December 17, 2011 (Rogla, Slovenia) – Justya Kowalczyk (POL) would not be denied today for her first victory this season despite a valiant challenge by Norway’s Therese Johaug in the women’s 10km CL as the USA’s Kikkan Randall nailed a career-best 11th place finish on Saturday. Vibeke Skofterud looked like she might upset the apple cart for Johaug as well but settled for third as American Holly Brooks made the top 20 finishing 19th for a personal best.

Johaug attacked early but Kowalczyk remained glued to her as the two exchanged the lead several times as Kowalczyk gained on the descents. Aino-Kaisa Saarinen established herself in third with Skofterud and Charlotte Kalle (SWE) just behind with Randall as high as 5th looking sharp.

In the latter part of the race Kowalczyk attacked and only Johaug could respond as they created a gap on Saarinen who faded, but not as bad as Kalla did, allowing Skofterud to take over third. Randall began to suffer as well on the slow tough course as Kowalczyk pulled away on her own to solo in for her first WCup win this season. Johaug, knowing Skofterud was closing ramped it up at the finish for second with Skofterud in third.

The USA’s Randall was edged at the line by Krista Lahteenmaki (FIN) for 10th but was pleased with her result, her best 10km classic race ever surpassing her 16th in Kuusamo earlier this year.

“It was tough out there today. The snow was soft and some sections were quite windy – the course was deceptively difficult with occasional headwinds on the flat sections,” Randall told SkiTrax in a phone interview. “It was nice to finally see snow arrive but it made for tough conditions.

“I skied well for the first half but couldn’t hang in with some groups and in the end was out-lunged for 10th. It’s my best 10km classic race ever so overall I’m happy with how today went and look forward to the sprint tomorrow. I feel good and ready to perform but anything can happen in a sprint but the course suits me so we’ll just have to see how things play out.”

For Brooks it more affirmation that she belongs in the Elite field. “I’m feeling good right now… I think I’ve scored points six times in period one which has exceeded my expectations,” she told SkiTrax. “Although I’m not ecstatic about today, it was still a personal best which goes to show that my expectations are changing. I feel like I’ve established my baseline and I’m already looking forward to the next level! ”

Following Brooks in 22nd was Liz Stephen, then it was Canada’s Daria Gaiazova in 34th, the USA’s Ida Sargent placed 38th while Chandra Crawford was 50th. Perianne Jones did not start.

Full results HERE.