March 11, 2010 (Drammen, NOR) –  The FIS XC World Cup in Drammen featured the usual faces in the women’s 1.2km Classic Sprint A-final – Bjoergen, Saarinen, Kowalczyk . And for the 34th time Norway’s Marit Bjoergen was the winner. In unusual fashion, however, Poland’s Justyna Kowalczyk made a mistake and fell, and broke her pole, leaving her in 6th place +55seconds out.

Finland’s Aino Kaisa Saarinen and Pirjo Muranen made it through to finish second and third, 7/10ths and 1.3seconds behind Bjoergen. Magdalane Pajala of Sweden and Karianne Bjellaanes of Norway were caught behind and came in 4th and 5th, tied at 6.7seconds behind.

Kowalczyk had won over Bjoergen in her semi final. She has two more World Cup sprints to go this season, and leads Saarinen in the overall sprint competition by 104 points.

Coming off a career best 10th place in the Olympic classic sprint, the Kikkan Randall was the only starter for the U.S, while Daria Gaiazova was the only starter for Canada. Both did not advance placing 34th and 39th in the qualifications.

Women’s Qualification results here.

Full results here.

Results (brief)

1. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) 3:16.2

2. Aino Kaisa Saarinen (FIN) +0.7

3. Pirjo Muranen (FIN) +1.3

4. Magdalena Pajala (SWE) +6.7

5. Karianne Bjellaanes (NOR) +6.7

6. Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) +55.0

34. Kikkan Randall (USA)

39. Daria Gaiazova (CAN)