Norway's Petter Northug must have rested well on his new bus as he stormed to victory today in the first stage of the Tour de Ski. Northug stopped the clock in a time of 8:28.7 min, a full 6 seconds ahead of second place finisher Marcus Hellner of Sweden. In third was Russia's Alexander Legkov +7.2 second back of Northug. The three-time Tour champ Dario Cologna was just off the podium in fourth position +10.1 secs back from the lead.
- Petter Northug Jr. repeated the prologue win from last year
- 9th stage victory for Petter Northug Jr.
- Petter Northug was 7th at the 1.7 km intermediate point 4 seconds behind Ilia Chernousov RUS
- Marcus Hellner came to second place from 14th spot at the intermediate point
- First podium in the Tour de Ski Prologue for Alexander Legkov RUS
- Two Czech skiers in top 10
- 6.500 spectators
ATHLETES' QUOTES
Alexander Legkov RUS
I felt very good today. The course was not that icy like yesterday. I felt very good during the prologue. I will think about the plan for tomorrow's pursuit in the evening but there are many good skiers out there. I have to focus on my skiing tomorrow and find my way out of the pack.
Marcus Hellner SWE
It was very cold in Gallivare. So I wasn't sure of my fitness before the Tour. But I am feeling good. Tomorrow I will try hard, but classic is not my best so I will see how it goes.
Petter Northug Jr. NOR
I like very much this kind of competitions. Today it was all about technique. It was not that easy to find the right flow. I have won just the first stage. Nobody will remember it on Alpe Cermis. I am going to take it easy in the first round tomorrow. For sure Dario and others will be strong and will be chasing me. It will be important to find the right spot in the pack.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
1. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 8:28.7
2. Marcus Hellner SWE +6.1
3. Alexander Legkov RUS +7.2
Complete results are available here
FIS TOUR DE SKI OVERALL STANDING (Total Time)
1. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 8:13.7
2. Marcus Hellner SWE +11.1
3. Alexander Legkov RUS +17.2
FIS TOUR DE SKI SPRINT STANDING (Total Bonus Seconds)
1. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 0:15
2. Marcus Hellner SWE 0:10
3. Alexander Legkov RUS 0:05
BMW xDRIVE TROPHY
1. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 71
2. Nikita Kriukov RUS 60
3. Eirik Brandsdal NOR 52
WEATHER
Fog, icy, Air: 1.9°C, Snow: 0.1°C
ACTION PHOTOS
Please note that high quality action and podium pictures from today’s competitions are available for purchase through the Internet portal offered by Nordic Focus, FIS Partner for photos from the Nordic Disciplines, at www.nordicfocus.com
