Petra Majdic wins classic sprint

World Cup: Otepää

Mon, Jan  24, 2011 - By FIS

Petra Majdic from Slovenia is the winner of the classical sprint in Otepää from today.

The Slovenian top skier Majdic was superior in today’s sprint classic over 1.2km in Otepää. Majdic qualified in the fourth best time, in the final heat she was in the lead almost all 1200 m and secured her third victory this season. Hanna Brodin (SWE) showed her strength in last 200 m and spurted over Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR) who finished third.

Current overall World Cup leader Justyna Kowalczyk of Poland was struggling a bit in the finals and came from behind. In last 200 m she was challenging Falla but failed to overcome her and finished fourth. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) for the second time in a row did not make it to the finals and finished 10th.

For Hanna Brodin, who is the current Junior World Champion in sprint, it was the first podium spot ever in her career in a World Cup competition whilst Maiken Caspersen Falla could celebrate her second podium in her career.

In the Sprint World Cup standing Petra Majdic moved to first place with 354 points. Kikkan Randall (USA) is second with 291 points and Arianna Follis ITA third with 288 points.

In the overall World Cup standing Justyna Kowalczyk is still in the lead with 1401 points ahead of Marit Bjoergen with 922 points and Arianna Follis (ITA) 880 points.

Weather:-8
Snow Conditions: hard packed
Specators: 4500

Quotes

Petra Majdic (SLO)

It was really great victory. This season it is quite difficult for me. I come back after injury. I am happy I have collected three victories. I competed yesterday more like in training. I thought the sprint course here is not so difficult but today I was happy for that. The distance course is very difficult. The audience was incredible and made it special. We stayed in Otepää after Liberec because there was no snow in Slovenia. I will go to Seiser Alm for training camp.

Hanna Brodin (SWE)

The final heat went very well for me. I felt strong in the finish. I did not think I could be on the podium today. I felt quite tired in the morning but during the race it went better and better. I like the course here. It is possible to overtake in the uphills. I will stay here in Otepää for the U23 Championships.

Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR)

Victory last week gave me lot of confidence and I am happy I am in a good shape. My goal was at first to make it to the final. I’m very satisfied with third place. I wanted to be behind Petra and save some energy for last meters We will go for the training camp now with the ladies sprint team.