February 19, 2009 (Liberec, Czech Republic) – Finland’s Aino-Kaisa Saarinen has claimed the first gold medal at the 2009 FIS Nordic World Championships in Liberec in the Women’s 10km Classic with Italy’s Marianna Longa five seconds back in 2nd and Justyna Kowalczyk (Pol) at 12 seconds in 3rd. Canada’s Sara Renner made the top 10 placing 9th.

“I really felt like I could have been in the fight for the medals today,” said Renner, who finished fifth last week in the same discipline on the World Cup. “I have set my standards pretty high, but after last week, I know I can be there.”

“I know I really should be easier on myself, but I also know that I can be a medal contender,” said Renner, who lost her glasses while crashing on one of the uphill’s two-kilometres into the race. “I have to be happy with a top-10 for sure, but I just wanted a bit more.”

Kikkan Randall lead the US team with first ever top 30 result in a distance event at a World Championships finishing in 26th. “I am happy with the result today. It was a good day today but I know I can go faster,” stated Randall. “I went out hard and tired towards the end of the race but I felt good early so I pushed the pace.”

This race wasn’t a key race for any of our women and they did really well – as well as we hoped they would do,” U.S. Cross Country Head Coach Pete Vordenberg said. “It was a really good start, especially for Kikkan. It’s a great sign for her fitness for the races that are coming up, which are her key races.”

For Vordenberg, the event in the Czech Republic was organized well.

“This year has been perfect. The trails are in great shape. The snow is good – it’s snowing a lot even right now. The organization has been well done, the housing is nice and the food is good. We’re in a great spot,” Vordenberg said. “The confidence is really high. Everyone is in a good mood and really looking forward to the races coming up,” Vordenberg said. “It’s been fun so far and I think it bodes well for what’s coming up and what we’ve prepared for as a Team.”

Full results here.

Results (brief)

1. Aino-Kaisa Saarinen (Fin) 28:12.8
2. Marianna Longa (Ital) 28:17.0
3. Justyna Kowalczyk (Pol) 28:24.3
4. Virpi Kuitunen (Fin) 28:29.9
5. Valentina Shevchenko (Ukr) 28:41.8

9. Sara Renner (Can) 29:29.0
26. Kikkan Randall (USA) 30:25.5
40. Morgan Arritola (USA) 31:17.2
46. Shayla Swanson (Can) 31:36.0
48. Perianne Jones (Can) 31:43.0
51. Morgan Smyth (USA) 31:54.1
57. Laura Valaas (USA) 32:23.4