CROSS COUNTRY SKI WORLD CUP. Alexander Legkov brings to Russia Grandslam from Rybinsk. Legkov stormed in the last leg of the men's relay and gave Russia third victory out of three races in Rybinsk. Pietro Piller Cottrer takes Italy I to second and Tobias Angerer secures third place for Germany.

In the men’s competition, Russia I with Evgeniy Belov, Maxim Vylegzhanin, Petr Sedov and especially Alexander Legkov were superior in today’s 4x10 km relay. Italy I (Valerio Checchi, Giorgio Di Centa, Roland Clara and Pietro Piller Cottrer) took the second spot, only 6,4 seconds behind the winning team. Tobias Angerer brought German team ( Andy Kuehne, Franz Goering, Tom Reichelt and Tobias Angerer) to third place with a gap of 32,5 seconds to the home favourites.

During the first classic leg the field of starts remained compact and skied controlled until the last 2.5 km lap. Belov and Utkin opened a small gap and after first exchange they had an advantage of 12 seconds. Maxim Vylegzhanin and Dmitry Japarov created a strong duo in the second leg being hunted down by Italy’s Giorgio Di Centa and French Jean Marc Gaillard.

Petr Sedov was there for Russia in the third leg and was caught by Roland Clara. Konstantin Glavtskikh did a great job in third leg for Russia II and brought it in the first position to last exchange. Exhausted Petr Sedov handed over to Alexander Legkov with a 40 sec margin on the leaders. Piller Cottrer caught Shiriaev but Legkov came from behind and benefited from decreased pace. Legkov and Cottrer came in front but the Italian was reluctant to set the pace. Legkov moved in the lead and dictated the tempo. In the last uphill before the stadium Legkov accelerated and broke away from Piller Cottrer who could not respond to this attack. Legkov brought Russia I in the first position +6.4 seconds ahead of Italy I. Tobias Angerer delivered a strong performance and got rid of Shiriaev and came third in the finish.

In the Nations Cup, Norway is leading with 7800 points while Sweden is second with 5699 points. On the third spot is Russia (5147 points).

Weather: cloudy, - 1,0° C
Snow Conditions: natural snow
Spectators: 12’000

Quotes

Alexander Legkov (RUS)

“I am very satisfied with my competition today and the victory of our relay. After my sickness I had a training camp in Davos and I was not sure if I am already ready for this competitions but my shape is getting better and better. I felt already good in the Pursuit and today it was even better. Now I am going to Sjusjoen in Norway where I make my final preparation for the World Championships.”

Roland Clara (ITA)

My shape was good and I am satisfied with my performance today. I saw infront of me the Russian and I came closer and closer but the gap was too big at the end and I changed on the second position. I had very good ski’s.

Tobias Angerer (GER)

I felt good this morning but I had to admit today that Alexander Legkov was stronger today. I tried to follow him but it was not possible. I recovered during the race well and caught Shiriaev. I had also the Italians in my eyes already but the gap was too big to close it. It is great to be on the podium and as well in total the summary of the weekend is positive. I am on the right way to Oslo.

FIScrosscountry.com
Sunday 6 February 2011

Italian ladies win 4x5 km relay in Rybinsk

Arianna Follis brings victory in the relay for Italy. Olga Mikhailova for Russia I is second. Natalia Korosteleva takes Russia II to third place.

Team Italy with Magda Genuin, Marianna Longa, Silvia Rupil and Arianna Follis claimed victory in a time of 53:15.3min in the ladies’ 4x5 km relay in Rybinsk. Team Russia I with Valentina Novikova, Svetlana Nikolaeva, Yulia Tchekaleva, and Olga Mikhailova secured the second place with a gap of 12,1 seconds to Italy. Natalia Korosteleva brought team Russia II (Anastasia Kasakul, Julia Tikhonova, Julia Ivanova and Natalia Korosteleva) to third spot by finishing 1:24.1min behind Follis.

Valentina Novikova pushed hard right from the start of the relay. By the end of the first 5 km leg Russia I was in the lead, 26 seconds ahead of Russia II and Italy. Marianna Longa managed to cut down the advantage of Russia I to 10 seconds after classic part of the relay. Silvia Rupil for Italy on the third leg kept the distance of 10 seconds on leading Yulia Tchekaleva for Russia I. Arianna Follis of Italy was very strong in the last leg and eliminated the advantage, which had Olga Mikhailova. Follis tactically waited and thought over her next move. In the uphill after the stadium with about 2000m to the finish Follis attacked. Mikhailova could not respond and Follis controlled the first position.

Quotes

Marianna Longa (ITA)

It is great to win here in Rybinsk. The audience is amazing. After the first leg, we had a gap to the Russian team as Valentina Novikova was really strong. I tried to close the gap and I came closer but not close enough. I am satisfied with my own race and I feel ready for the final preparations towards the World Championships.

Yulia Tchekaleva (RUS)

I’m very glad. I worked 100% percent for the team, for the country and for spectators. They are amazing – they formed a live corridor along the whole course.

Natalia Korosteleva (RUS)

Yes, the support of the audience was really powerful here. Fans virtually brought me on the arms half the distance. I’m satisfied with today’s race and feel that I’m recovering after disease and coming to my shape.

FIScrosscountry.com
Sunday 6 February 2011