Race Preview & XC-Predictions: Olympic 30/50 km

Posted by Jan Kocbach, 21 Feb 2014@21:28

The last cross country skiing race in this Olympics is also the longest: The 30/50 km free technique mass start race. There are not many long distance races on the World Cup circuit – this is the first this season – and thus we might get some surprises here – especially in the men’s class.

Below you find historical results from long distance mass start races in free technique.

Women

Main favourites are Marit Bjørgen, Charlotte Kalla and Therese Johaug – with Justyna Kowalczyk as an outsider. Also look out for Heidi Weng, Aino-Kaisa Saarinen, Elizabeth Stephen and Yulia Tchekalova.

Men

Main favourite is double gold medal winner Dario Cologna along with Alexander Legkov, Marcus Hellner (if he is well again after sickness), Martin Johnsrud Sundby, Johan Olsson, Petter Northug and Maurice Manificat. Outsiders are Chris Jespersen and Maxim Vylegzhanin.

Historical results: Women Free technique, Mass start
Name Oslo
2013-03-17
Mass Free 30 km
Oslo
2011-03-05
Mass Free 30 km
Oslo
2010-03-13
Mass Free 30 km
Liberec
2009-02-28
Mass Free 30 km
Pragelato Plan
2006-02-24
Mass Free 30 km
JOHAUG Therese + 0:00.0
1:21:17.7 (1st)
+ 0:00.0
1:23:45.1 (1st)
+ 0:08.0
1:24:18.8 (3rd)
+ 0:09.9
1:16:20.5 (4th)
KOWALCZYK Justyna + 0:46.6
1:22:04.3 (2nd)
+ 1:34.0
1:25:19.1 (3rd)
+ 0:00.0
1:16:10.6 (1st)
+ 0:02.1
1:22:27.5 (3rd)
STEIRA STOERMER Kristin + 1:17.0
1:22:34.7 (7th)
+ 2:20.8
1:26:05.9 (5th)
+ 0:01.2
1:24:12.0 (2nd)
+ 0:11.3
1:16:21.9 (5th)
+ 0:15.4
1:22:40.8 (4th)
BJOERGEN Marit + 0:44.0
1:24:29.1 (2nd)
+ 0:00.0
1:24:10.8 (1st)
KALLA Charlotte + 1:13.1
1:22:30.8 (6th)
+ 2:05.5
1:25:50.6 (4th)
+ 0:49.4
1:25:00.2 (4th)
+ 2:46.4
1:18:57.0 (18th)
SHEVCHENKO Valentina + 3:23.8
1:24:41.5 (22nd)
+ 4:58.7
1:28:43.8 (14th)
+ 0:09.3
1:16:19.9 (3rd)
+ 0:42.5
1:23:07.9 (7th)
LASSILA Riitta Liisa + 2:22.5
1:23:40.2 (16th)
+ 6:07.5
1:29:52.6 (15th)
+ 1:27.2
1:25:38.0 (6th)
+ 0:12.2
1:16:22.8 (6th)
+ 4:30.0
1:26:55.4 (23rd)
NEUMANNOVA Katerina + 0:00.0
1:22:25.4 (1st)
TCHEPALOVA Julija + 2:54.1
1:19:04.7 (20th)
+ 0:01.4
1:22:26.8 (2nd)
MEDVEDEVA Evgenia + 0:08.8
1:16:19.4 (2nd)
+ 4:02.7
1:26:28.1 (21st)
SACHENBACHER STEHLE Evi + 4:32.8
1:28:17.9 (13th)
+ 1:26.5
1:25:37.3 (5th)
+ 2:50.4
1:25:15.8 (13th)
PHILIPPOT Karine + 1:34.6
1:25:45.4 (8th)
+ 1:39.1
1:17:49.7 (11th)
+ 1:40.7
1:24:06.1 (11th)
FOLLIS Arianna + 3:00.8
1:27:11.6 (13th)
+ 0:31.1
1:16:41.7 (8th)
+ 2:20.7
1:24:46.1 (12th)
LONGA Marianna + 3:09.8
1:26:54.9 (8th)
+ 4:36.0
1:28:46.8 (21st)
+ 0:46.9
1:16:57.5 (9th)
SAARINEN Aino Kaisa + 3:53.1
1:25:10.8 (28th)
+ 7:54.3
1:31:39.4 (23rd)
+ 4:43.4
1:28:54.2 (22nd)
+ 0:16.5
1:16:27.1 (7th)
+ 3:16.4
1:25:41.8 (17th)
SKOFTERUD Vibeke W + 2:36.4
1:26:21.5 (6th)
+ 1:40.3
1:25:51.1 (9th)
HAAG Anna + 3:11.4
1:26:56.5 (10th)
+ 1:31.0
1:25:41.8 (7th)
+ 3:42.0
1:19:52.6 (25th)
TCHEKALEVA Yulia + 0:51.9
1:22:09.6 (3rd)
+ 8:02.7
1:31:47.8 (26th)
SAVIALOVA Olga + 3:09.0
1:27:19.8 (15th)
+ 1:58.4
1:18:09.0 (13th)
+ 1:03.1
1:23:28.5 (9th)
CONFORTOLA Antonella + 3:10.2
1:26:55.3 (9th)
+ 3:06.5
1:27:17.3 (14th)
+ 2:27.5
1:18:38.1 (15th)
FESSEL Nicole + 1:31.5
1:22:49.2 (10th)
+ 3:03.9
1:26:49.0 (7th)
+ 11:40.8
1:34:06.2 (48th)
VALBUSA Sabina + 2:47.8
1:26:58.6 (12th)
+ 2:51.0
1:19:01.6 (19th)
+ 1:12.2
1:23:37.6 (10th)
WENG Heidi + 0:53.6
1:22:11.3 (4th)
+ 4:54.7
1:29:05.5 (23rd)
STEPHEN Elizabeth + 1:23.9
1:22:41.6 (9th)
+ 6:22.2
1:30:07.3 (16th)
+ 11:23.1
1:35:33.9 (52nd)
+ 2:42.8
1:18:53.4 (17th)
KUENZEL Claudia + 3:19.1
1:19:29.7 (22nd)
+ 0:36.7
1:23:02.1 (6th)
ISHIDA Masako + 0:53.8
1:22:11.5 (5th)
+ 9:51.1
1:34:01.9 (48th)
PARUZZI Gabriella + 0:35.4
1:23:00.8 (5th)
NOVIKOVA Valentina + 6:33.8
1:30:18.9 (17th)
+ 2:15.8
1:26:26.6 (10th)
JACOBSEN Astrid Uhrenholdt + 1:18.9
1:22:36.6 (8th)
+ 5:01.6
1:29:12.4 (24th)
SMIGUN Kristina + 5:19.8
1:29:30.6 (29th)
+ 0:57.1
1:23:22.5 (8th)
MURANEN Pirjo + 1:13.5
1:17:24.1 (10th)
Historical results: Men Free technique, Mass start
Name Oslo
2013-03-16
Mass Free 50 km
Oslo
2011-03-06
Mass Free 50 km
Oslo
2010-03-13
Mass Free 50 km
Liberec
2009-03-01
Mass Free 50 km
Pragelato Plan
2006-02-26
Mass Free 50 km
NORTHUG Petter jr. + 0:42.0
2:08:14.9 (6th)
+ 0:00.0
2:08:09.0 (1st)
+ 0:00.0
2:09:18.5 (1st)
+ 0:00.0
1:59:38.1 (1st)
DI CENTA Giorgio + 1:38.2
2:09:11.1 (12th)
+ 0:24.9
2:08:33.9 (9th)
+ 2:25.9
2:11:44.4 (12th)
+ 0:04.0
1:59:42.1 (4th)
+ 0:00.0
2:06:11.8 (1st)
VYLEGZHANIN Maxim + 0:42.8
2:08:15.7 (7th)
+ 0:01.7
2:08:10.7 (2nd)
+ 4:56.0
2:14:14.5 (18th)
+ 0:00.7
1:59:38.8 (2nd)
PILLER COTTRER Pietro + 1:22.5
2:09:31.5 (19th)
+ 0:02.9
2:09:21.4 (2nd)
+ 0:09.9
1:59:48.0 (11th)
+ 0:02.2
2:06:14.0 (5th)
SOEDERGREN Anders + 1:21.4
2:08:54.3 (11th)
+ 0:32.5
2:08:41.5 (14th)
+ 0:57.4
2:10:15.9 (4th)
+ 0:02.3
2:06:14.1 (6th)
VITTOZ Vincent + 2:31.9
2:10:40.9 (22nd)
+ 0:32.7
2:09:51.2 (3rd)
+ 0:09.1
1:59:47.2 (9th)
+ 0:04.6
2:06:16.4 (9th)
LEGKOV Alexander + 0:00.0
2:07:32.9 (1st)
+ 0:18.5
1:59:56.6 (18th)
+ 0:27.9
2:06:39.7 (20th)
ANGERER Tobias + 8:09.7
2:15:42.6 (40th)
+ 0:08.2
2:08:17.2 (6th)
+ 2:50.7
2:12:09.2 (15th)
+ 0:02.0
1:59:40.1 (3rd)
+ 0:48.5
2:07:00.3 (24th)
GJERDALEN Tord Asle + 0:49.1
2:08:22.0 (9th)
+ 0:06.3
2:08:15.3 (3rd)
+ 0:24.6
2:00:02.7 (20th)
+ 0:14.4
2:06:26.2 (15th)
ELIASSEN Petter + 0:02.5
2:07:35.4 (4th)
+ 0:27.9
2:08:36.9 (11th)
+ 1:49.6
2:11:08.1 (10th)
DOLIDOVICH Sergei + 0:26.9
2:08:35.9 (10th)
+ 0:05.6
1:59:43.7 (5th)
+ 0:10.6
2:06:22.4 (12th)
DEMENTIEV Eugeni + 0:25.8
2:00:03.9 (22nd)
+ 0:00.8
2:06:12.6 (2nd)
JOHNSRUD SUNDBY Martin + 0:01.2
2:07:34.1 (2nd)
+ 3:03.0
2:11:12.0 (24th)
CLARA Roland + 0:02.8
2:07:35.7 (5th)
+ 3:51.8
2:12:00.8 (28th)
+ 1:15.4
2:10:33.9 (7th)
CHERNOUSOV Ilia + 0:01.9
2:07:34.8 (3rd)
+ 0:31.5
2:08:40.5 (12th)
KOUKAL Martin + 2:36.7
2:10:45.7 (23rd)
+ 0:08.1
1:59:46.2 (7th)
+ 0:03.1
2:06:14.9 (7th)
ROETHE Sjur + 1:21.0
2:08:53.9 (10th)
+ 0:08.0
2:08:17.0 (4th)
+ 7:33.8
2:16:52.3 (29th)
JONNIER Emmanuel + 0:12.6
1:59:50.7 (13th)
+ 0:01.7
2:06:13.5 (4th)
BAJCICAK Martin + 4:36.7
2:12:09.6 (25th)
+ 3:16.1
2:11:25.1 (25th)
+ 1:28.7
2:10:47.2 (9th)
+ 0:24.7
2:00:02.8 (21st)
+ 0:13.1
2:06:24.9 (14th)
RICKARDSSON Daniel + 0:42.9
2:08:15.8 (8th)
+ 0:08.5
2:08:17.5 (7th)
+ 2:57.9
2:02:36.0 (30th)
OLSSON Johan + 0:38.4
2:08:47.4 (16th)
+ 1:06.0
2:10:24.5 (5th)
+ 0:49.1
2:07:00.9 (25th)
GLAVATSKIKH Konstantin + 1:38.5
2:09:11.4 (13th)
+ 4:37.0
2:12:46.0 (29th)
+ 1:12.0
2:10:30.5 (6th)
BOTVINOV Mikhail + 0:00.9
2:06:12.7 (3rd)
MAGAL Jiri + 3:49.2
2:11:22.1 (23rd)
+ 8:59.9
2:17:08.9 (43rd)
+ 10:02.2
2:19:20.7 (35th)
+ 0:17.5
1:59:55.6 (17th)
+ 0:03.3
2:06:15.1 (8th)
HELLNER Marcus + 0:38.4
2:08:47.4 (15th)
+ 1:28.7
2:10:47.2 (8th)
+ 2:04.7
2:01:42.8 (27th)
LALLUKKA Juha + 0:10.4
2:08:19.4 (8th)
+ 0:13.8
1:59:51.9 (15th)
HARVEY Alex + 0:08.2
2:08:17.2 (5th)
SOMMERFELDT Rene + 0:07.5
1:59:45.6 (6th)
+ 1:51.2
2:08:03.0 (36th)
KATTILAKOSKI Teemu + 6:47.6
2:14:56.6 (35th)
+ 0:08.4
1:59:46.5 (8th)
+ 3:14.4
2:09:26.2 (43rd)
FREDRIKSSON Mathias + 2:49.2
2:02:27.3 (29th)
+ 0:05.3
2:06:17.1 (10th)
REHEMAA Aivar + 7:45.3
2:15:18.2 (37th)
+ 5:19.4
2:13:28.4 (32nd)
+ 9:12.7
2:18:31.2 (33rd)
+ 0:09.2
1:59:47.3 (10th)
+ 1:49.0
2:08:00.8 (35th)

