March 06, 2010 (Lahti, FIN) – After an intense two weeks in Whistler, BC, the Veisemann XC World Cup started up again in Lahti, Finland, with the women’s 15km pursuit. Multi-Olympic medalist, Marit Bjoergen (NOR), showed she’s still at her peak, as she beat  current World Cup leader, Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) by 11.1 seconds. Therese Johaug (NOR) was third at 17.8 seconds behind team mate Bjoergen.

The top three had a over 30 seconds on the next group that included 4th place Riitta-Liisa Roponen (FIN), and a three-way tie for fifth between Marthe Kristoffersen (NOR), Evi Sachenbacher Stehle (GER) and Marianna Longa (ITA).

U.S. XC Team skier, Kikkan Randall, had another good pursuit race finishing in 24th adding to her World Cup points, while teammate Morgan Arritola earned two points as well, with her 29th place finish. Elizabeth Stephen was 40th – no Canadians competed. The WCup continues on Sunday with the 4x5km mixed technique relay.

Full results here.

Results (brief)

1. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) 40:10.8
2. Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) +11.1
3. Therese Johaug (NOR) +17.8

24. Kikkan Randall (USA) +2:38.7
29. Morgan Arritola (USA) +3:07.4
40. Elizabeth Stephen (USA) +4:41.7