World Cup: Smart route choices – victories for Kauppi and Johansson
Posted on | June 28, 2009 | Category: News
Minna Kauppi, Finland demonstrated determination and confidence in a superb run to win the long distance chasing start race on Saturday. Her initial lead of 47 seconds, the margin by which she won Friday’s middle distance race, had extended to 3 minutes and 37 seconds by the end of the race.
Marianne Andersen, Norway held on to second place while Simone Niggli, Switzerland moved up a place to third; Friday’s third placing Helena Jansson did not run today. Fifth and sixth placed Eva Jurenikova, Czech Republic and Betty Ann Bjerkreim Nilsen, Norway both impressed, moving up from 10th and 17th positions respectively.
In the men’s race Sweden’s Martin Johansson turned in an impressive performance, coming up from being 9th starter to finish 22 seconds ahead of Anders Nordberg, Norway. Nordberg was involved in a sprint finish for the line with Emil Wingstedt, Sweden, getting home just 1 second ahead. Friday’s joint winners Peter Öberg, Sweden and Carl Waaler Kaas, Norway finished in 5th and 6th positions.
It was the route choice to the 25th control that decided the race: Martin Johansson ran left and used paths while Anders Nordberg, who was in front of the others in the leading group, chose to run straight where it was green and not so easy to run. With this route choice Johansson gained 40 seconds – and his first World Cup victory.
The next races counting for World Cup points are the middle distance, sprint and long distance finals at the World Championships in Hungary – August 19, 20 and 23.
Leading results
Women
1. Minna Kauppi FIN 1.22.13
2. Marianne Andersen NOR + 3.37
3. Simone Niggli SUI + 4.55
4. Bodil Holmström FIN + 5.35
5. Eva Jurenikova CZE + 8.32
6. Betty Ann Bjerkreim Nilsen NOR + 9.24
Men
1. Martin Johansson SWE 1.28.36
2. Anders Nordberg NOR + 0.22
3. Emil Wingstedt SWE + 0.23
4. Peter Öberg SWE + 1.02
5. Carl Waaler Kaas NOR + 1.06
6. Daniel Hubmann SUI + 4.35
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