November 21, 2009 (Beitostoelen, Norway) – With a crushing display of her renewed cross-country skiing prowess Norwgeian star Marit Bjoergen fired the first salvo of the season winning the first world cup race of the season in Bietostolen, Norway today in the women’s 10km skate race. Bjoergen top time was at 24:48.3, besting the talented Sweden Charlotte Kalla, who finished in 25:18. Yet another Swedish skier took the bronze with Anna Haag at 25.25.5. Norway’s strong team then went 4th to Kristin Stoermer Steira followed by Virbeke Skofterrud. Snow conditions were classified as icy, the air was 1 degree C while the snow was -1 degree C.

Not many week’s ago in an exclusive interview with Norwegian coach, Vidar Lofshus told me that, “things have been looking especially good for Marit, who has gained alot since leaving the Helgerud style, which includes a great deal of intensity training, and has been on more of a lower intensity program–that has been her main focus.”

America’s world championship silver medalist Kikkan Randall – known for her sprinting prowess finished in a fine 21st place, with a time of 26:52.1. American Liz Stephen finished the race in 48th place in 27:29.1, while Morgan Arritola was 71st 28:11.8.

Canadian Chandra Crawford, an Olympic gold medalist from Torino skied in her first world cup in over a year finished 86th in today’s race in her bid to gain a spot on Canada’s Olympic team.

FIS Post-race Women’s 10km Press Conference


Norway was on top again with Ronny Andre Hafsaas scoring the first World Cup taking the men’s 15km in 34.42.1, followed by French star Vincent Vittoz with a time of 34:42.3 – very close. Finland’s Matti Heikkenen was third in 34:49.7, fourth place went to Norwegian superstar Petter Northug, Jr. with a time of 34:53.8. Defending world cup champion, Swiss skier Sario Cologna finished in 20th place with 35:30.3.

The Top American man was Andover, New Hampshire skier Kris Freeman – coming off a tremendous weekend here last week with a pair of 5th place finishes. Freeman skied to a strong 22nd place today in 35:32.1. Lars Flora finished in 91st place.

Canadian skier Ivan Babikov (interview coming soon) finished an impressive 28th, with Devon Kershaw in 37th, while Alex Harvey placed 43rd. Graham Nishikawa was 66th, Brian McKeever was in 80th.

FIS Post-race Men’s 15km Press Conference


Full women’s results here.
Full men’s results here.

More FIS news and video coverage from Beitostoelen here.

Results (brief)

Women

1. Marit Bjoergen (Nor) 24:48.3
2. Charlotte Kalla (Swe) 25:18.0
3. Anna Haag (Swe) 25:25.5

21. Kikkan Randall (USA) 26:52.1
48. Liz Stephen (USA) 27:29.1
71. Morgan Arritola (USA) 28:11.8
86. Chandra Crawford (Can) 30:20.4

Men

1. Ronny Andre Hafsaas (Nor) 34:42.1
2. Vincent Vittoz (Fra) 34:42.3
3. Matti Heikkinen (Fin) 34:48.7

22. Kris Freeman (USA) 35:32.1
28. Ivan Babikov (Can) 35:42.1
37. Devon Kershaw (Can) 35:59.5
43. Alex Harvey (Can) 36:10.8
66. Graham Nishikawa (Can) 36:46.3
80. Brian McKeever (Can) 37:28.7
91. Lars Flora (USA) 38:14.9