Norway swept the ladies’ skiathlon podium at the Pre World Championship event in Lahti (FIN) with Therese Johaug leading the charge earning an incredible 15th World Cup victory this season. Only Marit Bjoergen has won more races in one season and she has done it twice winning 17 times in the 2011/12 season and 15 times last season.
Johaug won in a time of 38:59.9 ahead of her teammate Heidi Weng by just over a minute. Completing the Norwegian sweep of the podium was Ingvild Flugstad Ostberg +26.4 seconds behind Weng.
Norway was a mighty force in today’s race, taking six of the top seven spot, with Finn Riitta Liisa Roponen spoiling the party, coming in fifth place. Despite the Norwegian dominance, the home nation could be happy with the results as they places three skiers in the top ten.
It was deep winter conditions for the skiers as heavy, wet snow fell throughout the race. Adding the challenge were the windy conditions, making it a battle for the athletes.
ATHLETE QUOTES:
Therese Johaug, NOR
I was little bit nervous before the start because of snow conditions. I tried in the beginning to go away and I managed to create a gap. I had to fight hard to keep the distance on Heidi in the classic part. My skis were perfect. I love the track in Lahti.
Heidi Weng, NOR
I like the track in Lahti. I had my first podium here. I felt I had perfect classic skis. When Therese went away I was on my own and had to find my own pace
Ingvild Flugstad Østberg, NOR
We were a big group fighting for 3rd place. I felt good today. I had some power left towards the end. When it was 1,5 km to go I increased the speed. On the last uphill I managed to gain some meters on Maiken. I am really happy with how the race went.
OFFICIAL RESULTS - Ladies' Skiathlon
1. JOHAUG Therese NOR 38:59.9
2. WENG Heidi NOR +1:05.5
3. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR +1:39.01
4. FALLA Maiken Caspersen NOR +1:36.6
5. ROPONEN Riitta Liisa FIN +1:39.0
Complete results are available HERE.
OVERALL WORLD CUP STANDINGS
1. JOHAUG Therese NOR 2025 pts
2. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR 1779 pts
3. WENG Heidi NOR 1557 pts
Complete overall standings are available HERE.
OVERALL DISTANCE STANDINGS
1. JOHAUG Therese NOR 1311 pts
2. WENG Heidi NOR 957 pts
3. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR 813 pts
Complete distance standings are available HERE.
Source: fis-ski.com
