Therese Johaug was unbeatable in today's 15 km skiathlon and took second World Cup victory in her career. Johaug won the race in 42:41.4 and left runner up Justyna Kowalczyk behind with a great margin of +26.9 sec. Marit Bjoergen did not find the winning momentum today and claimed third place +52.9 sec off the pace.
Right from the beginning of the competition it was clear that only three skiers would be involved in the podium fight. Justyna Kowalczyk, Therese Johaug and Marit Bjoergen were active and were working hard in front. The leading trio broke away already at the first intermediate point. In the classical part Marit Bjoergen could not keep the high pace set by Therese Johaug and Justyna Kowalczyk and was losing ground.
After the ski exchange Bjoergen was already +9.7 sec off the pace. Kowalczyk and Johaug were working together but in the second last lap Therese Johaug shook off the defending Overall World Cup winner. Johaug was increasing the margin and came with a comfortable lead in the stadium and to the finish. Charlotte Kalla and Vibeke Skofterud were trying hard to close up the gap on Marit Bjoergen but the Queen of the World Championships in Oslo had the race under control and finished in the third place.
Charlotte Kalla had more power left in the last kilometers and left Vibeke Skofterud behind as she went for fourth position.
Justyna Kowalczyk regained Overall World Cup lead by two points over Marit Bjoergen. Kowalczyk has won 1682 points whereas Bjoergen has 1680. Therese Johaug is currently third with 1240 points.
Therese Johaug NOR
I’m happy to be the first today in such a company. It is my first time in Russia and I like the place. I’m in a very good shape at the moment so I felt enough strength to attack. With such rivals as Marit and Justina you have to work hard and go forward.
Justyna Kowalczyk POL
I’m glad for my second place. I have a yellow bip back but we still have to fight hard in remaining races. I felt quite comfortable today, the skis were fine, but Therese ws faster this time. I’m looking forward to races in Nova Mesto.
Marit Bjoergen NOR
I’m satisifed with my third place. My skis were well-prepared today but the girls were stronger in classic part, they made a big gap and I had to work alone in the second part of the race. It was hard. I lost yellow bip and now I’ll have to take part in all the races left to be able to fight for it.
