January 03, 2012 (Toblach, Italy) – Following yesterday’s first rest day at the Tour, Marit Bjoergen (NOR) and Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) were the class of the women’s field again at the 5th stage of the Tour de Ski, a 3.3km individual start classic race held in Toblach, Italy. Bjoergen, the second last starter, established the new best time by a whopping 15 seconds when she crossed the line, with only Kowalczyk left on course.

The Polish star was the only competitor to challenge Bjoergen through the time checks but Kowalczyk faded slightly to finish in 2nd place at 3.9 seconds behind her Norwegian rival. Bjoergen’s teammate, Astrid Jacobsen finished in 3rd, another 10 seconds behind Kowalczyk.

The USA’s Kikkan Randall had tough day finishing a disappointing 29th at 43 seconds back of Bjoergen. Randall’s teammates Holly Brooks and Liz Stephen  finished 53rd and 56th respectively.

Kowalczyk retains her overall lead in the women’s Tour with a 17.7-second gap over Bjoergen as the Norwegian clawed back more time. Further back at +1:33.9 is Norway’s Therese Johaug. Her run today cost the USA’s Randall some ground but she is still sitting a strong 7th overall, less than 10 seconds out of 4th place where she was at the rest day, with her strongest suit, the skate sprints up tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s 6th stage features a 1.3km freestyle sprint, also in Toblach.

Women’s 3.3km CL results HERE.
Women’s TdS Overall HERE.