Race Preview & XC-Predictions: Olympic Classic Interval start races

Posted by Jan Kocbach, 12 Feb 2014@19:14

There is only one race in this year’s Olympics with interval start – the 10/15 km classic. This is the highlight of the Olympics for fans of the good old Cross Country skiing tradition – where it is up to the athletes to fight against the clock.

Men

Actually the three last winners in classic interval start races in the World Cup are said to not be on the start list

The start list for the men’s race is not yet public (so some of the skiers mentioned below might not actually be on the start), but it is already known that a few of the big pre-Olympics favourites will not be on the start list. Actually the three last winners in classic interval start races in the World Cup are said to not be on the start list: Alexander Legkov (winner in the 15 km classic World Cup race in Toblach less than two weeks ago), Petter Northug (winner of the 10 km classic World Cup race in Val di Fiemme in early January) and Pål Golberg (winner of the 15 km classic World Cup race in Lillehammer in December). In addition 4th placed Vylegzhanin from the 30 km Skiathlon is also said to not be starting.

With these top skiers not on the start, the following are the main favourites,

  • Dario Cologna won the Skiathlon – and skied very well until he fell twice(!) on the sprint. 2nd in Toblach on the same discipline less than 2 weeks ago.
  • Alexey Poltaranin is a real classic expert who has shown good shape several times this season – although he looked even stronger last year. Still – don’t forget his victory in the 15 km classic mass start during Tour de Ski in Lenzerheide and the 2nd place on the 15km classic interval start in Lillehammer in December.
  • Martin Johnsrud Sundby – previously a specialist in classic interval start races – now even better in free technique. His last (and only) victory in a classic interval start race in the World Cup is back in 2008 in Kuusamo – he is still among the big favourites.
  • Bauer proved in November with his victory on the 10 km classic in Kuusamo that he is back in shape for the Olympic season

  • Lukas Bauer proved in November with his victory on the 10 km classic in Kuusamo that he is back in shape for the Olympic season – although he has not impressed massively the rest of the season (only 15th in Toblach).  Can be very strong – but could also fail.
  • Eldar Rønning has been very good (2nd in Kuusamo) and far behind (31st in Lillehammer) in classic interval start races this year. Toblach (12th) was a step in the right direction. Rønning may be fantastic if he has found his top shape – but nothing is 100% sure for the Norwegian classic expert.
  • Didrik Tønseth – 3rd in Lillehammer 15 km classic – may do it again in Sochi.
  • Dark horses: Johan Olsson – says he is out of shape – may still be fantastic (winner 50 km mass start classic at World Champs last year), Matti Heikkinen (suddenly makes a fantastic appearance when not expected – count in the Finn!), Ilia Chernousov, Chris Jespersen, Daniel Rickardsson, Marcus Hellner (great shape – classic not his specialty if  it is soft), Dmitriy Japarov.
Women

Justyna Kowalczyk would normally be the big favourite in a classic interval start race, but the Polish skier has struggled with injuries

In the women’s class we have the usual fight between Marit Bjørgen, Justyna Kowalczyk and Therese Johaug – with the addition of Charlotte Kalla who is actually a real gold candidate. The remaining Norwegians and the Finns will fight for the medals.

  • Justyna Kowalczyk would normally be the big favourite in a classic interval start race, but the Polish skier has struggled with injuries the last weeks – and although she could turn out to be very close to 100% – there is a uncertainty with respect to her chances. Still a hot winner candidate.
  • Marit Bjørgen showed at the Skiathlon that she is in top shape – and is probably the main favourite for the 10 km classic.
  • Therese Johaug was not in her best shape at the Skiathlon – but she later said that she did not sleep all night due to the circumstances surrounding Jacobsen’s brother – and thus Johaug might actually be in top shape on Thursday. Count her in the fight for gold – if she has the early November shape of Beitostølen nobody can beat her.
  • Charlotte Kalla impressed with a 2nd place in Lillehammer at the 10 km classic – only 12 seconds behind Kowalczyk and ahead of all Norwegians. And that with difficult and soft conditions. Another top classic race in Toblach with a 3rd place. Looking at her statistics – she has increased her capacity in classic significantly this year. Definitely a winner candidate.
  • Kalla has increased her capacity in classic significantly this year. Definitely a winner candidate

