will continue training and go to training camp to be ready for Oslo.

Ola Vigen Hattestad goes for victory in Liberec
Ola Vigen Hattestad defended victory from 2009 and was fastest in today's Sprint 1.6 km Free.

In the men’s race, the World Champion from 2009, Ola Vigen Hattestad dominated the final race over 1,6 km and claimed victory ahead of the only 20-year-old Federico Pellegrino from Italy. Home favourite Dusan Kozisek (CZE), who is living in Liberec, took the third spot whilst Renato Pasini (ITA) just edged out with arriving fourth.

Just ahead of the final curve after the last uphill Ola Vigen Hattestad made the final attacked and could hold the gap until the finish. The Norwegian double World Champion from 2009 took his first season victory today and the 10th in his career. For Pellegrino and Kozisek it was the first podium ever in their career.

Alexei Petukhov (RUS) who was first in his quarterfinal was ranked last in his head due to not following the marked course.

In the sprint World Cup ranking, Emil Joensson, who will not compete this weekend, is still leading 96 points ahead Ola Vigen Hattestad. On third position is Fulvio Scola.

The overall World Cup is still led by the three Tour de Ski stars Dario Cologna (1197 points), second Petter Northug (706 points) and Lukas Bauer (698 points). All of them were not racing today.

Quotes

Ola Vigen Hattestad (NOR)

I’m very satisfied with my race. Actually it was my best free technique race in 2 or 3 years. It feels great to be back on the podium. The course here in Liberec is fair. I especially like the long finishing straight. Last minute of the sprint course is really good here. I will probably race tomorrow with Johan Kjoelstad as he was the second best Norwegian today.

Federico Pellegrino (ITA)

It’s a dream for me today. I was not too confident before the race about my shape. To be on the podium is simply great. I do not have words to describe how I feel today.

Dusan Kozisek (CZE)

I am very satisfied with my result. I achieved my career best today. I wished to produce the best result and I did it. The crowds alongside the course helped me a lot. They cheered and supported all of us. I will race tomorrow in the team sprint together with Martin Koukal.

FIScrosscoutry.com
Saturday 15 January 2011