In the men's 3,3 km long competition "King of Mörderbakken", where the athletes had to climb up on the famous hill here in Falun, was Switzerland's Dario Cologna unbeatable by finishing in a time of 9minutes and 55,3 seconds. The Olympic Champion won the race 4,9 seconds ahead of Mats Larsson from Sweden and 6,0 seconds ahead of Maxim Vylegzhanin (RUS).
With the second place, Mats Larsson move into the lead of the World Cup Final ranking with an advantage of 7,3 seconds to overall World Cup winner Petter Northug (NOR). Emil Joensson is with, 20,1 seconds behind Larsson.
In the sprint ranking of the World Cup Final, Mats Larsson has 0:58 min on his account while the runner up in this standing, Petter Northug won so far 0.56 bonus seconds. Emil Joensson is third with 0:52 seconds.
The third stage of the World Cup Final will take place tomorrow with a Pursuit over 5km + 5km for ladies and 10 km + 10 km for men.
Quotes:
Dario Cologna (SUI)
It was a very good race today. Especially the second half I was feeling very well. I was sick after Olympics so I did not know how my shape was after those two weeks. I am glad my shape is back and I am looking forward to next races. It is not a secret that Petter Northug is very strong and Marcus Hellner too. There will be big fight for top positions. I had very good skis today. Without good material you cannot win a race. I had a good feeling and did not want to push too hard in the Mörderbakken as I wanted to safe a bit energy for dowhill and finish.
Mats Larsson (SWE)
I did not expect to lead the World Cup final. I had a good chance to make a good race today and I used it. It was fun to race today. Key point was to have good technique all the time and not push too hard in the first uphill but safe energy for downhill. It is great feeling to race in front of the home crowd. Tomorrow I will ski with the crowd and safe as much energy as possible. Then we will see how the race develops.
Contributed by Sandra Spitz
