It was all about Russia in today's 5 km Classic at the Junior World Ski Championships in Erzurum. Natalia Zhukova claims gold medal in 14:53.1. Elena Soboleva lost on the winner only +0.8 sec. Russian podium was completed by Elena Serokhvostova.
Russian skiers dominated all the intermediate points at 5.0 km classic competition. However, it was Elena Serokhvostova who was leading at 2.0 km checkpoint. Natalia Zhukova was only three seconds off the pace at the intermediate point and she was fightint tight with Elena Soboleva for the gold medal. Zhukova edged out her compatriot by only 0.8 sec and went for the first gold medal in her career. Elena Soboleva celebrated first individual medal from the Junior World Ski Championships as she was on the podium last year in Otepää in the relay. Elena Serokhvostova finished 5 seconds of the pace and claimed the bronze medal.
Natalia Zhukova (RUS)
I can hardly believe I have just become the World Champion. I did niot expect to be on the podium it is a complete surprise for me. I hoped to be in top 10 today. I was freezing during the competition.
Elena Soboleva (RUS)
I am very satisfied and very glad with the bronze medal. It feels great to beat all the favorites. I am very happy that our team won all the medals today. It was very unexpected for me. The third place today is the best individual achievement in my career. Last year I was on the podium in the relay.
Elena Serokhvostova (RUS)
It was a very tough race today for me. I could hardly breathe. I was tired after the sprint. I have still plans to compete in other races of the World Championships, I am hoping for more medals.
