It was a Norwegian sweep of the ladies' 15 km mass start classic competition and Therese Johaug left little doubt who is the favourite in this year's 10th Tour de Ski with a dominant win on stage 2 in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.  She began the day 45 seconds behind her teammate Ingvild Flugstad Østberg who was the Tour leader with the withdrawal of Maiken Caspersen Falla after the first stage.  

At the finish line Johaug led by 37.9 seconds over Østberg in second, but with bonus seconds gained on the course she moved into the overall Tour lead by 4.5 seconds.  In third was place Heidi Weng +1:16.2 back on the stage and she moved solidly into third in the overall standings +1:45.2 behind Johaug.  Strong results in the 15 km classic brought Sweden's Charlotte Kalla and Finland's Anne Kylloenen into the top 5 in the overall standings.  

ATHLETE QUOTES

Therese Johaug, NOR
I am really satisfied with today. I had a good feeling from the beginning of the competition. I did not plan to get the gap so early but I felt really strong. I kept the focus on the technique and managed to ski away from the other girls. I had also perfect skis. It was a good day in Lenzerheide.

Ingvild Flugstad Østberg, NOR
It was maybe my 15 km classic ever. I am really happy about today’s 2nd place. I tried to be focused and calm and ski my own competition. I have to do the same thing tomorrow. I will try for sure to keep up with Therese.

Heidi Weng, NOR
In the last lap I was very stiff. Ingvild wanted me take the lead but I had to let her go. The last lap was very hard. I think the other were coming closer and pass me so I am very happy for taking the 3rd place today.

OFFICIAL RESULTS - Stage 2 Lenzerheide 

 LADIES - 15 km Classic Mass Start

1. JOHAUG Therese NOR 41:26.4 
2. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR +37.9 
3. WENG Heidi NOR +1:16.2 
4. KYLLOENEN Anne FIN +1:32.7 
5. NISKANEN Kerttu FIN +1:32.9

Complete results are available HERE. 

OVERALL TOUR STANDINGS

1. JOHAUG Therese NOR 43:38.3 
2. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR +4.5
3. WENG Heidi NOR +1:45.2 
4. KALLA Charlotte SWE +2:12.0 
5. KYLLOENEN Anne FIN +2:17.8

Complete overall standings are available HERE. 

Source: fis-ski.com