Emil Joensson (SWE) wins by a tip of the toe in stage 3
Tour de Ski
Mon, Jan 3, 2011 - By FIS
Swedish sprint specialist captured stage 3 win in Oberstdorf edging out by the tip of a toe Devon Kershaw of Canada.
Joensson left no doubts who is currently the best sprinter on the World Cup circuit and was the fastest already in the qualifier earlier today. In the finals he took the victory in the photo finish against Devon Kershaw. Tour leader Dario Cologna finished third and completed the podium.
Dario Cologna defended his Tour de Ski Leader bib and is as well the sprint leader. In the Tour overall ranking Devon Kershaw is second, very close behind Cologna, with 3.7 seconds. Alexander Legkov (RUS), who took the 6th place in today’s sprint is 23.1 seconds behind. Big Tour favourite Petter Northug was egded out in the quarterfinal today and has now already +59,5 seconds disadvantage to Cologna whilst last year’s winner Lukas Bauer has already 1:31,3min gap to Cologna in the overall ranking.
Cologna leads the Tour de Ski Sprint with 1:07 min, Kershaw is second (1:06min) and third Emil Joensson with 1:00min.
In the Tour team ranking Sweden is 16,1 seconds ahead of the Russians whilst Norway is third with 21,1 seconds gap.
Tomorrow the Tour continues with Pursuit Men 10km C + 10km F.
Quotes
Emil Joensson (SWE)
"It was really, really tight in the finish, my tightest finish in my life, I changed the tracks, closed my eyes and went for it all. I was really happy when the announcer said I was the winner. My body was really tired, the last race was really though. Tour de Ski is getting harder, I feel tired. When the race is on, all I focus on is winning the race. I was lucky today. I will see how long I can stay in the front tomorrow, and we will see for how long I will continue. As long as my body feels OK I will continue Tour de Ski.".
Dario Cologna (SUI)
“I am satisfied with the race and the third place. I am still the Tour leader and tomorrow the others will have to chase me. I will see if I will fight for the bonus seconds tomorrow, it depends on my legs but I know that they will be important. I didn’t realize that Petter didn’t made it further after the qualification, I was focused on my race. He will still be able to win the Tour even if he has now over 1 min gap.”
Maps and Profiles
For map of the course, please click here: http://www.fiscrosscountry.com/fis-tour-ski/maps/oberstdorf.html