The women's 10 kilometer freestyle is the first cross-country race in the program of this year's Olympics. Kjell-Erik Kristiansen, editor of langd.se predicts first Swedish victory already in the opening competition.
Competition Format
10 kilometer Free techniqe race with individual start is suitable for strong skiers who can keep the tempo high all the race. Strongest skiers will be starting in the second group and not at the back of the start field. This decision was done die to weather situation in whistler.Start time
10.00 o'clock LOC, at 19.00 CET.Course Information
A tough course which does not include steepest uphills as they may sometimes be seen at World Champs. Whistler courses will favor those skiers who can maintain a high and stable pace.Weather conditions will be difficult opponent, just remeber biathlon races on Saturday or Sunday. Organizing Committee have been trying hard to maintain snow conditions as good as possible using salt.
Favorites
From Norway Marit Bjørgen nust be considered as on of the biggest favorites for gold as she has shown strong shape this winter. However, it has been a long time since she impressed the cross-country skiing world in 2005 at World Champs in Oberstdorf. The Norwegian will try to forget a big fiasco in Torino 2006.
Sweden's Charlotte Kalla gained big selfconfidence after her victory in Canmore and she is well aware of her abilities. Competition course could fit her way of skiing, under condition that she does not push too much. Withou any dou doubts Charlotte has a chance to win.
Polish Justyna Kowalczyk is dangerous at all distances but 10 km Free is not her favorite distance and she should have better chances in pursuit, sprint and 30 km Mass Start.
Another challenger might be Finland's Riitta-Liisa Roponen who is very good at free technique. The same applies to Norway's Kristin Størmer Steira and veteran Valentina Shevchenko of Ukraine who showed rising shape in Canmore last weekend.
Russian Irina Khazova starts despite reports that she was injured and possibly broken a toe.
Swedes
Charlotte Kalla goes for gold, no question about that. Anna Haag posseses probably hopes for a medal after success in Beitostølen opening race earlier this season. More realistic goal is probably a top-6 position.Anna Olsson will try to get into Olympic rhythm and find shape for sprint and relay races. She should be able to fight among the 15-20 best.
Langd.se tips:
1) Charlotte Kalla, SWE
2) Marit Bjørgen, NOR
3) Justyna Kowalczyk, POL
