---

All eyes are on Petter Northug jr., but I think it will be difficult for Peter to win already in the first race. His chances are bigger in races with mass start and key action in the stadium. Watch out for Marcus Hellner (SWE) as he can surprise.

Competition Format

15 kilometer Free technique with individual start. Seeded group will start the same way as in the ladies',  race in the middle of the start field. Weather conditions will place important role but should not influence the race as in biathlon.

Start time

12.30 o'clock local time, at 21.30 CET.

Course

Course is tough but without really steep uphills that had been such at the Olympic Games in Nagano in 1998 and at several World Championships. Who can win must keep high pace right from the start.

Favorites

Petter Northug jr. is obviously the main favorite in all competitions in which he will take part. But remember that he was beaten in the final two stages of Tour de Ski by Czech Lukas Bauer. Bauer on the other hand has had difficulties at big events. He took silver medal in home Championships in Liberec last year over 15 km Classic.
Marcus Hellner has a medal chance. Finland's Matti Heikkinen won convincingly in Davos in December, but performed unusually bad in Canmore last weekend.
The Russians have a strong team with Alexander Legkov and Maxim Vylegzhanin as the best, but Italy dominated in Canmore with a double by Giorgio Di Centa and Pietro Piller Cottrer.
Performance of Axel Teichmann in Canmore was also valuable. He can win or end on 70th place. Two clear medal candidates are last year's Overall World Cup winner Dario Cologna from Switzerland and the former world champion Vincent Vittoz of France.

Swedes

Marcus Hellner aims high and wishes for a medal and have a fair chance for it. But it will be hard.
Johan Olsson has a medal chance after good race in Canmore, but a top-6 is probably more realistic.
Anders Södergren's shape is unsure and unstable this year. If he is in his top shape he can fight with the best. Question is whether he has it or not.

Langd.se tips:

1) Lukas Bauer, CZE
2) Marcus Hellner, SWE
3) Pietro Piller Cottrer, ITA

Outsiders:
Petter Northug Jr., NOR, Giorgio Di Centa, ITA, Alexander Legkov, RUS, Maxim Vylegzhanin, RUS, Axel Teichmann, GER, Tobias Angerer, GER, Toni Livers, SUI, Dario Cologna, SUI, Vincent Vittoz, FRA, Matti Heikkinen FIN.

Contributed by: Kjell-Erik Kristiansen, langd.se

Previous | Back to the list | Next