February 18, 2003 – Val di Fiemme, Italy – The unstoppable Norwegian Bente Skari continued her season-long winning streak this morning as she dominated in the Women's 15 km classic mass start cross-country ski event at the opening day of this year's World Nordic Ski Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy.

Thirty-year old Skari, who has 9 world cup wins this season, and Estonian Kristina Smigun, who has settled for silver continuously, came in relatively close together in comparison to previous races. However, once again the seemingly invincible Norwegian, in her time of 39:40.9, pulled ahead of Smigun and crossed the line 13 seconds ahead. The bronze went to Russia's Olga Savialova, who in Saturday's 5 km classic World Cup also had to settle for bronze when Canadian Beckie Scott stole the silver by .2 of a second. Savialova's final time was 40:36.7.

The only Canadian competitor today was Tasha Betcherman, of Thunder Bay, Ontario. She crossed the line 41st in a time of 45:48.9. The top North American was American Wendy Wagner in 32nd spot in 43:03.8. There were 46 competitors this morning.

The World Championship Nordic Ski Schedule continues tomorrow with the men's 30 km classic mass start event.

CCC is the national sport governing body for cross-country skiing in Canada, servicing over 45,000 members in 375 clubs. The corporate vision: “It takes a ski community to raise Olympic medallists”, embraces the Association's focus from entry level club development to the enhancement of the National Ski Team program.

Results:
1) Bente Skari NOR 39:40.9
2) Kristina Smigun EST 39:53.7
3) Olga Savialova RUS 40:36.7
4) Hilde Pedersen NOR 41:02.7
5) Jenny Olsson SWE 41:12.1
6) Riikka Sirvioe FIN 41:16.3
7) Annmari Viljanmaa FIN 41:24.7
8) Petra Majdic SLO 41:27.4
9) Manuela Henkel GER 41:28.9
10) Elin Ek SWE 41:37.7

Canadians:
41) Tasha Betcherman CAN 45:48.9

For complete race results: www.fis-ski.com

For more information, please contact: Amanda Fortier (514) 971-3145 or (514) 528-6419, cccmedia@telusplanet.net or go to our web page at http://canada.x-c.com.