  • Aino-Kaiso Saarinen:  Classic specialist who was on top on the 10 km classic in 2008-2009 – but showed on the Skiathlon that she is on her way to top shape. Can challenge the “Big 4″ for the medals. Gold seems impossible – but ….
  • Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen: Impressive shape this year – and has done some very good interval start races. Medal candidate!
  • Heidi Weng: Another Norwegian medal candidate – finished 3rd in Lahti on the 10 km classic interval start race last year.
  • Outsiders: Kerttu Niskanen, Krista Lahteenmaki, Ishida Masako, Yulia Tchekaleva, Nicole Fessel, Anna Haag, Sadie Bjornsen.
Historical results: Men Classic technique, Interval start
Name Toblach/Dobbiaco
2014-02-01
Interval Classic 15 km
Val di Fiemme
2014-01-04
Interval Classic 10 km
Lillehammer
2013-12-07
Interval Classic 15 km
Ruka Triple, Kuusamo
2013-11-30
Interval Classic 10 km
Lahti
2013-03-10
Interval Classic 15 km
Szklarska Poreba
2012-02-18
Interval Classic 15 km
Otepaa
2012-01-22
Interval Classic 15 km
Oslo
2011-03-01
Interval Classic 15 km
JOHNSRUD SUNDBY Martin + 0:58.8
38:01.5 (10th)
+ 0:09.7
24:55.3 (2nd)
+ 0:24.9
35:24.9 (7th)
+ 0:12.6
24:56.2 (5th)
+ 0:35.1
35:10.7 (3rd)
+ 1:32.0
40:20.2 (10th)
+ 1:23.6
41:36.0 (18th)
+ 0:31.9
38:46.6 (3rd)
LEGKOV Alexander + 0:00.0
37:02.7 (1st)
+ 1:06.3
25:51.9 (18th)
+ 0:22.2
35:22.2 (6th)
+ 0:29.5
25:13.1 (10th)
+ 1:02.3
35:37.9 (8th)
+ 0:57.5
39:45.7 (3rd)
+ 1:14.3
41:26.7 (13th)
+ 1:59.2
40:13.9 (20th)
BAUER Lukas + 1:11.6
38:14.3 (15th)
+ 0:55.7
35:55.7 (19th)
+ 0:00.0
24:43.6 (1st)
+ 0:43.0
35:18.6 (4th)
+ 0:24.0
40:36.4 (2nd)
+ 0:55.0
39:09.7 (7th)
NORTHUG Petter jr. + 0:48.3
37:51.0 (6th)
+ 0:00.0
24:45.6 (1st)
+ 0:40.7
35:40.7 (9th)
+ 0:42.4
25:26.0 (18th)
+ 0:00.0
34:35.6 (1st)
COLOGNA Dario + 0:02.9
37:05.6 (2nd)
+ 0:19.3
39:07.5 (2nd)
+ 0:00.0
40:12.4 (1st)
+ 2:11.8
40:26.5 (25th)
POLTORANIN Alexey + 1:01.8
38:04.5 (11th)
+ 0:14.2
35:14.2 (2nd)
+ 0:37.5
25:21.1 (16th)
+ 0:31.7
35:07.3 (2nd)
+ 1:03.8
39:52.0 (6th)
+ 1:14.3
41:26.7 (13th)
+ 2:29.9
40:44.6 (31st)
ROENNING Eldar + 1:07.6
38:10.3 (12th)
+ 1:21.2
36:21.2 (31st)
+ 0:02.4
24:46.0 (2nd)
+ 1:11.9
35:47.5 (11th)
+ 1:00.4
39:48.6 (5th)
+ 2:47.6
43:00.0 (37th)
+ 0:13.3
38:28.0 (2nd)
OLSSON Johan + 0:21.4
35:21.4 (5th)
+ 0:00.0
38:48.2 (1st)
+ 0:53.4
41:05.8 (7th)
+ 1:38.4
39:53.1 (17th)
HELLNER Marcus + 0:17.6
37:20.3 (3rd)
+ 0:20.2
35:20.2 (4th)
+ 0:45.0
25:28.6 (21st)
+ 1:33.8
36:09.4 (22nd)
+ 1:58.4
40:46.6 (21st)
+ 0:53.2
41:05.6 (6th)
+ 2:45.9
41:00.6 (34th)
GOLBERG Paal + 2:38.9
39:41.6 (45th)
+ 0:00.0
35:00.0 (1st)
+ 0:07.4
24:51.0 (4th)
+ 2:17.4
41:05.6 (30th)
+ 3:16.1
43:28.5 (45th)
HEIKKINEN Matti + 2:14.8
39:17.5 (33rd)
+ 0:49.6
25:35.2 (9th)
+ 0:53.9
35:53.9 (17th)
+ 1:01.9
25:45.5 (45th)
+ 2:14.9
36:50.5 (42nd)
+ 2:12.9
42:25.3 (27th)
+ 0:00.0
38:14.7 (1st)
VOLZHENTSEV Stanislav + 0:52.6
25:38.2 (12th)
+ 0:46.8
35:46.8 (15th)
+ 0:41.3
40:53.7 (4th)
+ 0:36.6
38:51.3 (4th)
HARVEY Alex + 0:27.4
37:30.1 (5th)
+ 0:35.5
25:21.1 (5th)
+ 0:50.2
35:50.2 (16th)
+ 0:49.9
25:33.5 (30th)
+ 2:14.8
36:50.4 (41st)
+ 1:51.2
40:39.4 (15th)
+ 1:24.2
41:36.6 (19th)
CHERNOUSOV Ilia + 1:33.0
38:35.7 (22nd)
+ 0:50.2
25:35.8 (10th)
+ 1:02.2
25:45.8 (46th)
+ 1:26.2
36:01.8 (19th)
+ 0:59.5
39:47.7 (4th)
+ 1:02.2
41:14.6 (8th)
JAPAROV Dmitriy + 0:23.8
37:26.5 (4th)
+ 0:45.2
35:45.2 (14th)
+ 0:05.7
24:49.3 (3rd)
JESPERSEN Chris Andre + 0:16.0
25:01.6 (3rd)
+ 0:31.8
35:31.8 (8th)
+ 0:24.4
25:08.0 (7th)
JAUHOJAERVI Sami + 1:22.0
26:07.6 (31st)
+ 0:36.1
25:19.7 (14th)
+ 1:18.1
35:53.7 (14th)
+ 1:54.0
40:42.2 (16th)
+ 1:02.7
41:15.1 (10th)
+ 0:44.2
38:58.9 (5th)
TOENSETH Didrik + 1:54.9
38:57.6 (28th)
+ 0:44.3
25:29.9 (7th)
+ 0:15.5
35:15.5 (3rd)
+ 1:21.1
41:33.5 (17th)
TEICHMANN Axel + 1:10.9
38:13.6 (14th)
+ 0:58.6
25:44.2 (15th)
+ 1:28.5
36:28.5 (38th)
+ 0:35.7
25:19.3 (13th)
+ 1:15.2
40:03.4 (7th)
+ 1:28.1
39:42.8 (13th)
VYLEGZHANIN Maxim + 1:29.1
36:29.1 (39th)
+ 0:25.8
25:09.4 (8th)
+ 1:44.3
36:19.9 (24th)
+ 1:46.0
40:34.2 (13th)
+ 1:07.1
41:19.5 (11th)
+ 1:11.0
39:25.7 (10th)
BESSMERTNYKH Alexander + 2:40.4
39:43.1 (46th)
+ 0:43.6
35:43.6 (13th)
+ 0:21.4
25:05.0 (6th)
+ 1:07.5
35:43.1 (9th)
+ 1:49.1
40:37.3 (14th)
GAILLARD Jean Marc + 1:13.1
38:15.8 (16th)
+ 1:35.5
26:21.1 (43rd)
+ 2:07.1
37:07.1 (59th)
+ 0:42.8
25:26.4 (19th)
+ 1:15.5
35:51.1 (13th)
+ 1:27.0
40:15.2 (9th)
+ 1:02.5
41:14.9 (9th)
RICKARDSSON Daniel + 0:57.9
38:00.6 (9th)
+ 1:26.1
26:11.7 (36th)
+ 0:42.3
35:42.3 (10th)
+ 0:47.6
25:31.2 (27th)
+ 0:59.3
35:34.9 (7th)
+ 2:33.0
41:21.2 (34th)
+ 2:04.5
42:16.9 (25th)
+ 3:12.4
41:27.1 (42nd)
ANGERER Tobias + 3:00.7
40:03.4 (54th)
+ 1:45.0
36:45.0 (46th)
+ 1:02.5
25:46.1 (47th)
+ 0:51.1
35:26.7 (5th)
+ 2:15.4
41:03.6 (24th)
+ 1:16.3
41:28.7 (15th)
+ 1:10.1
39:24.8 (9th)
DOTZLER Hannes + 1:10.0
38:12.7 (13th)
+ 0:38.0
25:23.6 (6th)
+ 1:05.8
36:05.8 (26th)
+ 0:54.5
25:38.1 (34th)
+ 1:18.8
35:54.4 (15th)
+ 1:19.8
41:32.2 (16th)
+ 3:29.2
41:43.9 (47th)
MANIFICAT Maurice + 2:32.4
39:35.1 (42nd)
+ 1:34.2
36:34.2 (44th)
+ 0:39.8
25:23.4 (17th)
+ 1:41.8
40:30.0 (12th)
+ 1:25.3
41:37.7 (20th)
+ 0:48.8
39:03.5 (6th)
ROETHE Sjur + 1:15.0
38:17.7 (17th)
+ 0:29.0
25:14.6 (4th)
+ 1:50.9
36:50.9 (49th)
+ 0:47.2
25:30.8 (25th)
