January 5, 2008 – Marite Bjoergen (Nor) has pulled out of the 2007-2008 Viessmann Tour de Ski citing stomach problems. Her team-mate Vibeke Skofterud is also out due to illness. The runner-up in the inaugural Tour de Ski last season, Bjoergen wore the golden bib of the Tour leader for several stages however fell to 13th place after average results in the last three stages. Skofterud was in 20th place.

There were several other withdrawals before yesterday’s Stage 6. Matthias Fredriksson (Swe) withdrew due to back problems. Manuela Henkel (Ger) did not start due to sickness, and Sona Tolarova (Cze) and Eva Skalnikova (Cze) also pulled out.