Today the FIS Roller Skiing World Cup 2012 was launched in Croatia, near city Stubučke Toplice with the first event, mass start 10km free uphill.
Seven national teams from Russia, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Poland and Croatia have taken part in the first event of the new season. Warm weather and heavy course welcome the rollerskiers in Croatia.
In the men's category, six athletes formed a leading group after the start with tactical skiing until the checkpoint at 7km. In the last part Anders Svanebo (SWE), Simone Paredi (ITA) and Sergio Bolnaldi (ITA) went away to be sure nobody else gets on the podium. 300m before finish Paredi had no fuel left in his tank and came in 3rd position. In the meantime Bonaldi made a final breakthrough leaving Svanebo behind and grabbed 1st 100 points in WC ranking.
In ladies' category Hanna Seppas (SWE) proved again her domination in uphill free technique competition and went for the first victory of the season. Ksenia Konohova (RUS) came in second place and Marika Sundin (SWE) finished third.
Russian skiers dominated junior men's category with the triple victory. Anton Budylov won ahead of Vadim Andreevin second and Alexander Gavrilov in third place.Junior ladies category was won by Urszula Letocha (POL) in front of Elena Lukianova (RUS) and Lisa Bolzan (ITA).
First FIS Roller Skiing World Cup of the season continues on Sunday, June 17 with sprint race in the center of Oroslavje on well-known 180-meter long track. Qualification kicks off at 10.00 and finals at 11.00 hours.
You can check out some photos at http://www.facebook.com/groups/117394108271141/
