Stage victory for Teichmann, Dario Cologna still in red

Tour de Ski

Sun, Jan  4, 2009 - By FIS

Axel Teichmann (GER) won the 6th stage race, a Mass start race in classical style, in Val di Fiemmen (ITA)

He claimed victory in the tough finish sprint in 0,3 seconds ahead of Sami Jauhojaervi (FIN). Third place took Nikolay Chebotko (KAZ), 1,3 seconds behind the winner. The Tour leader, Dario Cologna came as fourth to the finish, just 1,8 seconds behind Teichmann. 

The race was exciting and challenging with the possibility to win at the 5 intermediate sprints and the finish in total 1,30min. During the entire race, several attacks took place but no attack was so successful that the group would be totally split. Axel Teichmann was the most active athlete and earned in total 50 bonus seconds during the race followed by Dario Cologna with 30 seconds.
 
In the overall lead, Dario Cologna increased the lead to 34,1 seconds ahead now of Axel Teichmann on the second position. On third spot is at the moment Eldar Roenning (NOR, 1:05.2 min).

The Tour sprint leader is Tor Arne Hetland with 2:11min. The runner up in this ranking is Dario Cologna with 2:02min and on third place is Petter Northug (1:45min). This standing will be also the end ranking in case of all the athletes are starting and finishing the race tomorrow.

Today, the final stage of the Tour de Ski will take place in Val di Fiemme with the famous Final Climb up to the Alpe Cermis. The race will start for the men's at 15.30 and will be held in free technique.

Quotes:

Dario Cologna (SUI, Tour leader):

"I had a very good day and I tried to take some bonus seconds. It was an important race today. Today was the 6th race of the Tour de Ski and it was hard but the shape is still good for tomorrow. I am not afraid of the up hill, it is good to start first, I can do my own race and stay quiet and do the race in my own speed."

Alex Teichmann (GER, winner of the day):

"It was a great race and I am happy that I took the victory. This kind of mass start races are interesting and tough for everybody of us. Now I will try to relax as much as possible and then I hope to have a great race again tomorrow."

Vegard Ulvang (FIS, Tour father):

"The Tour is getting better and better for every year. Track of the Alpe Cermis is almost the same as last year, but the snow is slower this year because of the cold. When I saw the up hill at the first time I was chocked, it was so steep! It will be exiting tomorrow, the athletes has performed very well so far."

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