CROSS COUNTRY SKI. Eldar Roenning sprinted to home victory in 50 km Classic at Holmenkollen. Roenning claimed the win in Oslo in 2:32:27h. In the fight final for victory in the finishing straight the Norwegian beat Dario Cologna who finished 0,6 seconds behind the winner. The podium was completed by Martin Johnsrud Sundby.

Snow conditions today made the 50 km Classic one of the longest in recent history. The last time a 50 km was over 2:30h was in Oberstdorf 2005 because of heavy snowfall. Canada's Devon Kershaw was very active and was fighting for most of the bonus points on the course. Roenning chose different tactic and stayed in the field the entire race. Dario Cologna was controlling the competition from front positions continuously skiing around 4th-5th place.

In the last kilometers Roenning, Cologna and Sundby went away. Roenning was in the lead and only Dario Cologna could follow. In the finishing straight they were skiing side by side both double poling. In the last meters Roenning changed to diagonal technique and romped to first ever World Cup victory at Holmenkollen 50 km.

Thanks to his solid performance and bonus points Devon Kershaw (CAN) moved in the overall World Cup ranking on the second place, Kershaw is now 15 points ahead of Petter Northug

Eldar Roenning (NOR)

I was surprised, but I felt good at training Thursday and had very good skies
today. I changed skies four times and the waxing team did a fine job today. On the last lap, I had to go tactic to save some power. I don't see myself as a sprinter, but as an allround skier. This is my first victory
in 50 km and its great to be good in all disciplines. Holmenkollen has always been a great arena for me and it is a great place to do good races

Dario Cologna (SUI)

I was disappointed during the World Championships, the form was good, but the skies were bad. Today, I had good skies, and felt better and better for every round. To be on the podium at Holmenkollen is something special. Norway was strong today. The conditions were crazy. For me, it was one of the longest 50 km ever. I think everybody is tired now and should be proud having completed the 50 km.

Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR)

It is much more fun to be on the podium, rather than in 4th place. I have been doing some good training after Christmas and I think my body responded good to the training.
I felt strong during the last laps today, but suddenly the power in my arms and legs was gone. Eldar was not tired the last hill, but I got stiff. I thought: no, this shall not be another 5th place. I believed in myself and saw that the Russian was tired, and I am happy that I beat Vylegzhanin the final meters.

FIScrosscountry.com
Saturday 10 March 2012