November 19, 2011 (Sjusjøen, Norway) – Marit Bjoergen (NOR) has fired early warning shots at the opening round of the 2011/12 Viessmann FIS XC World Cup Series season opener in Sjusjøen taking her 48th WCup win with a commanding 27-second margin over her nearest rival, Charlotte Kalla (SWE). Bjoergen’s compatriot, Vibeke Skofterud was third.

USST skiers Kikkan Randall and Liz Stephen both had excellent starts to the season, finishing in 8th and 18th respectively, with Stephen enjoying a short stint on the hot seat. For Randall it’s her best distance result ever showing her training and good form are on track – her previous best was 11th in a skiathlon in Lahti, Finland last year.

This morning’s women’s 10km Freestyle race on man-made snow resembled the Norwegian national championships, with seven of the top ten positions going to competitors from the host country. Norwegian biathlon star, Tora Berger, lived up to the pre-race hype surrounding her participation in the event, posting an early top time that was bested by only three other women in the end.

Bjoergen’s arch rival Justyna Kowalczyk (POL), who struggled to match the pace and never looked comfortable on her skis, eventually crossed the line in 10th place at 1:12 behind.

Also racing for the US were Holly Brooks in 36th, Sadie Bjornsen in 54th, and Ida Sargent finishing in 66th. No Canadians competed.

Final results HERE.

Results (brief)

1. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) 24:22.32. Charlotte Kalla (SWE) 27.1
3. Skofterud (NOR) 29.0
4. Tora Berger (NOR) 43.0

8. Kikkan Randall (USA) 58.1
18. Liz Stephen (USA) 1:30
36. Holly Brooks (USA) 2:03
54. Sadie Bjornsen (USA) 2:39
66. Ida Sargent (USA) 3:33