+ 1:45.2
36:20.8 (27th)
+ 1:59.8
40:14.5 (21st)
HALFVARSSON Calle + 1:19.4
38:22.1 (19th)
+ 0:50.4
25:36.0 (11th)
+ 0:58.6
35:58.6 (20th)
+ 0:49.5
25:33.1 (29th)
+ 1:10.8
35:46.4 (10th)
+ 2:13.9
42:26.3 (28th)
NELSON Lars + 0:48.6
37:51.3 (7th)
+ 1:01.9
36:01.9 (24th)
+ 0:35.4
25:19.0 (11th)
+ 2:24.6
37:00.2 (47th)
KERSHAW Devon + 2:29.0
39:31.7 (39th)
+ 2:02.2
26:47.8 (52nd)
+ 2:03.7
37:03.7 (56th)
+ 1:23.4
26:07.0 (65th)
+ 2:15.8
41:04.0 (26th)
+ 0:25.2
40:37.6 (3rd)
NOECKLER Dietmar + 3:01.0
40:03.7 (55th)
+ 1:05.9
25:51.5 (17th)
+ 1:01.4
36:01.4 (22nd)
+ 0:59.1
25:42.7 (41st)
+ 0:54.3
35:29.9 (6th)
+ 2:28.8
41:17.0 (33rd)
TSCHARNKE Tim + 2:24.1
39:26.8 (35th)
+ 1:01.6
36:01.6 (23rd)
+ 0:26.0
25:09.6 (9th)
+ 1:18.9
35:54.5 (16th)
SEDOV Petr + 2:28.6
27:14.2 (57th)
+ 0:42.2
40:54.6 (5th)
NOUSIAINEN Ville + 1:09.4
25:55.0 (21st)
+ 1:50.3
36:50.3 (48th)
+ 0:54.1
25:37.7 (33rd)
+ 1:56.8
36:32.4 (32nd)
+ 2:16.6
42:29.0 (29th)
+ 0:56.3
39:11.0 (8th)
DUERR Johannes + 1:25.4
38:28.1 (21st)
+ 0:45.3
25:30.9 (8th)
+ 1:03.6
25:47.2 (48th)
NISKANEN Iivo + 0:54.9
37:57.6 (8th)
GOERING Franz + 1:21.9
40:10.1 (8th)
Historical results: Women Classic technique, Interval start
Name Toblach/Dobbiaco
2014-02-01
Interval Classic 10 km
Lillehammer
2013-12-07
Interval Classic 10 km
Lahti
2013-03-10
Interval Classic 10 km
Szklarska Poreba
2012-02-18
Interval Classic 10 km
Otepaa
2012-01-22
Interval Classic 10 km
Oslo
2011-02-28
Interval Classic 10 km
Drammen
2011-02-19
Interval Classic 10 km
Otepää
2011-01-22
Interval Classic 10 km
BJOERGEN Marit + 0:00.0
26:54.2 (1st)
+ 0:25.6
25:25.0 (3rd)
+ 0:23.1
26:02.0 (2nd)
+ 0:36.1
29:20.0 (2nd)
+ 0:21.9
30:06.7 (2nd)
+ 0:00.0
27:39.3 (1st)
+ 0:00.0
27:31.9 (1st)
+ 0:00.0
27:02.1 (1st)
KOWALCZYK Justyna + 0:47.2
27:41.4 (5th)
+ 0:00.0
24:59.4 (1st)
+ 0:00.0
25:38.9 (1st)
+ 0:00.0
28:43.9 (1st)
+ 0:00.0
29:44.8 (1st)
+ 0:04.1
27:43.4 (2nd)
+ 0:17.3
27:49.2 (2nd)
+ 0:32.0
27:34.1 (2nd)
JOHAUG Therese + 0:36.7
27:30.9 (2nd)
+ 0:39.0
25:38.4 (4th)
+ 0:28.2
26:07.1 (4th)
+ 0:50.4
29:34.3 (3rd)
+ 0:40.5
30:25.3 (3rd)
+ 0:23.7
28:03.0 (4th)
+ 1:06.9
28:38.8 (4th)
+ 0:41.6
27:43.7 (3rd)
SAARINEN Aino- Kaisa + 1:13.6
28:07.8 (9th)
+ 1:38.7
26:38.1 (13th)
+ 1:08.2
26:47.1 (8th)
+ 1:21.1
31:05.9 (6th)
+ 0:09.7
27:49.0 (3rd)
+ 0:23.6
27:55.5 (3rd)
+ 0:45.3
27:47.4 (4th)
KALLA Charlotte + 0:42.9
27:37.1 (3rd)
+ 0:12.4
25:11.8 (2nd)
+ 1:08.0
26:46.9 (7th)
+ 2:37.7
31:21.6 (20th)
+ 0:58.7
30:43.5 (4th)
+ 1:07.4
28:46.7 (11th)
+ 1:20.5
28:52.4 (9th)
NISKANEN Kerttu + 0:53.8
27:48.0 (6th)
+ 1:23.9
26:23.3 (8th)
+ 0:55.2
26:34.1 (5th)
+ 1:41.9
31:26.7 (9th)
+ 0:49.7
28:29.0 (8th)
+ 1:41.8
29:13.7 (14th)
+ 1:39.6
28:41.7 (10th)
LAHTEENMAKI Krista + 1:25.9
26:25.3 (10th)
+ 1:01.2
26:40.1 (6th)
+ 2:21.1
31:05.0 (15th)
+ 1:32.5
31:17.3 (7th)
+ 0:23.9
28:03.2 (5th)
+ 1:11.0
28:42.9 (7th)
SKOFTERUD Vibeke W + 1:53.6
26:53.0 (17th)
+ 1:20.3
30:04.2 (4th)
+ 1:38.0
31:22.8 (8th)
+ 1:00.9
28:40.2 (9th)
+ 1:33.3
29:05.2 (13th)
+ 1:17.4
28:19.5 (5th)
JACOBSEN Astrid Uhrenholdt + 0:55.9
27:50.1 (7th)
+ 1:28.1
26:27.5 (11th)
+ 1:09.3
26:48.2 (9th)
+ 2:12.1
30:56.0 (13th)
+ 1:02.4
30:47.2 (5th)
+ 1:23.3
28:55.2 (10th)
WENG Heidi + 0:44.8
27:39.0 (4th)
+ 1:06.8
26:06.2 (6th)
+ 0:25.5
26:04.4 (3rd)
+ 2:30.8
31:14.7 (18th)
+ 2:20.1
32:04.9 (22nd)
+ 2:36.2
30:08.1 (34th)
STEIRA Kristin Stoermer + 1:01.6
27:55.8 (8th)
+ 1:24.0
26:23.4 (9th)
+ 2:12.4
27:51.3 (32nd)
+ 1:56.0
30:39.9 (10th)
+ 2:27.1
32:11.9 (25th)
+ 1:03.6
28:42.9 (10th)
+ 2:02.8
29:34.7 (19th)
+ 1:50.6
28:52.7 (12th)
ISHIDA Masako + 1:34.0
28:28.2 (12th)
+ 2:42.4
27:41.8 (34th)
+ 1:43.0
27:21.9 (17th)
+ 1:43.6
30:27.5 (6th)
+ 1:33.6
29:12.9 (17th)
+ 1:15.7
28:47.6 (8th)
+ 1:44.6
28:46.7 (11th)
TCHEKALEVA Yulia + 1:03.1
26:02.5 (5th)
+ 1:12.5
28:51.8 (12th)
+ 1:24.2
28:56.1 (11th)
+ 1:17.6
28:19.7 (6th)
FESSEL Nicole + 1:43.5
28:37.7 (14th)
+ 1:46.8
26:46.2 (15th)
+ 1:24.0
27:02.9 (11th)
+ 1:44.5
30:28.4 (7th)
+ 2:07.2
31:52.0 (16th)
+ 2:06.6
29:38.5 (22nd)
HAAG Anna + 2:11.1
29:05.3 (28th)
+ 1:53.0
30:36.9 (9th)
+ 1:20.8
29:00.1 (14th)
+ 1:28.1
29:00.0 (12th)
+ 1:18.8
28:20.9 (7th)
KRISTOFFERSEN Marthe + 2:31.8
27:31.2 (27th)
+ 1:39.0
30:22.9 (5th)
+ 1:45.3
31:30.1 (11th)
+ 1:59.2
29:31.1 (18th)
+ 1:50.8
28:52.9 (13th)
RANDALL Kikkan + 1:45.2
28:39.4 (15th)
+ 1:50.4
26:49.8 (16th)
+ 2:10.0
27:48.9 (28th)
+ 1:46.0
30:29.9 (8th)
+ 1:55.9
31:40.7 (15th)
+ 2:41.9
30:21.2 (32nd)
LONGA Marianna + 0:28.9
28:08.2 (7th)
+ 1:08.2
28:40.1 (6th)
MURANEN Pirjo + 0:26.8
28:06.1 (6th)
+ 1:44.7
29:16.6 (15th)
+ 1:52.7
28:54.8 (14th)
ROPONEN Riitta-Liisa + 2:19.5
29:13.7 (32nd)
+ 1:47.6
31:32.4 (12th)
+ 1:43.6
29:22.9 (18th)
+ 1:20.4
28:22.5 (8th)
BJORNSEN Sadie + 1:48.4
28:42.6 (17th)
+ 1:18.3
26:17.7 (7th)
+ 1:43.4
27:22.3 (18th)
+ 3:05.9
32:50.7 (34th)
+ 2:27.5
30:06.8 (29th)
+ 3:18.7
30:50.6 (51st)
MAJDIC Petra + 1:16.4
28:55.7 (13th)
+ 1:59.0
29:30.9 (17th)
+ 1:38.7
28:40.8 (9th)
BOEHLER Stefanie + 1:29.4
28:23.6 (10th)
+ 2:29.2
31:13.1 (17th)
+ 2:50.2
30:22.1 (41st)
+ 1:57.2
28:59.3 (16th)
INGEMARSDOTTER Ida + 2:54.0
27:53.4 (40th)
+ 3:34.9
32:18.8 (42nd)
+ 2:22.8
30:02.1 (28th)
+ 1:07.2
28:39.1 (5th)
ROTCHEVA Olga + 1:41.9
31:26.7 (9th)
KUZIUKOVA Olga + 2:33.1
27:32.5 (29th)
+ 1:20.5
26:59.4 (10th)

