Norway shines in Lahti relay

World Cup: Lahti

Mon, Mar  8, 2010 - By FIS

The Norway team of Marthe Kristoffersen, Therese Johaug, Kristin Steira and Marit Bjoergen had a great performance and finished in a time of 52:48.9min, just 0,7 seconds ahead of Germany (Nicole Fessel, Kathrin Zeller, Miriam Gössner and Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle). The third and last spot on the podium took Italy (Marianna Longa, Antonella Confortola-Wyatt, Sabina Valbusa and Arianna Folli), 1 second behind the winner.

It was a exciting competition where not only Marit Bjoergen showed a strong performance. Also her team mate Marthe Kristoffersen, one of the youngsters in the team, made an excellent race on the first leg.

Irina Khazova, skiing on the second leg for the Russians made the first dangerous big gap to the bunch but the Russian's were chased back in the third round. Sabina Valbusa also tried an attack and handle over first to the fourth leg but Arianna Follis couldn't hold the advantage. The final decision were done in the finish sprint between the three teams, Norway 1, Germany and Italy, where Marit Bjoergen showed her strength.
Marthe Kristoffersen (NOR)

I was really satisfied with my own performance. I could follow all the favourites on this leg and changed as second shortly behind Italy. After some not so perfect races in this season, this result is really good for my confidence. I was a bit nervous in the finish while waiting but it was also exciting to watch the race of the others.
 
Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle (GER)

I felt not so perfect during the race but I knew I was racing for Germany and my team mates. I give all and at the end I was able to finish second. That is great! It was an interesting experience to go as the last racers into the race.

Sabina Valbusa (ITA)
I am very satisfied with my performance. I felt strong and tried to open a gap as big as possible to the other for Arianna. We are happy with the third place.