CROSS COUNTRY SKI. Norwegian's Marit Bjoergen and Eirik Brandsdal won the first stage of the World Cup Final in Stockholm. At the 1,1 km classical sprint around the castle, Bjoergen claimed victory ahead of Julia Ivanova from Russia whilst Maiken Caspersen Falla finished third. In the men's race, Brandsdal could repeat his victory from Drammen last week. Second place took home favourite Teodor Peterson from Sweden and Len Valjas (CAN) finished third.

Marit Bjoergen (NOR)
I am happy with this victory. I didn't expect the victory after my prologue where I felt not so good and only was 12th. But then it went better and better. I was not surprised that Ivanova was so strong, she should her skills already in Falun. I have now a good advantage in the overall but you never know - all can happened therefore I stay focused.

Julia Ivanova (RUS)
It was a great day for me. I had to push hard and tried hard to win but again Marit was faster. I like this kind of courses and happy to be on the podium.

Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR)
I am very satisfied. The atmosphere during the race was amazing - thank you to all who were here. I am currently in a good shape and hope to continue on that in the rest of the World Cup Finals and show as well some good distance races.

Eirik Brandsdal (NOR)
It feels good to win here in Stockholm. It was a tough race and I first tried it with double poling but in the quarterfinal I realized that I have to switch as my arms were getting tired. Teodor was a strong contender and push hard all the way up.

Teodor Peterson (SWE)

I was lucky that I already secured the overall sprint World Cup title last week that I could enjoy this race today without a pressure. It was fun to ski here in this atmosphere and I give all to win but Eirik was just better. I will now enjoy the rest of the World Cup Final and ski all the races in Falun.

Len Valjas (CAN)

In the qualification I did a big mistake. Already at the first uphill I realized that my choice to double pole all the way was bad and I thought that I will be lucky if I make it to the quarterfinals. And I was lucky - I qualified as 30th. Then in the heats I was skiing classic and the final uphill suits me well. I am really satisfied to end up within a week again on the podium. It is my first time in the World Cup final and I will now go to Falun and enjoy the rest of the World Cup races.

FIScrosscountry.com
Wednesday 14 March 2012

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