December 16, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – The final 15km women’s Skiathlon (7.5kmCL+7.5kmFR) did not disappoint as fans were treated to some dynamic skiing as Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) dispensed with all challengers to solo in for the win as she did in the 10km CL two days earlier. The battle for the remaining podium spots raged behind as Norway’s Vibeke W Skofterud was poised for the silver until Finland’s rising star, Anne Kylloenen, nipped her at the line delivered another podium for the Finns as Skofterud settled for the bronze.

Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) wins gold © Pam Doyle

Having joined the second chase group with 3km to go on the final skate lap the USA’s Kikkan Randall was on track to deliver a best-ever distance result – once again – in the grueling 15km race. In the finishing straight the talented skier from Alaska bested the six women in her group for a strong 8th place result.

“Tough race today but it had a good ending. I really struggled in the first 5km of the classic. The bnody was tired and tense and I couldn’t kick into that gear to stay with the leaders,” Randall told SkiTrax. “I felt a little better at the end of the 2nd classic lap and then found my rhythm in the skate.  Super fun to catch a bunch of people through the skate race and had another good challenge down the final finish stretch.”

Kikkan Randall (USA) takes 8th - her best ever 15km Skiathlon result. © Pam Doyle

So is she a bit tired after so much racing from Sweden, to Finland, to Quebec City, to Canmore ? “The body is definitely getting tired from a lot of racing. But just in time for a nice Christmas break!!  Skis were great today, I think my skate skis were especially fast! Conditions were also about as good as they can be,” she confided.

Not far behind Randall was Vermont’s Ida Sargent putting in her best distance result and smiling from ear to ear with her strong and solid performance.

“This was a distance PB for me so I’m really excited.  I had awesome skis both classic and skate so a huge thanks to the coaches and techs.  I had a high start number again so I tried to stay relaxed at the start.  In the 10km on thursday I tried to move up too quickly and wasted a lot of energy,” Sargent shared.

Ida Sargent (USA) © Robert Whitney

“Today I was really patient on the first lap and moved up slowly though out the race.  I felt really good out there and had a lot of fun skiing with different people including behind Kikkan for awhile.

“Then it was awesome to see Noah, Bird and Tad ski so well out there!  It has been very inspiring to be apart of the US team this season and we’re all pushing and supporting each other towards better results.  It’s exciting!”

Holly Brooks (USA) © Robert Whitney

Rounding out the points for the USA was Holly Brooks in 28th. Not far behind her was Emily Nishikawa, the top Canuck in 34th, who also nailed a PB day at home making it that much sweeter. “I’m super happy with my race today,” said Nishikawa in a CBC interview. “I’m stronger in skating and felt good out there. I pushed harder today – it was great to be racing in Canada.”

Emily Nishikawa (CAN) © Pam Doyle

Daria Gaiazova, the top Canadian at the transition in 29th, ended up 37th while sprint queen and local favourite, Chandra Crawford, showed her distance mettle placing 46th.

Now all skiers make preparations for the upcoming holidays while continuing their training for the next big challenge on the calendar, the Tour de Ski from Dec. 29 to Jan. 6.

Final podium (l-r) Kylloenen 2nd, Kowalczyk 1st, Skofterud 3rd © Pam Doyle

“I’m heading to Collingwood (ON) now for some family time and a pre-christmas week. Then on to Oberhof, Germany on Sunday,” said Randall. “So cool to be racing in Canada these last two weeks!  Amazing energy from the crowds and skiing well in both weekends really meant a lot. I think we’ve just fueled our momentum!!

“Really awesome to see Ida ski so strong today and Noah [Hoffman] and Kris [Freeman] right in the mix in the men’s race.  The power of belief is strong,” she concluded. Randall continues in the red Sprint Cup jersey while Kowalczyk takes over the overall World Cup leader’s bib.

Full results HERE.