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Charlotte Kalla can she do it again?

The question is whether she can stick together in the classical part with Kowalczyk, Bjørgen, Steira, Saarinen & co when they gear up highest speed. Both Charlotte Kalla and Anna Haag have a medal chance today.
19-02-2010 Kjell Erik Kristiansen
Competition Format
After 7.5 of skiing classic style athletes come to the stadium and change for skating skis and poles. Racing boots are not being changed as athletes use the so-called "combi" shoes.

Start time

13.00 o'clock LOC - 22.00 CET.

Race course

The classic and the free part of the race will be carried out on two different tracks. Both are very good to ski with steep demanding uphills. Temperatures have dropped below zero last few days and sun has been shining during the day. All these factors have made the race course very hard, compact and fast. Athletes must pay attention in downhills and particularly in curves no to end like Petra Majdic in the training before sprint.

Favorites

Marit Bjørgen is very big favorite especially after having won bronze and gold. Her self-confidence is high and she is in her best shape. On the other hand it has been hectic time for her with a lot of ceremonies, interviews and etc. that could shorten Marit's time for recovery.
Charlotte Kalla has had a bit more time to recover, but the question here is if she keeps up in the classic part. In skating, she proved that she is the best.
Justyna Kowalczyk may be my tip for the winner. The Polish machine is expected to go full throttle from the start to create as big gap as possible from the rest of the start field.
Aino-Kaisa Saarinen of Finland will probably have the same aim as she is not so strong in free technique. There are more ladies who will try to go as fast as possibe in classic: Kristin Størmer Steira (NOR), Marianna Longa (ITA) and possibly Therese Johaug (NOR).
Kristina Smigun-Vaehi took silver in 10 km Free and she can find for medal again. Valentina Shevchenko is good in both styles but it will not be probably enough for medal.

Langd.se tips:

1) Justyna Kowalczyk, POL
2) Marit Bjørgen, NOR
3) Anna Haag, SWE

Medal placement would be surprising

Charlotte Kalla, SWE, Kristin Størmer Steira, NOR, Johaug Therese, NOR, Aino-Kaisa Saarinen, FIN, Riitta-Liisa Roponen, FIN, Marianna Longa, ITA, Irina Khazova, RUS, Kristina Smigun-vahi, EST.

Contributed by: Kjell-Erik Kristiansen, langd.se

 

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