Therese Johaug (NOR) wins 10k CL in Oberstdorf (GER) © Nordic Focus

January 06, 2016 (Obertsdorf, Germany) – Today’s women’s 10km CL Mass Start race in Obertsdorf, the fifth stage of the FIS Tour de Ski, saw a Norwegian sweep of the top four spots, led by Therese Johaug (NOR). The USA’s Jessie Diggins was the top American in 23rd.

Women's 10k CL Mass start podium Obertsdorf ©

The strongest three emerged at around the 3km mark, with Johaug, Ingvild Oestberg, and Heidi Weng establishing the positions that they would take to the finish. Johaug and Oestberg controlled the pace, exchanging the lead for most of the race. The first attack came from Johaug, but it didn’t stick. It was second time lucky as she attacked again on a small climb with about 500m to the finish where gained a small gap, that she held to the line. Oestberg had to settle for silver, with Weng in third. Fellow countrywoman Ragnhild Haga (NOR) finished fourth.

(l-r) Johaug, Oestberg, Weng © Nordic Focus

Sadie Bjornsen (USA) was the second North American behind Diggins in 26th, followed by Liz Stephen (USA) 33rd, Rosie Brennan (USA) 35th, yesterday’s CL sprint winner Sophie Caldwell (USA) 36th, Caitlin Gregg (USA) 49th, and Ida Sargent (USA) 55th.

Women's podium (l-r) Oestberg 2nd, Johaug 1st, Weng 3rd

After her second place finish, Oestberg continues to lead the overall standings as skiers head into a rest day tomorrow before heading to Toblach, Italy for the final weekend of the 2016 Tour de Ski. Diggins is now 12th overall with Bjornsen 14th, Caldwell 23rd and Stephen 28th leading the team in the top 30.

Results here.
Overall Tour de Ski standings here.