March 23, 2012 – Despite missing prize money from the Nordic World Championships, cross-country athletes earned a large amount of money this season. Marit Bjoergen won a total of 388,125 CHF – 11,250 CHF less than Justyna Kowalczyk last season and 77,875 CHF more than she did in 2010/11. Kowalczyk collected the Tour de Ski win and 11 podium places to net a total of 305,595 CHF.

On the men’s side, Dario Cologna is leading the prize money ranking. The Tour de Ski winner earned 339,555 CHF while the runner-up, Petter Northug (NOR), won 156,375 CHF.

In comparison to athletes from the other FIS disciplines, cross-country athletes are not far behind. Only Lindsey Vonn (USA, Alpine) and Marcel Hirscher (AUT, Alpine) earned more than the top cross-country skiers. Vonn collected 552,994 CHF while Hirscher won 460,688 CHF. Gregor Schlierenzauer, who is leading the ranking for Ski Jumping, took in 165,700 CHF during his successful season. In Ski Jumping, the distribution of prize money includes more athletes than in the other disciplines.

Overview of FIS prize money ranking
1. Lindsey Vonn (USA) 552,994 CHF
2. Marcel Hirscher (AUT) 460,688
3. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) 388,165
4. Dario Cologna (SUI) 339,555
5. Ivica Kostelic (CRO) 324,357

Overview of the Cross-Country prize money ranking
1. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) 388,165 CHF
2. Dario Cologna (SUI) 339,555
3. Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) 305,595
4.Therese Johaug (NOR) 175,740
5. Petter Northug (NOR) 156,375