December 01, 2012 (Kuusamo, Finland) – Kikkan Randall timed her run to perfection in the Women’s 5km FR individual start at round two of the Ruka Triple to best all contenders except Norwegian queen Marit Bjoergen and deliver another podium for the American camp in Kuusamo.

Despite brutal -13 to -15 degree temperatures Randall was on fire as Yulia Tchekaleva (Rus) produced the best final time of  12:27.4 to beat as Norway’s energizer, Therese Johaug, with the best 3.1km split time of 8:08.0, did not have enough in the end to unseat the Russian – but Randall did.

All eyes were on Bjoergen, who smashed Johaug’s split time nailing a 7:52.0, showed her cards early and was unbeatable yet again scoring a resounding victory in 12:02.9 making it three consecutive victories. While Bjoergen’s win was not unexpected, Randall’s sensational performance served yet again as proof of her incredible rise to the top of the heap in distance skiing. She now sits 2nd overall to Bjoergen in mini-tour at 52s.

In fact the US women continue to produce strong showings with Jessie Diggins claiming 12th followed by Liz Stephen in 13th with Holly Brooks in 18th landing four skiers in top 20. Only Norway out-classed the Americans with five in the top 20.

Canada’s Daria Gaiazova in 40th lead the Canucks and sits 23rd overall in the mini-tour, a decent result for the strong skier who is focussing on her sprint prowess this year.

Other North American results include Ida Sargent (USA) 49th – a personal best – Chandra Crawford (CAN) in 64th, Alysson Marshall (CAN) in 81st with Perianne Jones (CAN) not starting today.

Women’s results HERE.
Women’s results w/splits HERE.

Mini-Tour Standings HERE.
Women’s World Cup Standings HERE.