December 12, 2010 (Davos, Switzerland) – Marit Bjoergen (NOR) claimed yet another World Cup victory taking the women’s 1.4km freestyle final today while the USA’s Kikkan Randall was obstructed after the final corner leading into the finishing stretch by Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) and had to switch lanes as she geared up for her final sprint to the line.

As Randall came up beside Kowalczyk on the outside lane the Polish star moved right into her forcing Randall to slow down and come around her on the left. The infraction took Randall off her game and she ended up fourth across the line behind Kowalczyk but the FIS Jury relegated the Polish skier to last place in the heat because of her aggressive move giving Randall the third spot on the podium. It was her second podium in as many weeks.

For Bjoergen it was another top performance and more speculation as to whether she can be beaten. “Another victory is just amazing,” said the Norwegian star. “I feel good and my skis were great so everything is very positive – I did my best and won the race. I am not sure who can beat me in the future but there will be one athlete who can do it.”

While she might not have caught Bjoergen, who had a commanding lead, Randall may have caught Arianna Follis (Ita) for second place as she was only .4s behind her.

“I was surprised at Kowalczyk’s move,” said Randall. “She must have known I was beside her on the inside as she was in the middle lane but moved right into me and cut me off forcing me to come around her back towards the middle. I had to check my speed unfortunately – it’s pretty clear that it was an unfair move as her trajectory was the middle lane markers and she had to stay there.”

Randall, who qualified 8th, faced off against Kowalczyk in the quarter and semi finals where the American star clearly beat her Polish rival on both occasions.

“I felt really good and strong today and used a different strategy this time as I’d seen the head wind affecting skiers in other heats so I decided to stay near the front and not try to take the lead right away. This worked well and I was able to keep close to the front and attack near the end to win both of my heats.”

In the women’s final Petra Majdic (SLO) one of the lucky losers took an early lead but was soon run down by Follis with Bjoergen, Kowalczyk and Randall right behind all looking strong as Majdic faded. On the second lap Bjoergen charged into the lead ahead of Follis as the two streaked ahead cruising on the downhill heading into the final uphill section as Kowalczyk and Randall chased behind.

Bjoergen kept the pace high and started to pull away from Follis up the final climb and into the last turn before the final sprint to the finish. Meanwhile Randall was using a similar tactic against Kowalczyk that had worked so well and was setting up to pass her and run down Follis. Perhaps Kowalczyk moved to cut Randall off in frustration to prevent being beaten again. We understand the Polish team is appealing the Jury’s decision.

So could she have caught Bjoergen? “Likely not this time,” said Randall. “But [Arianna] Follis was definitely within reach and I was keen – we’ll never know. Bjoergen made her move early and got clear – I can see that I needed to be more aggressive earlier to challenge her so there’s always next time.”  The next opportunity is for a freestyle sprint match up is in Liberec after the Tour de Ski.

US head coach Chris Grover was pleased with Randall’s podium. “It’s great to have a podium but naturally we’d have preferred a different scenario at the end. It appeared to be a deliberate move by Kowalczyk and we understand her team is appealing the decision. Kikkan was relaxed and confident today and in control each sprint – a good sign for the future. That’s her third skate podium in row [Oslo, Dusseldorf, Davos].”

For Canada’s speed queen Chandra Crawford it was disappointing as she tied with Sweden’s Ida Ingemarsdotter in 30th. But with her lower FIS point total Ingemarsdotter was given the nod to advance. Daria Gaiazova (CAN) in 39th and Liz Stephen (USA) in 54th also did not advance past the qualifications.

“Chandra was really fast on the first lap but may have pushed too hard with the altitude – it’s tough to come that close. Dasha gave it her best but it wasn’t her day,” said Canadian head coach Justin Wadsworth. “On the bright side two of our men qualified – Len Valjas and Phil Widmer – so things kind of evened out.”

Randall will stay and keep training in Davos with Andy Newell and race at the La Clusaz WCup next weekend in France with Stephen, Morgan Arritola and Kris Freeman and then return to Davos for more training before the Tour de Ski.

She was philosophical about the day’s events. “You have to take things in stride in the end. I’m reading Apolo Ohno’s Zero Regrets right now about athletes falling in front you at the Olympics. It comes with the territory.”

Qualifications HERE.
Full results HERE.