August 15, 2010 – Norway’s Øystein “The Sausage” Pettersen may be one of the world’s fastest sprinters, but he proved today that he’s also no slouch when it comes to distance racing. He trounced Marcus Hellner (SWE) and Eldar Rønning (NOR) in the final sprint of the 18km Mass Start Free, the last race of the Toppidrettsveka Festival. It was a tight, pack sprint, with the top seven racers separated by less than 10 seconds.

Marit Bjørgen (NOR) also stamped her authority on the ladies 18km race, but not without a fight. She battled Charlotte Kalla (SWE) right to the line, besting her by only 1.8 seconds. The two queens of the Toppidrettsveka Festival had a minute to spare over the rest of the women’s field, which was lead by Ida Ingemarsdotter (SWE) in third.

Women’s results HERE.
Men’s results HERE.

Kristiansund FIS Rolleski World Cup
In other race action this weekend was Sweden’s Hanna Falk, who won the free technique sprint on the final day of the Kristiansund FIS Rolleski World Cup. She beat 2nd place Stroem Guro Solli (NOR) and 3rd place Evgenia Kurochkina (RUS). The men’s field was Bragvin Ragnar Andersen (NOR) in 1st, Allessio Berlanda (ITA) in 2nd and Fatih Yuksel (TUR) in 3rd.

Church Bakken Grand Prix Next Weekend
Even more rollerski action is coming down the pipe next weekend. August 20 will see a plethora of Olympians take the start at the Church Bakken Grand Prix in Hamar, Norway for the prestigious rollerski sprint. The event will feature the likes of Bjørgen, Therese Johaug, Kristin Stormer Steira, Øystein “Sausage” Pettersen, Petter Northug and Northug’s summer rival Marcus Hellner, who will undoubtedly be looking for a chance to even the score with Northug after a resounding defeat in Vegas last month. Stay tuned for more coverage as the racing unfolds.

With files from FIS and Langrenn.com