Justyna Kowalczyk secured the overall victory in World Cup standings. Marit Bjoergen took the victory in the women's 7,5+7,5 pursuit race. Justyna Kowalczyk finished 11.1 seconds behind her and secured her overall victory in the World Cup standings. Third place went to Norway's Therese Johaug.
- "I knew that it is going to be a tough fight with Justyna. We're both in great shape right now," said Bjoergen after the finish.
- "I am very much looking forward to the relay and the World Cup races at home in Norway," she added.
Women's top 6:
1. Marit Bjoergen 40.10,8
2. Justyna Kowalczyk +11,1
3. Therese Johaug +17,8
4. Riitta-Liisa Roponen +48,5
5. Marthe Kristoffersen +49,5
6. Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle +49,5
Maurice Manificat took his first ever World Cup victory in the men's 15+15 pursuit race. He was battling with Lukas Bauer throughout the skating leg, but managed to secure the victory with a sprint about 1km before the finish. Bauer, having collected all bonus points from intermediate finishes, had to accept with the second place. Third place went to Ilia Cheronousov in a tight finish sprint with fellow Russian Maxim Vylegzhanin and Valerio Checci from Italy.
- "I am in great shape right now. I was in good shape already in Vancouver and now it is continuing. I felt good the whole race. I took my first podium this season and now my first victory - I am very happy!" said Manificat after the finish.
He said he was not afraid of Lukas Bauer at all.
- "He is a racer just like I am. I felt good and was thinking positive all the time," was Manificat's comment.
Men's top 8:
1. Maurice Manificat 1.11.44,2
2. Lukas Bauer +3,6
3. Ilia Chernousov +46,2
4. Maksim Vylegzhanin +46,2
5. Valerio Checchi +46,9
6. Andrus Veerpalu +48,3
7. Tobias Angerer +56,7
8. Artem Zhmurko +1.07,0
Photo: Skierpost.com
