After the 2.2 km timing point it was already evident that it would be a competition for second place in today's 15 km free technique event in Davos, Switzerland. Norway's Therese Johaug at just 7 minutes into the race had a 21 second lead and it increased to 1:10 by the finish line. In second place was Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg and third place went to Heidi Weng +1:15 completing the Norwegian sweep of the podium. Kerttu Niskanen of Finland was the first non-Norwegian finisher in 6th position +1:40 behind Johaug's winning time of 35:40.3. It was Johaug's first win in a World Cup 15 km free technique competition and her third career victory in Davos.

Johaug is now only the second female skier to win 5 consecutive World Cup competitions before Christmas. With today's win she tied her teammate Marit Bjoergen at 5. Elena Välbe of Russia is the only other athlete to win four consecutive races in November/December (1994).

ATHLETE QUOTES

Therese Johaug, NOR
It was my best race ever in Davos. I’m really in a good shape these days. I wanted to be focused on my skiing and technique. I had amazing skis. It was very fun to compete today. The whole Norwegian team was very strong today.

Ingvild Flugstad Østberg, NOR
It was a hard race. It was my best distance result in Davos. I am extremely happy with the race today. Second place feels like victory. I started little bit slower than I’m used to. Today I managed to pace myself very good.

Heidi Weng, NOR
Therese caught me before the Cologna climb. I could not keep the pace with her and I let her go. It was a tough race. I did not know it was so tight between me and Astrid. I am happy for the third place.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Ladies 15 km F - Davos

JOHAUG Therese NOR 35:40.3
OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR +1:10.3
WENG Heidi NOR 36:55.6 +1:15.3
JACOBSEN Astrid Uhrenholdt NOR +1:15.5
SLIND Kari Oeyre NOR +1:37.3

Complete results are available HERE.

Overall World Cup standing ladies
1. Therese Johaug, NOR 543
2. Ingvild Flugstad Østberg, NOR 343
3. Heidi Weng, NOR 316

Distance World Cup standing ladies
1. Therese Johaug, NOR 330
2. Heidi Weng, NOR 224
3. Charlotte Kalla, SWE 190

Source: fis-ski.com