Oestberg wins her 6th Junior World Champion title

Junior World Ski Championships

Sat, Jan  30, 2010 - By FIS

The likable Ingvild Oestberg dominated the race and won in a time of 30:51min. Oestberg, who was already second in sprint and the individual start at the Notschrei, finished clearly, 46,6 seconds ahead of her team mate Heidi Weng. The success of the Norwegians made Tuva Toftdahl in a tight finish sprint complete on the third rank, 58,1 seconds behind the winner.

Oestberg was already in the lead after 5 km and changed first the ski's ahead of her team mate Heidi Weng. On third position was at that time the Swedish top athlete Lisa Larsson. In the free technique part, Oestberg, who was a bit disappointed after her race on Wednesday, increased the pace and showed clearly her strenght. Heidi Weng secured her second place while Tuva Toftdahl, who was six after 5km, made an amazing finish and took the third spot 0,1 second ahead of the Japanese Michiko Kashiwabara.

Results are available here.

Ingvild Flugstad Ostberg (NOR)

It was a perfect race for me today. I must admit I was a bit worried in the morning when I saw so much snow falling. I prefere more compact and firm conditions. I wanted to be in front of the field and control the race. But after classic part nobody was skiing with me. So I skied as fast as possible. I am very happy today. I have won ninth medal at Junior Worlds. I did not think about this before the race so much but it gave me extra motivation.

Heidi Weng (NOR)

It is great to win silver at Junior World Champs. I was very tired after the race. It was tough and difficult with a lot of snow coming in. 10 km race is my favorite but Ingvild was very strong today and I could not hold with her.

Tuva Toftdahl (NOR)

I am so happy for the bronze medal. I was 6th after classic part. I felt very strong when changing over to skating. I was not tired as the others. Lisa Larsen was losing and I pass over her. In the finish I had a very tight sprint fight with Michiko Kashiwabara (JPN). I was faster by only 0.1 sec. Gaining all podium places today gives us extra motivation and strength into the relay competition.