Race Preview & XC-Predictions: Olympic Sprint Free Technique

Posted by Jan Kocbach, 10 Feb 2014@18:14

The sprint is one of the most open disciplines in Cross Country skiing in the Olympics – especially in the men’s class where there have been 9(!) different winners in the previous 9 free technique sprints in the World Cup. The women have two big favourites in Kikkan Randall and Marit Bjørgen.

The sprint courses in Sochi are tough courses with a very tough hill – especially for the men – said to favor distance racers rather than the pure sprinters. The altitude will also make a the race a tough one.

Men

In the men’s free technique sprint there have been 9 different winners in the previous 9 free technique sprints in the World Cup – of these 8 are on the start. In addition to these 9, there are several other candidates for gold. First the 9 winners – going backwards in chronological order,

  • Ola Vigen Hattested won the Toblach sprint – and has thus shown that he has peaked his shape at the right time. The course might be a bit tough for Hattestad – on the other hand the Norwegian is a real fighter.
  • Alex Harvey won the sprint in Szlkarska Poreba in January. Not the biggest favourite – but definitely one of the many outsiders.
  • Sergey Ustiugov won the Nove Mesto sprint earlier in January – a strong Russian who counts as one of the outsiders in the Sochi sprint.
  • The Lenzerheide sprint (Tour de Ski) at New Years Eve was one by Simon Hamilton. The American is not one of the main favourites – but having one a free technique sprint this season he has to be looked out for.
  • Calle Halfvarsson won the sprint in Oberhof (Tour de Ski) at December 29th last year. Also not one of the biggest favourites – but still among the outsiders.
  • The Davos sprint in December was won by the Norwegian Anders Gløersen. Another outsider – Gløersen has also had some good distance race performances this year.
  • Going back to last season (March), Swedish Emil Jönsson won the last free technique sprint of last season in Lathti. Jönsson has lost a few kilos to prepare for the Sochi courses – but has so far not impressed in the World Cup. Still Jönsson is among the favourites in Sochi.
  • Petter Northug won the sprint in the pre-Olympics in Sochi last year – and has thus shown that he can perform very well on this tough sprint course. Northug was not strong enough to keep up the speed of the leading pack the last hill on the Skiathlon – but Northug says he is in shape. One of the big favourites!
  • The last World Cup winner – Finn Hågen Krogh – was originally given a place on the Norwegian team, but was put out of the team after the win by Ola Vigen Hattestad in Toblach.

Then the favourites/outsiders without a win in the last 9 World Cup races:

  • Alexey Petukhov – a strong Russian who can take it all the way on home ground. 3rd in the Nove Mesto sprint in January.
  • Nikita Kriukov – another strong Russian. Not the best results lately, but could still go all the way in these Olympics.
  • Dario Cologna won the Skiathlon – and was 2nd behind Northug in the pre-Olympics last year. Is he fast enough after the injury problems? Still one of the big favourites on this course.
  • Eirik Brandsdal. The Norwegian finished second in Toblach and 4th in Nove Mesto – a strong outsider.
  • Italian Federica Pellegrino has 5 times Top 6 the last 9 World Cup sprints in free technique, and is one of the outsiders.
  • Other outsiders: Teodor Peterson, Martti Julhëe, Marcus Hellner, Josef Wenzl, Andy Newell, Anton Gafarov.

See below for historical results.

Women

In the women’s class, there are a few very clear favourites – and not than many potential winners. Still this is the most open race also in the women’s class:

  • Kikkan Randall has five wins and two second places in her last 8 starts in the World Cup in free technique sprint – and since 2010 she has only been outside the finals twice(!) – very impressive in a millimeter discipline like sprint. The big favourite here at the Olympics.
  • Marit Bjørgen is the other big favourite. Bjørgen beat Randall in Toblach on this discipline just ahead of the Olympics, and has shown impressive shape lately with the Skiathlon win. The course should also fit Bjørgen well.
  • Ingvild Flugstad Østberg has been very impressive in sprint lately – one victory and three times Top 3 in the last four free technique sprints she has started in.
  • German Denise Hermann has been just as impressive as Flugstad Østberg – except the victory is missing. Six times in a row in Top 5 – with 2nd place in the two last free technique sprint races.
  • Hanna Erikson took the victory in the free technique sprint in Oberhof, but has not impressed that much lately.
  • Maiken Caspersen Falla is the only one except for Marit Bjørgen who has beaten Kikkan Randall in a free technique sprint the last seasons. Has not had full success in the sprints so far this season, but has now trained well and wants to show her shape. 4th in Toblach!
  • Also look out for Jacobsen, Ingemarsdotter, Aurore,  Kolb and Van der Graff.
Historical results: Men Free technique, Sprint
Name Toblach/Dobbiaco
2014-02-02
Sprint Free
Szklarska Poreba
2014-01-18
Sprint Free
Nove Mesto na Morave
2014-01-11
Sprint Free
Lenzerheide
2013-12-31
Sprint Free
Oberhof
2013-12-29
Sprint Free
Davos
2013-12-15
Sprint Free
Lahti
2013-03-09
Sprint Free
Sochi
2013-02-01
Sprint Free
PELLEGRINO Federico 16th 13th 2nd 4th 2nd 6th 31st 56th
WENZL Josef 3rd 2nd 15th 11th 5th 16th
HATTESTAD Ola Vigen 1st 12th 11th 2nd 44th
USTIUGOV Sergey 1st 3rd 23rd 4th
HARVEY Alex 20th 1st 2nd 11th 45th 56th
KROGH Finn Haagen 41st 7th 5th 29th 5th 3rd
NORTHUG Petter jr. 29th 7th 6th 28th 1st
HALFVARSSON Calle 12th 6th 1st 26th 17th
PETUKHOV Alexey 26th 3rd 4th 14th 6th
NEWELL Andrew 17th 6th 17th 8th 10th 17th 27th 13th
BRANDSDAL Eirik 2nd 4th 8th
HAMILTON Simeon 14th 20th 1st 35th 14th 58th 17th
GLOEERSEN Anders 23rd 21st 1st 21st 9th
JYLHAE Martti 13th 11th 2nd 18th 50th
MORILOV Nikolay 18th 21st 5th 18th 9th 11th
JOENSSON Emil 11th 22nd 1st 31st
GAFAROV Anton 7th 18th 13th 6th 12th
KRIUKOV Nikita 9th 10th 12th 70th 5th
PETERSON Teodor 5th 6th 7th 34th 77th
SUNDBY Martin Johnsrud 43rd 3rd 3rd 48th
HOFER David 7th 39th 20th 71st 59th 56th 3rd
HEDIGER Jovian 6th 12th 47th 41st 7th 58th
KINDSCHI Joeri 8th 28th 25th 22nd 15th 46th 13th 34th
COLOGNA Dario 32nd 41st 2nd
EISENLAUER Sebastian 75th 24th 55th 18th 7th 15th 24th
TSCHARNKE Tim 8th 10th 13th 41st
CHERNOUSOV Ilia 63rd 9th 19th 7th
GROS Baptiste 34th 3rd 32nd 52nd 19th
RETIVYKH Gleb 10th 43rd 5th 39th
CHEBOTKO Nikolay 26th 24th 37th 4th 22nd
WURM Harald 15th 15th 30th 21st 38th 42nd 48th 10th
ERIKSSON Jens 17th 4th 29th 52nd
SCHAAD Roman 9th 22nd 10th
GAILLARD Cyril 30th 4th 46th 20th
KERSHAW Devon 60th 18th 56th 18th 69th 8th
LINDBLAD Anton 9th 38th 12th 49th
GOLBERG Paal 4th 34th
PERSSON Simon 38th 26th 9th 15th 61st
JAEGER Martin 28th 5th 58th 33rd 37th
MIRANDA Cyril 20th 8th
VALJAS Len 64th 61st 8th 20th
BELOV Evgeniy 49th 8th
LEGKOV Alexander 58th 37th 9th
SKAR Sindre Bjoernestad 10th
MIKKONEN Juho 10th 36th 50th 52nd
Historical results: Women Free technique, Sprint
Name Toblach/Dobbiaco
2014-02-02
Sprint Free
Szklarska Poreba
2014-01-18
Sprint Free
Nove Mesto na Morave
2014-01-11
Sprint Free
Lenzerheide
2013-12-31
Sprint Free
Oberhof
2013-12-29
Sprint Free
Davos
2013-12-15
Sprint Free
Lahti
2013-03-09
Sprint Free
Sochi
2013-02-01
Sprint Free
RANDALL Kikkan 5th 1st 1st 2nd 1st 1st
HERRMANN Denise 2nd 2nd 5th 3rd 2nd 3rd 14th 14th
BJOERGEN Marit 1st 13th 5th 1st 2nd
OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad 3rd 3rd 1st 3rd 7th 13th
VAN DER GRAAFF Laurien 16th 6th 2nd 4th 13th 10th 15th 8th
ERIKSON Hanna 35th 28th 8th 1st 4th
KOLB Hanna 17th 16th 14th 5th 10th 22nd 12th 9th
JACOBSEN Astrid Uhrenholdt 14th 2nd 26th 13th 30th 4th
VUERICH Gaia 27th 8th 4th 10th 9th 21st 19th
FABJAN Vesna 7th 3rd 5th 21st 39th
JEAN Aurore 12th 42nd 9th 29th 44th 18th 2nd
BRUN-LIE Celine 26th 8th 18th 7th 3rd
CALDWELL Sophie 19th 7th 15th 6th 22nd 9th 55th
KYLLOENEN Anne 13th 7th 8th 20th 23rd 13th
VISNAR Katja 6th 14th 11th 14th 19th 27th
DIGGINS Jessica 28th 5th 21st 18th 12th 25th 15th
INGEMARSDOTTER Ida 9th 6th 39th 7th
WENG Heidi 8th 12th 35th 15th 11th
NILSSON Stina 9th 6th 17th 25th
SARASOJA-LILJA Riikka 15th 30th 35th 34th 11th 5th
FALLA Maiken Caspersen 4th 35th 8th 33rd
JASKOWIEC Sylwia 4th 23rd 12th 56th
MATVEEVA Natalia 12th 19th 35th 8th 28th
PROCHAZKOVA Alena 51st 46th 3rd 24th
ANGER Lucia 20th 20th 27th 40th 6th
LAUKKANEN Mari 21st 23rd 5th
FESSEL Nicole 4th 56th 20th
SARGENT Ida 33rd 13th 50th 41st 38th 6th
OEBERG Jennie 7th 37th 16th 23rd
JOHANSSON NORGREN Britta 22nd 33rd 4th 45th
NIKOLAEVA Svetlana 44th 9th 29th 36th 10th
HARSEM Kathrine Rolsted 10th 12th
KOWALCZYK Justyna 17th 34th 25th 10th 43rd
BJORNSEN Sadie 37th 27th 9th 21st
JONES Perianne 30th 10th 39th 39th 28th 34th 18th
JOHAUG Therese 24th 7th 49th
KALLA Charlotte 31st 6th
MALVALEHTO Mona-Lisa 10th 33rd 63rd 30th

