TOUR DE SKI. Alexey Poltoranin has won the men's 5km classic race in Toblach. He was the winner in 12:37.9 sec, +8.0 seconds ahead of Petter Northug and +8.2 ahead of Dario Cologna.

Second Stage World Cup podium for Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ)
Poltoranin was third after 1.8 km but had the fastest second section
Alexander Legkov (RUS) was the quickest at the 1.8 km checkpoint
Close battle between Cologna and Northug. Northug was faster by +0.2 sec
With time bonuses from today's race Northug now leads Cologna in the FIS Tour de Ski Overall Standing  by +16 seconds, and Alexander Legkov by +23.4
Petter Northug Jr. also leads the FIS Tour de Ski Sprint Standing.

ATHLETES' QUOTES

Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ)

After yesterday's race I didn't sleep well but the feeling was good today.  I am looking forward to tomorrow's race and would like to be on the podium again. 5km or 15km are good for me as soon as the competition is in classic.  I like them all.

Petter Northug Jr. (NOR)

I tried to find the right speed over the first 1.5 km and then keep the  right pace down the hills.  I saved my power for the final kilometer.  Now I think I have the advantage for tomorrow with the time bonus seconds from today. I don't have to go for the early sprint bonuses, but I must be at the front to react to the others.

OFFICIAL RESULT STAGE 5

1. Alexey Poltoranin KAZ 12:37.9

2. Petter Northug Jr. NOR +8.0

2. Dario Cologna SUI +8.2

Today's stage results available here

FIS TOUR DE SKI OVERALL STANDING MEN

1. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 2:19:20.9

2. Dario Cologna SUI +16.1

3. Alexander Legkov RUS +23.4

Overall Tour standings available here

FIS TOUR DE SKI SPRINT STANDING MEN

1. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 1:23

2. Finn Haagen Krogh NOR 1:00

3. Dario Cologna CAN 0:58

BMW xDrive TROPHY

1. Petter Northug Jr. NOR 139

2. Emil Joensson SWE 86

3. Alexey Poltoranin KAZ 77

WEATHER

Partly Cloudy, hard packed snow conditions. Air: 9.1°C. Snow: 0.1°C

Kowalczyk wins stage 5 - Extends overall lead

Justyna Kowalczyk wins stage 5 of the FIS Tour de Ski - 3km classic in the time of 10:08.1. Krista Lahteenmaki led a strong Finnish team as she took second place +16 seconds back. Astrid Uhrendolt Jacobsen (NOR) finished 3rd today +17.1 sec  behind.

Second straight Stage victory for Justyna Kowalczyk
Justyna Kowalczyk was in the lead from the start to the finish
Kowalczyk has extended the overall Tour leader to +1.03 min ahead of Charlottle Kalla in second and +1.05 min ahead of Therese Johaug.  
Finland had three women in the top 5.
First Stage World Cup podium this year for Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen (NOR). Jacobsen finished third also last year in 3 km Classic in Toblach
Second Stage World Cup podium for Krista Lahteenmaki 
15'', 10'' and 5'' bonus seconds for top 3 in the finish

ATHLETES' QUOTES

Justyna Kowalczyk (POL)

I felt really good today. I felt strong in the course and my skis were perfect. But I feel also very tired. Today I wanted to find a good pace, ski easy in the climbs and well in downhills. I do not like such snow conditions we had today. I like when I have a good kick. I knew double poling would be important today and my skis were really fast.

OFFICIAL RESULT STAGE 5

1. Justyna Kowalczyk POL 10:08.1

2. Krista Lahteenmaki FIN +16.5 sec

3. Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen NOR +17.1 sec

Complete results are now up at fis-ski.com.

FIS TOUR DE SKI OVERALL STANDING LADIES

1. Justyna Kowalczyk POL 1:22:01.2

2. Charlotte Kalla SWE +1:03.6

3. Therese Johaug NOR +1:05.9

Overall tour standings here.

FIS TOUR DE SKI SPRINT STANDING LADIES

1. Justyna Kowalczyk POL 1:30

2. Kikkan Randall USA 1:15

3. Charlotte Kalla SWE 1:02

BMW xDrive TROPHY

1. Justyna Kowalczyk POL 175

2. Kikkan Randall USA 114

3. Heidi Weng NOR 70

WEATHER

Partly Cloudy, hard packed snow conditions. Air: 7.5°C. Snow: -0.2°C

FIScrosscountry.com
Friday 4 January 2013