March 02, 2013 (Val di Fiemme, Italy) – Warm temperatures made for tough waxing conditions again in Val di Fiemme as Norway’s Marit Bjoergen countered Justyna Kowalczyk’s (POL) attack on the final climb up Zorzi in the women’s 30km CL (6x5km) while the duo dropped Therese Johaug (NOR).

Then Bjoergen delivered her own knock-out punch accelerating over the final roller passing Kowalczyk to finish with a three second-margin and the gold medal. Johaug, the defending champ having won in Oslo (30km FR), settled for 3rd. It was Bjoergen’s first 30km world title since 2005 in Obertsdorf.

The USA’s Liz Stephens had another strong race in Val di Fiemme finishing 16th, tying her best-ever international result in a 30km (she was 16th in the 30km FR at the Worlds in Oslo). Despite the tough slow conditions Ida Sargent (USA) also had her best result in a 30km finishing 25th, up from 51st in Olso a year ago. Jessie Diggins (USA) had an unfortunate fall on the first lap and pulled out of the race soon after starting the second lap.

Emily Nishikawa (CAN), at her first senior World Championships and competing in her first 30km at this level, proved she has what it takes to compete in a strong field finishing 38th, having been lapped on the last leg.

Full results HERE.
Full results detail HERE.