CROSS COUNTRY SKI. TOUR DE SKI. Maxim Vylegzhanin of Russia came around teammate Alexander Legkov in final meters of men's 15km classic pursuit for a photo finish win in 39:47.0. Legkov was second +0.1 behind. In third +6.5 seconds back was Petter Northug. Maxim Vylegzhanin is the winner of the day as well as the FIS Tour de Ski Overall leader. Petter Northug Jr. is the FIS Tour de Ski Sprint leader.

First stage World Cup victory for Maxim Vylegzhanin
Legkov, Vylegzhanin and Chernousov led the leading group for the second half of the competition
Petter Northug Jr. NOR was caught in the early stage of the competition
Vylegzhanin and Legkov fought for victory until the finish line
Petter Northug Jr. came to the finish with Dario Cologna (4th) 
Just behind them was Alex Harvey (5th)
The Russian duo lifted the pace in the final kilometers which split up a leading group of 7
Petter Northug Jr. is one of a few athletes that finished all 6 editions of the FIS Tour de Ski
9.000 spectators
Live Press Conference here

ATHLETES' QUOTES

Maxim Vylegzhanin (RUS)

I felt very strong today. It was good to ski in front with Legkov and Chernousov but it was not planned and we did not apply any tactics. In the last lap Alexander Legkov was pushing hard and I followed him. In the finishing stretch I had a bit more power. It feels great to be in the lead of the Tour.

Petter Northug Jr. NOR

I don't like these conditions. Today I tried to ski well on the easy sections and then take it easy on the uphills in the deeper snow. 

OFFICIAL RESULTS STAGE 2

1. Maxim Vylegzhanin RUS 39:47.0

2. Alexander Legkov RUS +0.1

3. Petter Northug Jr.  NOR +6.5

Complete results now availble here.

FIS TOUR DE SKI OVERALL STANDING

1. Maxim Vylegzhanin RUS 47:45.7

2. Alexander Legkov RUS +5.1

3. Petter Northug Jr.  NOR +16.5

FIS TOUR DE SKI SPRINT STANDING

1. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 0:20

2. Maxim Vylegzhanin RUS 0:15

3. Alexander Legkov RUS 0:15

BMW xDRIVE TROPHY

1. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 76

2. Nikita Kriukov RUS 60

3. Eirik Brandsdal NOR 52

WEATHER

Cloudy, wet snow conditions. Air: 1.4°C, snow: 0.1°C

FIScrosscountry.com
Sunday 30 December 2012

Kowalczyk cruises to victory on stage 2 of Tour de Ski

Kowalczyk cruises to victory and takes over the leaders bib with a +41.4 second lead over Therese Johaug who is now in second, and rising Finnish star Anne Kylloenen crosses the line in third +45.0 off the lead. The home crowd was treated to a strong performance from Denise Herrmann in 4th just +3.5 off the podium. Strong day for Finland with 5 women in the top 10 and 6 in the top 13. Norway as well had a strong showing with 3 in the top 6.

Justyna Kowalczyk has dominated all 10 km Classic Competitions on the World Cup since February 2011
Kowalczyk caught Randall USA and Kalla SWE by the end of the first 3.0 km lap and went away in the second lap
Kalla and Randall were caught by Johaug who came from behind in the second lap
Kowalczyk is the winner of the day, FIS Overall Tour de Ski leader and FIS Sprint Tour de Ski leader
The home crowd was treated to a strong performance from Denise Herrmann in 4th just +3.5 off the podium
Strong day for Finland with 5 women in the top 10 and 6 in the top 13
Norway as well had a strong showing with 3 in the top 6
9.000 spectators

ATHLETES' QUOTES

Justyna Kowalczyk POL

I like classic.  It was good for me today.  My servicemen did a very good job today, my skis were fast and the kick was good.  I also like the conditions here, when the track is a little bit soft.  We will travel to Switzerland tonight and I will do some light training tomorrow.  The sprint will be difficult for me especially in the skate technique.  I will try to not lose too much time

OFFICIAL RESULTS STAGE 2

1. Justyna Kowalczyk POL 25:01.4

2. Therese Johaug NOR +41.4 sec

3. Anne Kylloenen FIN +45 sec

Complete results available here

FIS TOUR DE SKI OVERALL STANDING (Total Time)

1. Justyna Kowalczyk  POL 31:59.5

2. Therese Johaug NOR +46.4 sec

3. Anne Kylloenen FIN +55 sec

FIS TOUR DE SKI SPRINT STANDING (Total Bonus Seconds)

1. Justyna Kowalczyk POL 0:20

2. Kikkan Randall  USA 0:15

3. Therese Johaug NOR 0:10

BMW xDRIVE TROPHY

1. Justyna Kowalczyk POL 105

2. Anne Kylloenen FIN 64

3. Marit Bjoergen NOR 60

WEATHER

Cloudy, wet snow conditions, Air: 1.1°C, Snow: 0.1°C

FIScrosscountry.com
Sunday 30 December 2012