CROSS COUNTRY SKI WORLD CUP. Marit Bjoeren won the second stage of the World Cup Final 2011 in Falun and became "Queen of Mörderbacken".

Bjoergen finished on the challenging 2,5 km course up the famous Mörderbacken in 9:01.6 min and beat Justyna Kowalczyk by +10.6 sec. Therese Johaug, the fast climber, took the third spot having lost on Bjoergen +12.9 sec. After 1.0 km Bjoergen was in second place only 0.5 sec behind Therese Johaug who pushed very hard in the first 1.0 km. In the second part of the prologue Bjoergen took over the lead and increased the gap.

Marit Bjoergen took over the overall lead in the World Cup Final 2011 and has gained +33,8 seconds on runner up Justyna Kowalczyk. Petra Majdic has dropped to third place in the World Cup Final Standing and is +47 seconds behind.

The World Cup final sprint ranking is led by Marit Bjoergen with 1.10min while Petra Majdic is second with 1.00min.

Quotes

Marit Bjoergen (NOR)

I was feeling very good today. I had great skis today. I chose a new pair and it was a good decision. They were very fast. I had a good start and was the same as Therese at 1.0 km. I was very fast in the second part of the prologue. I’m really happy about the race. I did a good competition. It will be a hard race tomorrow. I have to be in front and fight for bonus seconds. My shape has been very good and I think I can win again.

Justyna Kowalczyk (POL)

I’m happy with my second place today. I had a good race. We had difficult conditions today and it was not easy to ski fast. I had good skis and was really strong in the last kilometer. I will take it easy tomorrow and do not have any special tactics. I like the course in Falun.

FIScrosscoutry.com
Friday 18 March 2011

Ilia Chernousov wins 3.3 km Classical Prologue in Falun

Ilia Chernousov of Russia won the stage 2 of the World Cup Final. Chernousov beat in the 3.3 km Classical Prologue Petter Northug and edged him out by +2.9 sec. Strong Russian performance was rounded out with Maxim Vylegzhanin in third place.

Petter Northug took over the World Cup Final lead ahead of Emil Joensson and Jesper Modin.

FIScrosscoutry.com
Friday 18 March 2011