Race Preview & XC-Predictions: Olympic Skiathlon

Posted by Jan Kocbach, 07 Feb 2014@17:36

The Skiathlon  opens up the Olympics for the Cross Country skiers in Sochi – the women ski 7.5 km + 7.5 km Saturday and the men 15+15 km Sunday.  The Skiathlon is the discipline for the all-rounders who can perform well in both classic and free technique. With two techniques involved, there is more tactics in the Skiathlon than in regular mass start races.

  • Note! Predictions for both men and women must be given ahead of the women’s start Saturday!
  • Set up your XC-predictions for the Skiathlon by the women’s start Saturday at 11:00 CET
  • There are few Skiathlons on the World Cup schedule – and not all of them attract a full start field. Thus the Skiathlon is one of the most open races in the World Champs with some “hidden” outsiders – especially in the men’s class. The Skiathlon in the pre-Olympics in Sochi last year did however have very strong start fields, and give an indication of who will want to be in the fight for the medals – but a lot has happened in a year. Note that this preview is written before the men’s start list was ready.

    Men: Norway against Russia and Switzerland?

    with Cologna winning and Northug finishing down in 12th place

    One year ago at the pre-Olympics in Sochi the two main favourites were Dario Cologna (SUI) and Petter Northug (NOR) – with Cologna winning and Northug finishing down in 12th place. A few weeks later at the World Champs in Val di Fiemme Cologna took another victory with Northug in 4th. Fast forward to today, and both Cologna and Northug have had problems with injuries and illness – and although both are still among the favourites, they are not as big favourites as they would have been with a perfect season run-up.

    However, Cologna is one of the top allrounders in the World Cup circus – mastering classic and free technique equally well. The Swiss won the last two Skiathlon World Cup races – and he showed with his 2nd place in Toblach last weekend that he is in shape! But is it good enough for 30 km – and is his sprint good enough in a mass start.

    The Norwegian Petter Northug used to be the man to beat in any mass start sprint finish, but lately his results have been better in interval start races. Still Northug is known to be able to take out all when it really counts – and he won the Skiathlon both at the World Champs is Olso in 2011 and in Liberec in 2009.

    Failed in Vancouver 2010

    Northug did, however, fail in the Olympics in Vancouver in 2010. Here Northug’s Swedish arch rival Marcus Hellner took the victory after good tactical play, with another good Skiathlon skier Tobias Angerer (Germany)  in second spot. Hellner has had a bad season this year, but is still mentioned among the favourites. The tough skate part of the course in Sochi is also an advantage for Hellner.

    This year’s big skier Martin Johnsrud Sundby is another Norwegian favourite. Sundby finished 2nd in the World Champs Skiathlon in Val di Fiemme last year, and has shown impressive shape this year by winning the Tour de Ski and several World Cup races.

    Two of the biggest favourites in the Skiathlon mentioned among the experts are the Russians Alexander Legkov and Maxim Vylegzhanin. They are both consistent in Top 6 in the Skiathlon – but have few victories to show off. However, the home ground advantage must not be forgotten.

    Outsiders are the french Maurice Manificat and Roland Clara – both very capable of winning. Also include Sjur Røthe and Alex Harvey on the outsider list.

    Women: Fight between the “big three” + Kalla

    In the women’s class the fight is yet again between Justyna Kowalczyk, Marit Bjørgen and Therese Johaug – with Charlotte Kalla mixing in due to some very good results this season. Kowalczyk has had a big weakness in free technique this season – but can still fight for a medal in a Skiathlon. The last four World Cup Skiathlon’s have had four different winners: Bjørgen, Johaug, Kowalczyk (limited start field Canmore December 2012) and Kristin Størmer Steira (limited start field Sochi pre-Olympics).

    Marit Bjørgen is still the big favourite, though. The Norwegian  is reigning World Champion (from Val di Fiemme in 2013 and Oslo in 2011) and reigning Olympic Champion (Vancouver 2010) on the Skiathlon – and has shown that her shape is exceptional these days. She will definitely be hard to beat; Kowalczyk probably needs to get away already on the classic part to  take the win – while Johaug needs to get away in the last uphill on the last loop of the free technique loop. This tactical play is what will make the Skiathlon very interesting to watch.

    Johaug’s weakness in the Skiathlon is her finish sprint – the Norwegian with the high frequency seldom wins a sprint finish against Bjørgen. Johaug has however shown earlier that she can decide earlier if the course is tough enough – and that might very well be the case in Sochi (although Johaug has said that she is disappointed by the courses not being tough enough).

    The last skier who has been mentioned as a possible gold medal candidate is Charlotte Kalla. Kalla needs top skis on the classic part – and a very good classic performance to be in on the fight for the gold medal. The conditions (hard snow) are however good for Kalla!

    Outsiders in the women’s class are Kristin Størmer Steira (winner of the pre-Olympic Skiathlon in Sochi, but without full competition), Heidi Weng, Anne Kyllönen, Nicole Fessel, Katrin Zeller.

