Racing News

The biathlon stronghold at the Rennsteig welcomed athletes and fans last Monday with unbelievable weather conditions. Hardly anyone still believed in a normal tournment and some even questioned its holding. Constant rain and a temperature around + 8° C reminded of the competitions in 2007 when the athletes had to compete on crash ice that had been delivered from Bremerhaven. The hard-working helpers managed incredibly well and prepared quite an agreeable piste for the relay competitions on Wednesday and Thursday. In the women’s competition, the Russian quartet won before Norway and France.

The last races of the Tour de Ski take place in Val die Fiemme. The 20 km mass start race today proved to be a very hard test. 5 rounds had to be completed with bonus seconds being awarded at the highest point of the leg. As a result, the pace was very fast from the beginning. Consequently, Manificat (FRA) and Legkov (RUS) lost touch with the leading skiers and thus the opportunity to claim a podium place in the overall result.

The lead was controlled by Cologna (SUI) who even managed to gain a few seconds from his direct opponent Northug (NOR).

The 5th of 9 races of the Tour de Ski was held in Toblach (South Tyrol). The women held a short distance race of 3 km, the men of 5 km against time. In the men’s race, Alexander Legkov (RUS) emphasized his ambitions and proved worthy to be counted as a favourite. He gets better with every race and won his first race in this tour. Eldar Roenning (NOR), traditional style specialist, reached second place before Dario Cologna (SUI) who took over the jersey for the general leading position from Petter Northug (NOR).

The men Skiworldcup Opening on the Rettenbachferner Glacier was a big success as well. Snow conditions were perfect and the weather fantastic. The GS slope was top prepared: hard, partly icy, good grip. A big accolade to the organisers!