March 20, 2011 (Falun, Sweden) – Sunny skies and a large crowd greeted Norwegian star, Marit Bjoergen, and the rest of the women’s world class field for the final day of the 2010/11 Veissemann FIS World Cup campaign. Not surprising the day unfolded with the spot light on Bjoergen, who was showered once again with more applause and accolades as she won the final WCup mini-tour in Falun.

Bjoergen also landed her 47th World Cup win on the previous day as she won the first two stages in Falun. On her way to the mini-tour victory she eclipsed Russian Elena Vaelbe’s record of 45 overall wins and looks like she’s overtaken the legendary Bjorn Dählie’s record of 46 wins (to be confirmed with FIS).

While Bjoergen enjoyed the limelight her victory didn’t tell the whole story as Poland’s Justyana Kowalczyk, who came second in the mini tour, also won the FIS World Cup overall and distance titles – making it three years in a row that she’s claimed both titles.

Bjoergen was second to Kowalczyk in both while Norway’s Therese Johaug was third behind her teammate in both series as well.  Not surprising Johaug was third in the final WCup mini tour as well.

The overall Sprint title went to the ever-popular Slovenian star Petra Majdic who announced her retirement some time ago and was mobbed by well wishers at the finish. Kowalczyk wore a head band that read “Goodbye Petra” while her teammate Vesna Fabjan scrawled “I Love you Petra” on the back of her uniform as she raced today.

Second on the overall sprint podium was Arianna Follis (ITA) who also announced she’s retiring. The talented Italian won the final 10km Handicap in Falun with the fastest time in 27:30.1 ahead of Norway’s Astrid Uhrenholdt in second and Therese Johaug in third. Bjoergen was fourth on the day.

American star Kikkan Randall was also celebrating as she had the 14th fastest time on the day to end up 16th overall in the mini tour. But the bigger news for Randall was landing third on the overall Sprint podium and 10th in the overall WCup standings.

“I had a super solid race Sunday, and I’m very excited…the crowds were great…the course was great and much better than Saturday – and both a 10th place on the overall world cup and a third place in the sprint cup are huge for me,” Randall told SkiTrax following the event, “This was a big day and a big season.”

Randall’s teammate Holly Brooks had a solid day finishing 25th in the Handicap race to place 33rd overall in the mini tour while Canada’s Perianne Jones was 39th on the day to finish 41st overall.

It was a day for multiple celebrations as the action was watched by some 12,000 spectators according to FIS. A large party awaited Bjoergen following the race, but she graciously shared the spotlight honouring other ski friends, who ended their ski careers here in Sweden, particularly Majdic and Follis.

“They have been with me since I started and it gets a little weird when they’re gone,” Bjoergen, who turns 31 on Monday, told reporters.

Kowalczyk, who hasn’t been back to Poland since the WCup races in Drammen, Norway will return home for the Polish National Championships and then take part in a marathon race in Russia.

“Today was a positive day for us,” US XC Head Coach Chris Grover told SkiTrax. “Kikkan had the 14th fastest 10km time and Holly had the 25th fastest. Kris [Freeman] had the 24th fastest 15km time to stay in 24th. I believe Lars [Flora] had the 30th fastest time, but I have not seen men’s results.  A good way to finish the World Cup Tour with everyone moving fast.  We had a great time celebrating with Kikkan in the overall sprint winner’s ceremony.

“Andy [Newell] was 4th in the sprint tour last season so it was cool for us to have that recognition for the second year in a row.  It was also gratifying to have Kris back in the distance red group at the end of the season.  I know all three athletes are already looking forward to next season’s competitions.  But tonight, we’ll be celebrating the end of the season.”

Handicap results HERE.
Mini Tour results HERE.
Overall Sprint Standings HERE.
Overall Distance Standings HERE.
Overall WCup Standings HERE.