    Historical results: Men, Skiathlon
    Name Val di Fiemme
    2013-02-23
    Skiathlon Both 30 km
    Sochi
    2013-02-02
    Skiathlon Both 30 km
    Canmore
    2012-12-16
    Skiathlon Both 30 km
    Lahti
    2012-03-03
    Skiathlon Both 30 km
    Rybinsk
    2012-02-05
    Skiathlon Both 30 km
    Oberstdorf
    2012-01-01
    Skiathlon Both 20 km
    Falun
    2011-03-19
    Skiathlon Both 20 km
    Lahti
    2011-03-12
    Skiathlon Both 20 km
    COLOGNA Dario + 0:00.0
    1:13:09.3 (1st)
    + 0:00.0
    1:21:00.0 (1st)
    + 0:00.0
    1:07:30.5 (1st)
    + 0:00.3
    50:27.6 (2nd)
    + 0:18.2
    57:50.4 (4th)
    + 0:00.0
    47:31.3 (1st)
    VYLEGZHANIN Maxim + 0:06.1
    1:13:15.4 (5th)
    + 0:02.2
    1:21:02.2 (4th)
    + 0:20.0
    1:07:50.5 (7th)
    + 0:00.0
    1:20:37.6 (1st)
    + 0:00.6
    50:27.9 (3rd)
    + 1:32.2
    59:04.4 (23rd)
    + 0:43.8
    48:15.1 (19th)
    MANIFICAT Maurice + 0:25.9
    1:13:35.2 (21st)
    + 0:16.6
    1:21:16.6 (10th)
    + 0:00.0
    1:17:47.3 (1st)
    + 1:52.0
    1:09:22.5 (27th)
    + 0:55.7
    1:21:33.3 (20th)
    + 0:06.9
    50:34.2 (11th)
    + 0:24.6
    57:56.8 (10th)
    + 0:00.6
    47:31.9 (2nd)
    ANGERER Tobias + 0:12.4
    1:13:21.7 (9th)
    + 0:10.0
    1:21:10.0 (6th)
    + 0:01.9
    1:17:49.2 (4th)
    + 0:20.5
    1:07:51.0 (8th)
    + 0:08.3
    1:20:45.9 (3rd)
    + 0:09.6
    50:36.9 (14th)
    + 0:38.6
    58:10.8 (16th)
    + 0:05.6
    47:36.9 (9th)
    NORTHUG Petter jr. + 0:05.2
    1:13:14.5 (4th)
    + 0:22.9
    1:21:22.9 (12th)
    + 0:00.0
    50:27.3 (1st)
    + 0:00.0
    57:32.2 (1st)
    CLARA Roland + 0:22.9
    1:13:32.2 (20th)
    + 0:12.0
    1:21:12.0 (8th)
    + 0:00.7
    1:17:48.0 (2nd)
    + 1:10.4
    1:08:40.9 (16th)
    + 0:18.7
    1:20:56.3 (16th)
    + 1:16.4
    51:43.7 (37th)
    + 2:00.2
    59:32.4 (27th)
    + 0:01.5
    47:32.8 (4th)
    JOHNSRUD SUNDBY Martin + 0:01.8
    1:13:11.1 (2nd)
    + 0:23.5
    1:18:10.8 (17th)
    + 0:03.7
    1:07:34.2 (2nd)
    + 0:29.0
    58:01.2 (12th)
    CHERNOUSOV Ilia + 0:33.2
    1:13:42.5 (25th)
    + 0:01.6
    1:21:01.6 (2nd)
    + 1:29.5
    1:09:00.0 (19th)
    + 0:06.0
    1:20:43.6 (2nd)
    + 0:41.2
    51:08.5 (32nd)
    + 1:12.4
    58:44.6 (18th)
    + 2:11.9
    49:43.2 (45th)
    ROETHE Sjur + 0:02.0
    1:13:11.3 (3rd)
    + 0:01.7
    1:17:49.0 (3rd)
    + 0:05.5
    1:07:36.0 (4th)
    + 0:57.6
    1:21:35.2 (22nd)
    + 1:09.9
    51:37.2 (35th)
    + 0:44.0
    48:15.3 (20th)
    LEGKOV Alexander + 0:10.1
    1:13:19.4 (6th)
    + 0:01.8
    1:21:01.8 (3rd)
    + 0:11.3
    1:07:41.8 (6th)
    + 0:08.3
    50:35.6 (13th)
    + 0:42.7
    58:14.9 (17th)
    + 1:26.4
    48:57.7 (33rd)
    GAILLARD Jean Marc + 0:12.7
    1:13:22.0 (10th)
    + 0:10.6
    1:21:10.6 (7th)
    + 0:11.0
    1:07:41.5 (5th)
    + 0:15.6
    1:20:53.2 (14th)
    + 3:46.9
    54:14.2 (73rd)
    + 0:19.5
    57:51.7 (5th)
    HARVEY Alex + 0:16.1
    1:13:25.4 (13th)
    + 0:04.2
    1:07:34.7 (3rd)
    + 0:10.5
    1:20:48.1 (8th)
    + 0:04.9
    50:32.2 (7th)
    + 0:32.0
    58:04.2 (13th)
    DI CENTA Giorgio + 0:17.8
    1:13:27.1 (16th)
    + 0:05.3
    1:17:52.6 (11th)
    + 0:49.8
    1:08:20.3 (15th)
    + 0:18.1
    1:20:55.7 (15th)
    + 0:34.4
    51:01.7 (29th)
    + 0:02.6
    57:34.8 (2nd)
    BELOV Evgeniy + 0:13.0
    1:13:22.3 (11th)
    + 0:07.5
    1:21:07.5 (5th)
    + 0:14.5
    1:18:01.8 (14th)
    + 0:13.2
    1:20:50.8 (10th)
    + 1:22.4
    58:54.6 (22nd)
    KERSHAW Devon + 1:37.3
    1:22:37.3 (38th)
    + 0:47.6
    1:08:18.1 (14th)
    + 0:09.5
    1:20:47.1 (6th)
    + 0:02.6
    50:29.9 (6th)
    + 1:51.3
    59:23.5 (26th)
    + 0:47.7
    48:19.0 (22nd)
    BAUER Lukas + 0:27.6
    1:13:36.9 (23rd)
    + 0:10.1
    50:37.4 (15th)
    + 0:20.2
    57:52.4 (6th)
    + 0:01.8
    47:33.1 (5th)
    SEDOV Petr + 0:08.9
    1:20:46.5 (5th)
    + 0:26.2
    57:58.4 (11th)
    + 0:01.8
    47:33.1 (6th)
    BABIKOV Ivan + 0:53.7
    1:14:03.0 (31st)
    + 0:34.0
    1:21:34.0 (17th)
    + 0:07.7
    1:17:55.0 (12th)
    + 2:41.7
    1:10:12.2 (36th)
    + 0:47.1
    1:21:24.7 (19th)
    + 0:40.7
    51:08.0 (31st)
    + 0:32.2
    58:04.4 (14th)
    + 0:05.0
    47:36.3 (8th)
    ROENNING Eldar + 1:11.0
    1:14:20.3 (32nd)
    + 0:02.7
    1:17:50.0 (5th)
    + 0:31.0
    50:58.3 (26th)
    + 1:32.8
    59:05.0 (24th)
    + 0:04.3
    47:35.6 (7th)
    RICKARDSSON Daniel + 0:21.8
    1:13:31.1 (18th)
    + 7:14.9
    57:42.2 (88th)
    + 0:10.2
    57:42.4 (3rd)
    + 0:07.3
    47:38.6 (13th)
    HELLNER Marcus + 0:12.0
    1:13:21.3 (8th)
    + 1:41.1
    1:09:11.6 (20th)
    + 0:01.5
    50:28.8 (4th)
    DEMENTIEV Eugeniy + 0:26.4
    1:18:13.7 (18th)
    + 0:28.5
    1:07:59.0 (10th)
    + 0:08.3
    1:20:45.9 (4th)
    MORIGGL Thomas + 1:00.6
    1:22:00.6 (29th)
    + 1:42.2
    1:09:12.7 (22nd)
    + 3:12.2
    1:23:49.8 (32nd)
    + 0:29.6
    50:56.9 (22nd)
    + 0:24.4
    57:56.6 (9th)
    + 0:07.2
    47:38.5 (12th)
    VITTOZ Vincent + 1:19.3
    58:51.5 (21st)
    + 0:01.0
    47:32.3 (3rd)
    ELIASSEN Petter + 0:09.0
    1:17:56.3 (13th)
    + 0:32.3
    1:08:02.8 (11th)
    + 2:58.0
    53:25.3 (65th)
    + 0:06.2
    47:37.5 (10th)
    PERL Curdin + 0:16.6
    1:13:25.9 (14th)
    + 0:30.5
    1:21:30.5 (14th)
    + 2:19.1
    1:09:49.6 (31st)
    + 0:06.1
    50:33.4 (9th)
    FREEMAN Kris + 2:35.0
    1:15:44.3 (40th)
    + 0:05.3
    1:17:52.6 (10th)
    + 3:11.3
    1:10:41.8 (42nd)
    + 0:14.4
    1:20:52.0 (13th)
    + 2:07.3
    52:34.6 (47th)
    + 1:18.4
    58:50.6 (20th)
    + 0:56.8
    48:28.1 (26th)
    DYRHAUG Niklas + 0:24.3
    1:21:24.3 (13th)
    + 0:20.9
    1:07:51.4 (9th)
    + 0:19.3
    50:46.6 (19th)
    + 1:31.4
    49:02.7 (34th)
    RENNEMO Kristian Tettli + 1:05.1
    1:22:05.1 (31st)
    + 1:41.7
    1:09:12.2 (21st)
    + 0:01.7
    50:29.0 (5th)
    FILBRICH Jens + 1:19.3
    1:14:28.6 (33rd)
    + 1:39.9
    1:22:39.9 (39th)
    + 0:05.0
    1:17:52.3 (9th)
    + 1:49.7
    1:09:20.2 (24th)
    + 2:11.0
    1:22:48.6 (28th)
    + 0:14.6
    50:41.9 (18th)
    + 4:43.3
    1:02:15.5 (41st)
    + 1:33.1
    49:04.4 (38th)
    GLAVATSKIKH Konstantin + 0:31.6
    1:21:31.6 (15th)
    + 0:10.2
    1:20:47.8 (7th)
    KROGH Finn Haagen + 3:33.9
    1:11:04.4 (44th)
    + 0:23.2
    57:55.4 (8th)
    + 0:46.3
    48:17.6 (21st)
    LARKOV Andrey + 2:31.3
    1:23:31.3 (43rd)
    + 0:02.9
    1:17:50.2 (6th)
    JAKS Martin + 0:46.3
    1:13:55.6 (27th)
    + 2:40.9
    1:10:11.4 (34th)
    + 0:05.0
    50:32.3 (8th)
    + 2:04.5
    59:36.7 (28th)
    + 2:50.7
    50:22.0 (53rd)
    HOFER David + 3:13.6
    1:24:13.6 (48th)
    + 0:03.3
    1:17:50.6 (7th)
    + 3:11.2
