TOUR DE SKI. Norway, Switzerland and France shared the spots on the podium of the first stage of the sixth edition of Tour de Ski in Oberhof today. The fact that Petter Northug (NOR), Dario Cologna (SUI) and Maurice Manificat (FRA) were the persons on it probably didn’t come as a surprise. It wasn’t over before the bitter end though, as Northug claimed the victory with a margin of 0.7 seconds ahead of Cologna. All three of them won important bonus seconds, with Northug who got 15 seconds, Cologna got 10 seconds and Manificat 5 seconds

There has been a great interest around the opening of Tour de Ski. Even though the first person up Alpe Cermis in Val di Fiemme will be the winner of the Tour, the importance of staying within the top group becomes greater. Having lost to Cologna twice, and suffering from rather poor performance mid-through the Tour last year, Northug knew he had to give everything to ensure the victory today. The Norwegian “Superman” started as the last athlete and was constantly updated on his time compared to the other contenders by his coaches. “When I heard I was fighting for the victory it gave me more power” Petter said. One stage is over, but still eight to go. Petter has one goal this season: to win Tour de Ski. And although winning the first stage, there’s a new competition tomorrow awaiting him, and nothing is settled. “I don’t think anyone will remember who won the Prologue in Oberhof when we’re standing at top of Alpe Cermis” he said.

Cologna has been on the podium 3 times this season, but hasn’t shown the same raw performance as we’re used to. With the tiny margin of +0.7 seconds behind Petter, ensuring second place, he is definitely one to watch out for as the overall winner of this seasons’ highlight. Just like he did the last two years. As Petter, Cologna is focused on the coming stages, but still happy he could be on the podium on the first day. “I’m satisfied, it was a good race, and I think it was a very good start for me”.

Maurice Manificat came second in the 30 km race in Davos in December, and has strategically worked to be in the best shape possible for Tour de Ski. This year he aims for more than a top 20 placement, he wants to be on the final podium. “I’m surely satisfied with my start of Tour de Ski. The two last years I ended up in the top 20, but I did a good race in Falun in classic, and I’m really satisfied with my podium in today’s skating. I hope to be on the final podium this year, I did my best in the beginning of the season and I’m in a good shape”.

The men continues Tour de Ski with 15 km pursuit tomorrow.

Sofie Torlei Olsen
FIScrosscountry.com
Thursday 29 December 2011

Tour de Ski standing:
1. Petter Northug (NOR) 7:58.3
2. Dario Cologna (SUI) +5,7
3. Maurice Manificat (FRA) + 14.0

Justyna Kowalczyk comes through to take the win in Stage 1 of Tour de Ski

With a margin of +0.4 seconds between Kowalczyk and Bjoergen, the two strongest ladies fought hard for the top of the podium today. The biggest surprise of the day however, and a positive one, was Swedish Hanna Brodin who finished third, +4 seconds behind Kowalczyk. The top 3 of today won additionally bonus seconds for tomorrow’s race. Kowalczyk got 15, Bjoergen 10, and Brodin 5. The race of who will be the fastest up Alpe Cermis in Val di Fiemme on January 8th, and thereby win the total of 100,000 CHF as prize money has started!

It was a tense morning in Oberhof, excited athletes, team officials and the Organizing Committee. They could all feel that the start of Tour de Ski was coming. With a sky turning blue just minutes before the start, a stadium with more than 4000 spectators and a hard, icy course, all eyes were set on the 74 competing ladies. First out was Stefanie Bohler (GER) who finished 24th. With the start list based on the Overall World Cup standing, where the top 30 athletes are seeded, it was a great mixture of young promising girls and the top favourites competing.

3.1 km in total, but Marthe Kristoffersen (NOR) was the fastest girl with 4:03:01 on the intermediate time. She finished 5th, +0.1 seconds behind Riikka Sarasjoja-Lilja (FIN). There is no doubt that the two top favourites wanted to win today. Bjoergen started as the last athlete and got positive feedback from hear coaches. Right after the race, she expressed her joy: “It’s a good start and it’s good to race again. I felt better in the end of the race, and I’m happy to be back on the Tour”. Justyna Kowalczyk has mostly seen the back of Bjoergen since the World Cup 2011/2012 started. Having in mind that she has won the two last Tour de Skis however, we all know that the Polish girl tailors her shape to be at the top for Tour de Ski. Her biggest weakness has until now been the downhill parts, but today she was the third fastest athlete down the hill, a factor she thinks helped her secure the win: “It was a good race today, normally I don’t feel good in these kinds of fast conditions but yeah, I’m pretty satisfied. My tactic was to not start too fast, as I normally have problems with the downhill and my legs were fresh, but I heard my downhill time was quite good and I think that’s the reason”. Brodin has one podest place from sprint final in classic style in Otepää from last January. The 21-year old was a bit nervous but happy at the official press conference after the race: “I’m very happy, it was a good race and I had a good feeling. I got the times from my coaches who were good, but I mainly focused on skiing as fast as possible. It’s always hard to wait and see who the winner will be; I was a bit nervous in the finish area”.

The women continue the Tour in Oberhof with 10 km Pursuit tomorrow. Kowalczyk will start 5 seconds ahead of Bjoergen, who again will start 5 seconds ahead of Brodin.

Sofie Torlei Olsen
FIScrosscountry.com
Thursday 29 December 2011

Tour standing:
1. Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) 6:48.7
2. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) + 5.4 2.
3. Hanna Brodin (SWE)  + 14.0 3.