Cross Country News

Dietmar Nöckler and Marika Sundin win the first competition oft he FIS Roller Skiing World Cup in Toblach.

Italy’s Dietmar Nöckler and Marika Sundin dominated the opening competition over classical technique in Toblach.

Dietmar Nöckler delivered a very strong performance. The 23-year old skier from the Puster vally laid down the fastest time in the perfect weather. The clock stopped at 22:12.30. Nöckler edged out the current FIS Roller Skiing World Cup leader Anders Svanebo of Sweden by 24.17 seconds. Another Swede Marcus Johansson rounded out the podium of the 8 km competition and finished in 22:38.12.

"I'm in a great shape and feel really strong. I would not have thought I would win today and with such a big gap. I could reaIly benefit from the home environment. I especially know all the uphills, Dietmar Nöckler said.

Ladies’ competition over 6 km offered more excitement. Local heroin Stephanie Santer was setting the pace until the halfway point of the competition, five seconds ahead of Marika Sundin of Sweden. The Swede speeded up in the second loop and powered to victory with a tiny margin of 0,53 seconds over Stephanie Santer. Third place went to Russian Elena Rodina who stayed 22.09 seconds behind Sundin.

"I am not sad or angry I finished second with such a small margin. I am surprised it went so well. The competition course that lies in front of my doorstep suit me very well, last year I was also on the podium, "the runner-up Stephanie Santer said.