    1:23:48.8 (31st)
    + 2:33.1
    53:00.4 (54th)
    + 1:06.1
    48:37.4 (30th)
    HOFFMAN Noah + 2:49.2
    1:15:58.5 (42nd)
    + 0:53.9
    1:21:53.9 (26th)
    + 0:03.9
    1:17:51.2 (8th)
    + 3:36.1
    1:11:06.6 (49th)
    JOENSSON Emil + 1:32.4
    51:59.7 (38th)
    + 0:21.4
    57:53.6 (7th)
    HALFVARSSON Calle + 0:11.6
    1:13:20.9 (7th)
    + 3:34.1
    1:11:04.6 (45th)
    + 4:23.5
    1:01:55.7 (39th)
    + 2:21.2
    49:52.5 (46th)
    DOLIDOVICH Sergei + 1:35.1
    1:22:35.1 (37th)
    + 1:54.5
    1:09:25.0 (28th)
    + 0:10.7
    1:20:48.3 (9th)
    + 0:31.6
    50:58.9 (27th)
    KHOKHRYAKOV Nikolay + 0:15.8
    1:21:15.8 (9th)
    + 2:50.0
    1:20:37.3 (26th)
    PERRILLAT Christophe + 3:38.5
    1:21:25.8 (32nd)
    + 3:41.0
    1:11:11.5 (51st)
    + 1:04.4
    1:21:42.0 (25th)
    + 0:06.5
    50:33.8 (10th)
    + 2:23.2
    49:54.5 (48th)
    Historical results: Women, Skiathlon
    Name Val di Fiemme
    2013-02-23
    Skiathlon Both 15 km
    Sochi
    2013-02-02
    Skiathlon Both 15 km
    Canmore
    2012-12-16
    Skiathlon Both 15 km
    Lahti
    2012-03-03
    Skiathlon Both 15 km
    Rybinsk
    2012-02-05
    Skiathlon Both 15 km
    Oberstdorf
    2012-01-01
    Skiathlon Both 10 km
    Falun
    2011-03-19
    Skiathlon Both 10 km
    Lahti
    2011-03-12
    Skiathlon Both 10 km
    JOHAUG Therese + 0:03.4
    39:07.8 (2nd)
    + 0:00.0
    36:52.6 (1st)
    + 0:00.0
    42:41.4 (1st)
    + 0:01.8
    27:17.8 (3rd)
    + 0:33.9
    31:48.3 (3rd)
    + 0:00.0
    25:43.9 (1st)
    KOWALCZYK Justyna + 0:27.1
    39:31.5 (5th)
    + 0:00.0
    42:51.5 (1st)
    + 0:52.6
    37:45.2 (8th)
    + 0:26.9
    43:08.3 (2nd)
    + 0:01.6
    27:17.6 (2nd)
    + 0:25.1
    31:39.5 (2nd)
    + 0:00.0
    25:43.9 (2nd)
    BJOERGEN Marit + 0:00.0
    39:04.4 (1st)
    + 0:10.8
    37:03.4 (2nd)
    + 0:52.9
    43:34.3 (3rd)
    + 0:00.0
    27:16.0 (1st)
    + 0:00.0
    31:14.4 (1st)
    + 0:37.8
    26:21.7 (4th)
    STEIRA Kristin Stoermer + 0:16.3
    39:20.7 (4th)
    + 0:00.0
    46:17.7 (1st)
    + 0:35.8
    43:27.3 (4th)
    + 0:14.4
    37:07.0 (4th)
    + 0:35.3
    27:51.3 (4th)
    + 0:52.8
    32:07.2 (7th)
    KALLA Charlotte + 0:41.2
    39:45.6 (6th)
    + 0:39.7
    37:32.3 (5th)
    + 1:04.3
    43:45.7 (4th)
    + 0:45.6
    28:01.6 (6th)
    + 1:02.6
    32:17.0 (9th)
    + 0:38.0
    26:21.9 (5th)
    WENG Heidi + 0:14.9
    39:19.3 (3rd)
    + 0:11.9
    37:04.5 (3rd)
    + 1:31.0
    44:12.4 (8th)
    + 1:24.3
    28:40.3 (20th)
    + 1:43.3
    32:57.7 (16th)
    + 1:34.4
    27:18.3 (19th)
    JACOBSEN Astrid Uhrenholdt + 1:06.5
    40:10.9 (9th)
    + 0:20.3
    46:38.0 (4th)
    + 1:54.7
    44:36.1 (11th)
    + 1:27.5
    28:43.5 (26th)
    + 0:44.5
    31:58.9 (4th)
    + 0:59.6
    26:43.5 (13th)
    KYLLOENEN Anne + 1:48.0
    40:52.4 (17th)
    + 0:31.5
    46:49.2 (6th)
    + 0:34.9
    43:26.4 (2nd)
    + 2:13.3
    39:05.9 (29th)
    + 1:00.9
    28:16.9 (11th)
    + 2:19.5
    33:33.9 (28th)
    + 2:35.6
    28:19.5 (47th)
    HAAG Anna + 1:43.1
    40:47.5 (15th)
    + 1:19.2
    44:10.7 (10th)
    + 0:55.2
    37:47.8 (9th)
    + 1:08.3
    28:24.3 (16th)
    + 0:51.1
    32:05.5 (6th)
    + 0:40.9
    26:24.8 (7th)
    FESSEL Nicole + 2:13.5
    41:17.9 (22nd)
    + 0:19.9
    46:37.6 (3rd)
    + 1:42.6
    38:35.2 (16th)
    + 2:08.6
    44:50.0 (13th)
    + 1:01.7
    28:17.7 (13th)
    + 1:38.6
    32:53.0 (12th)
    + 1:34.7
    27:18.6 (20th)
    ZELLER Katrin + 2:33.7
    41:38.1 (25th)
    + 0:29.8
    46:47.5 (5th)
    + 1:20.3
    44:11.8 (12th)
    + 2:05.3
    38:57.9 (24th)
    + 2:09.2
    44:50.6 (15th)
    + 1:02.2
    28:18.2 (14th)
    + 1:28.4
    32:42.8 (11th)
    + 1:03.6
    26:47.5 (14th)
    ISHIDA Masako + 1:07.5
    40:11.9 (10th)
    + 0:37.3
    46:55.0 (7th)
    + 0:35.9
    43:27.4 (5th)
    + 0:55.5
    37:48.1 (10th)
    + 1:01.4
    28:17.4 (12th)
    + 1:52.8
    27:36.7 (32nd)
    SHEVCHENKO Valentina + 2:10.5
    41:14.9 (21st)
    + 1:30.7
    47:48.4 (19th)
    + 0:36.2
    43:27.7 (6th)
    + 1:22.8
    38:15.4 (13th)
    + 1:28.8
    28:44.8 (27th)
    + 0:54.6
    32:09.0 (8th)
    + 0:57.9
    26:41.8 (12th)
    TCHEKALEVA Yulia + 0:46.9
    39:51.3 (7th)
    + 0:19.2
    46:36.9 (2nd)
    + 1:39.7
    32:54.1 (13th)
    + 2:08.3
    27:52.2 (36th)
    IVANOVA Julia + 1:17.1
    40:21.5 (11th)
    + 1:07.8
    47:25.5 (12th)
    + 0:39.8
    37:32.4 (6th)
    + 2:08.8
    44:50.2 (14th)
    + 1:14.1
    28:30.1 (19th)
    + 2:01.9
    33:16.3 (19th)
    + 1:39.2
    27:23.1 (24th)
    SKOFTERUD Vibeke W + 0:35.0
    43:26.5 (3rd)
    + 1:18.3
    43:59.7 (5th)
    + 0:49.9
    26:33.8 (9th)
    ROPONEN Riitta-Liisa + 1:46.9
    40:51.3 (16th)
    + 0:45.9
    37:38.5 (7th)
    + 1:29.0
    44:10.4 (7th)
    + 0:46.4
    28:02.4 (8th)
    + 1:24.0
    27:07.9 (17th)
    RANDALL Kikkan + 1:18.4
    44:09.9 (8th)
    + 1:21.5
    38:14.1 (12th)
    + 2:54.8
    45:36.2 (25th)
    + 0:45.9
    28:01.9 (7th)
    + 2:03.3
    33:17.7 (21st)
    + 0:56.2
    26:40.1 (11th)
    KRISTOFFERSEN Marthe + 1:23.2
    47:40.9 (16th)
    + 2:05.7
    38:58.3 (25th)
    + 1:44.0
    44:25.4 (10th)
    + 0:58.1
    28:14.1 (10th)
    + 1:41.5
    32:55.9 (15th)
    + 0:56.0
    26:39.9 (10th)
    SAARINEN Aino- Kaisa + 1:50.0
    38:42.6 (20th)
    + 1:42.1
    44:23.5 (9th)
    + 1:13.5
    28:29.5 (18th)
    + 1:04.5
    32:18.9 (10th)
    + 0:49.4
    26:33.3 (8th)
    FOLLIS Arianna + 0:48.0
    32:02.4 (5th)
    + 0:23.5
    26:07.4 (3rd)
    LAHTEENMAKI Krista + 0:48.8
    39:53.2 (8th)
    + 1:28.2
    44:09.6 (6th)
    + 0:55.5
    28:11.5 (9th)
    + 2:07.7
    27:51.6 (34th)
    SARASOJA Riikka + 2:08.4
    39:01.0 (27th)
    + 2:41.8
    45:23.2 (19th)
    + 0:45.3
    28:01.3 (5th)
    + 1:59.2
    33:13.6 (17th)
    + 2:10.2
    27:54.1 (37th)
    STEPHEN Elizabeth + 2:08.2
    41:12.6 (20th)
    + 0:45.3
    47:03.0 (8th)
    + 1:53.7
    38:46.3 (21st)
    + 3:04.5
    45:45.9 (26th)
    + 2:05.6
    29:21.6 (36th)
    + 1:43.9
    27:27.8 (28th)
    IKSANOVA Alija + 2:33.8
    41:38.2 (26th)
    + 1:21.5
    47:39.2 (15th)
    + 0:36.7
    43:28.2 (7th)
    + 2:42.0
    39:34.6 (36th)
    + 3:35.3
    46:16.7 (32nd)
    + 3:38.7
    30:54.7 (56th)
    OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad + 1:18.5
    44:10.0 (9th)
    + 2:59.0
    39:51.6 (40th)
    + 2:43.0
    45:24.4 (20th)
    + 1:10.8
    28:26.8 (17th)
    + 2:34.5
    33:48.9 (33rd)
    + 2:57.0
    28:40.9 (51st)
    LONGA Marianna + 0:39.4
    26:23.3 (6th)
    MIKHAILOVA Olga + 0:58.0
    47:15.7 (9th)
    + 4:32.7
    47:14.1 (44th)
    + 3:11.5
    28:55.4 (56th)
    ZHUKOVA Natalia + 0:59.6
    47:17.3 (10th)