| Aukland, Skari Victorious in Val Di Fiemme< |
Thomas Alsgaard tested the field early as he took the lead for the first 8k in the men's 30k (6X5k) classic mass start in Val di Fiemme. Two of the pre-race favorites, Frode Estil and Oddbjoern Hjelemeset, could not stay with Alsgaard and quickly moved back through the field, as did Alsgaard later.
Russian classic expert Ivanov was the most active skier on the 3rd, 4th and 5th 5km laps, yet only 4.3 seconds separated the top 17 as the skiers started on the last 5k loop.
Ivanov tried to get away in the hills on the last loop but did not succeed. Anders Aukland, the winner of 2 classic events earlier in the season, took the lead with 1k remaining and managed to keep a 10 to 15 meters lead all the way to the finish.
Russia's Denisov was second and Sweden Fredriksson third.
Bente Skari (Norway) and Russians Danilova and Lazutina took the lead on the first 5k lap of 3 in the women's 15k classic mass start in Val di Fiemme. Despite Skari winning all 4 classic events this season, Danilova has been a serious challenger. Lazutina won her first event of the season last weekend.
On the second 5k loop the trio extended their lead to 17 seconds and up to 40 seconds on the third lap. Lazutina did a great job in the last 5km and Davilova lost a few seconds. Skari also struggled to stay with Lazutina.
Danilova came back in the last few hundred meters and it came down to a sprint between the 3, Danilova looked like the winner but Skari managed a fast final few meters to win.
This was Bente Skari's 5th classic win in a row this season and her 25th individual world cup victory. Skari has actually won 8 skate events as well, all sprints.
FULL RESULTS ON THIS LINK:Skari will be the favorite on the women's 10k classic in Salt Lake. Lazutina, second on Tuesday, dominated in Russia during Christmas and looks very strong. She has 5 Olympic gold medals, she won the 30k classic in the 1999 world championship and will be among the favorites in all events.
Complete results from FIS:
Women
Men
Source: www.wintersport.as
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