November 26, 2007 (Beistolen, Norway) – Norwegian men’s and women’s teams swept the World Cup cross-country relays Sunday under partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-20s (-4 C.). No North Americans raced.

A strong anchor leg by Marit Bjoergen, who has looked extremely strong in early season races, lifted Norway from third place to a nine-second win over Germany in the 4×5 km relay.

Five seconds back, Bjoergen took the tag for the final lap from Vibeke Skofterud – who had been second to Bjoergen Saturday in the women’s 10 km classic race. The former World Cup and world champion lit-out after front-running Pirjo Muranen of Finland and Germany’s Claudia Kuenzel-Nystad.

In the end, Bjoergen looked like the Bjoergen of 2003-05 and Norway was triumphant in 55:30.7. Germany was second (55:39.6) and Finland third (55:43.9).

Little over an hour later, Norway-II used the same pattern – start the final lap in third place and drive to victory – with ex-Olympic and sprint world champion Tor Arne Hetland providing the firepower. Norway-II’s time was 1:39.47.1, just four-tenths ahead of Norway I as he beat Tord Asle Gjerdalen in the final dash.

Finishing third among the 20 men’s teams were Russia I, another 11 seconds back.

Technical delegate for the weekend’s races was John Aalberg, the Norwegian native who is an American citizen and is heading construction of the 2010 Olympic nordic site at Callaghan Valley north of Vancouver, near Whistler, B.C.

Women’s 4×5 km relay results here.

Men’s 4×5 km relay results here.

Complete weekend results here.