November 28, 2010 (Kuusamo, Finland) – In an exciting finish to a tough weekend of racing in frigid conditions Norway’s Marit Bjoergen captured the inaugural Nordic Opening Ruka Triple mini-tour title over Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) in second and Sweden’s Charlotte Kalle in third. Kowalczyk was one second faster than Bjoergen in the final 10km free handicap pursuit race won by Therese Johaug (NOR) but Bjoergen had a lock on the title.

“I know I’m in good shape and when I increased the gap on the first lap things were going my way. I know I can go even faster in Holmenkollen,” Björgen told langrenn.com. The Norwegian queen continues in the World Cup leader’s jersey now with 440 points over Kalla in second with 311 points and Kowalczyk in third with 309 points.

The USA’s Kikkan Randall battled her way up from 22nd to finish 19th overall while team mate Liz Stephen also made excellent time with the 39th best pursuit time jumping to 47th overall from her start in 80th. Morgan Arritola, who started in 78th, also made strong gains finishing 54th in the standings. Ida Sargent, who’s had a great start to the World Cup debut beginning last weekend in Gallivare, Sweden, did not finish. She was in good company as Sweden’s Hanna Falk and Germany’s Evi Sachenbacher Stehle also didn’t finish.

“It was a good day – my best of the three here,” said Randall who is from Alaska and quipped that she was “strangely comfortable” in the frigid weather. “I had good energy and the cold weather was not bothering me. On the second lap Johaug went by and I couldn’t keep her pace and then missed jumping on with another group so ended up on my own between two groups. I wanted to push into the top 15 and it’s tantalizingly close. This was good experience and I know it’s not far off.”

She’s on the fence regarding the mini-tour concept. “I had a bad sprint day so that hurt me. It’s a tough challenge this early in the season but it’s also good experience to race hard so I’m still undecided on the mini-tour.” She loved the big group of US skiers on hand in Kuusamo. “It’s great to have a big team here with strong skiing by Newell, Bird, Noah and the others – we’re a big family over here.”

Sargent was also bubbling with enthusiasm despite not finishing the 10km pursuit. “It was too cold for me – my lungs were feeling it and I was struggling. I decided not to risk any damage.” The young Vermont skier is soaking up the experience and ready for more.”I was disappointed with the sprint – I know I can do better – but it was a good 5km and I felt comfortable out there. It’s all great experience and I can’t wait for more.”

Daria Gaiazova, the lone Canadian racing as Chandra Crawford did not start along with 16 other skiers, had a tougher day beginning in 35th to finish 48th overall.

“Today was tough racing! I raced as hard as I could and I am sorry to say that I am not as fit as the others were today,” commented Gaiazova. ” The mini-tour concept obviously favours the best all-around skiers. If for some reason you have one bad race, you can tumble down the rankings pretty fast. I prefer individual events because I can do better in sprints than distance races on the World Cup.”

Women’s 10km Handicap Pursuit results HERE.
Women’s Nordic Opening mini-tour results HERE.
World Cup Standings Overall HERE.