Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg of Norway gave the ski world quite a surprise today in the 5 km free technique pursuit event in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.  Coming into the stage 3 competition Oestberg trailed her teammate Therese Johaug by just 4.5 seconds and at the finish she took over the Tour lead by 9.3 seconds.  Both Johaug and Oestberg went out at a quick pace and it looked early on that Johaug would keep her lead but Oestberg kept fighting and closed the gap just after the halfway point.  When Oestberg attacked, Johaug was unable to respond, a site not seen this season.  Johaug had won 7 consecutive World Cup distance competitions entering today's competition.  Heidi Weng also of Norway maintained her 3rd place position in the Tour +2:03.6 behind Oestberg.  Another strong day from the Finnish ladies team saw three of them move into the top 7, led by Anne Kylloenen in 5th place.  Sweden's Charlotte Kalla held on to her 4th place position.  

The Tour now rests one day and begins again on the January 5, 2016 in Oberstdorf, Germany.  Oberstdorf will host stages 4 and 5 both in the classic technique, a sprint and 10/15 mass start.  

ATHLETE QUOTES

Ingvild Flugstad Østberg, NOR
Now I deserve the red bib. Its was really hard today. My legs were really tired at the end. It was my plan to catch Therese early and do my best. I am looking forward to the rest day.

Therese Johaug, NOR
It was really tough today. Ingvild was so strong. I knew in my legs that I couldn't fight with her coming to the finish. I can't always win but I will always try.

Heidi Weng, NOR
I wanted to be relaxed and no to start too fast on the first climb. But my legs were very stiff. I tried to keep the pace not to lose many seconds on Charlotte. I was surprised in the finish that the gap on Ingvild and Therese did not grow that much.

OFFICIAL RESULTS - 5 km Pursuit F 

1. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR 13:02.3 
2. JOHAUG Therese NOR +9.3
3. WENG Heidi NOR +2:03.6
4. KALLA Charlotte SWE +2:30.8
5. KYLLOENEN Anne FIN +2:37.2

Complete results are available HERE. 

FASTEST of the DAY

1. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR 12:57.8 
2. JOHAUG Therese NOR +13.8 
3. HAGA Ragnhild NOR +18.7 
4. MONONEN Laura +18.9 
5. WENG Heidi NOR +22.9

Complete results for Fastest of the Day are available HERE.

Source: fis-ski.com