For the second time this season 4x5 km Relay Ladies and 4x7.5 km Relay Men is on the World Cup schedule in La Clusaz (FRA). Both ladies and men will ski the 2.5 km loop.
"The new distance of 4x7.5km for the men’s relay went well in Gällivare (SWE) at the start of the season, and I am looking forward to see how it goes again tomorrow. We were lucky with the weather today, and I am optimistic for tomorrow," FIS Cross-Country Race Director Pierre Mignerey said.
On the ladies' side Norwegian skiers are the biggest favorites for victory, however, Finland's squad can boast of consistent, stable and strong skiers and can challenge team Norway. "I think we will be a strong team for the relay but there are many strong teams, so we will just have to see how it goes. It will be important that we all have a good race, and I will do my best at the end," winner of Saturday Marit Bjoergen claimed.
Norwegian men will not be able to rely on their traditional anchor Petter Northug Jr. who did not travel to La Clusaz. Switzerland nailed sensational victory in 2010 as Curdin Perl took the squad to the first ever relay World Cup win. "We won the men's relay here two years ago with a very strong team. I am do not think we are that strong this year. Curdin Perl and I will ski first on the classic legs to get a good start," Dario Cologna revealed.
Start Lists
You can find all the start lists HERE.
