Norway's Petter Northug wins final Pursuit

World Cup: Falun

Sun, Mar  21, 2010 - By FIS

Norway's Petter Northug took the victory in the World Cup Finals Pursuit over 10 km + 10km in 1:00:03h, just 1.7 seconds ahead of Tobias Angerer from Germany. On third place finished Tour de Ski winner Lukas Bauer from Czech Republic.

Northug started fast but, won the first intermediate sprint but then he lost a bit until the ski exchange. He collected as well 15 bonus seconds at the third intermediate sprint and were then staying in the leading group until the end of the race where he took out his turbo and one the finish sprint.

Petter Northug is also leading now the World Cup Final ranking with a comfortable lead of 40.1 seconds ahead of the home favourite Marcus Hellner. Into the handicap start race tomorrow will go on the third place Mats Larsson, who had birthday today, 45.8 seconds behind Northug.

The sprint World Cup final ranking is already decided. Northug won with 1:26min, followed by runner up Mats Larsson with 1:13min and Marcus Hellner.

Tomorrow the Viessmann FIS World Cup Cross-Country season will conclude with the handicap start of the World Cup Final in Falun.

Quotes:

Petter Northug (NOR), winner of the day, World Cup Final and Final Sprint leader
I'm satisfied with my performance today especially I felt partly a bit tired. I had not the best classical part. But when we went the last time up on the Mördarbakken in the free technique I felt good and knew where I want to be. The crowd here was amazing, especially on the Mördarbakken. I have now 40 seconds advantage to the Marcus what looks comfortable but I know it will be not easy tomorrow, he is a strong skater and as well has his home crowed behind.

Contributed by Sandra Spitz