. world ski news : Northug Jr. and Kowalczyk take Drammen sprint victories - 13 March 2013 - 21:06
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI. Justyna Kowalczyk and Petter Northug Jr. ruled in the city of Drammen as they win the classical sprint. Kowalczyk was superior in all the heats. In the finals Norway's rising star Heidi Weng challenged the Polish ace but finished second. Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg out sprinted Evgeniya Shapovalova of Russia and took second.
Petter Northug Jr. showed his might as he sprinted to another World Cup win. Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ) followed Northug in the finishing stretch but landed in second place. Sprint World Champion Nikita Kriukov (RUS) claimed third place.
- First ever World Cup win for Justyna Kowalczyk in Drammen
- Kowalczyk secured the FIS Cross-Country Overall World Cup title
- Personal best in sprints for Heidi Weng
- First ever World Cup podium for Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg NOR - 2nd place in the stage World Cup in Val Müstair SUI
- First victory for Petter Northug Jr. in Drammen
- Third 3rd place for Nikita Kriukov RUS in 2012/13
ATHLETES QUOTES
Justyna Kowalczyk POL
It is my first victory in Drammen. I felt strong and could enjoy the race when I had secured the Overall World Cup.
Heidi Weng NOR
I knew there is uphill in the finish and I believed I could be strong in a classic sprint here. I thought I could beat Justyna but I was very tired in the end but I am happy for second place.
Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg NOR
It feels great to be on the World Cup podium for the first time in my career, especially here in Norway. The crowds were phenomenal. It is a great revenge for me after the World Championships.
Nikita Kriukov RUS
Today was a very good race with great snow weather and snow conditions, not like last year. It was a lucky day for me. In the finals I skied on classic skis again. In the quarterfinals and semifinals I skied on skate skis but I was not as fast as Petter so I though it would be better to go on classic skis in the finals.
Alexey Poltoranin KAZ
I knew the finish would be tough. I thought I would be faster on classic skis. In the finals I started very fast but Petter was very strong. I am again second but I am very happy for it.
Petter Northug Jr. NOR
After the semi-final I was quite tired but I am very motivated to win the Overall World Cup. I was happy when Alexey took it out quickly in the finals and was really happy to be able to win today.
FIScrosscountry.com
Wednesday 13 March 2013
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Ladies
1. Justyna Kowalczyk POL
2. Heidi Weng NOR
3. Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg NOR
Men
1. Petter Northug Jr. NOR
2. Alexey Poltoranin KAZ
3. Nikita Kriukov RUS
OVERALL WORLD CUP STANDING LADIES
1. Justyna Kowalczyk POL 1778 pts
2. Therese Johaug NOR 1097 pts
3. Kikkan Randall USA 1054 pts
SPRINT WORLD CUP STANDING LADIES
1. Kikkan Randall USA 533 pts
2. Justyna Kowalczyk POL 380 pts
3. Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg NOR 270 pts
OVERALL WORLD CUP STANDING MEN
1. Dario Cologna SUI 1173 pts
2. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 1150 pts
3. Alexander Legkov RUS 1066 pts
SPRINT WORLD CUP STANDING MEN
1. Emil Joensson SWE 466 pts
2. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 279 pts
3. Nikita Kriukov RUS 273 pts