It was a thrilling race were about six teams were fighting for the victory during the entire race.
At the end four teams were able to make a small gap and decide the podium after a long finish sprint launch by the German Tim Tscharnke. The strongest guy in the group was surprisingly Tettli Rennemo from Norway. He was easily able to hang on with Tim Tscarnke and claim the victory with the outstanding finish sprint.
Tettli Rennemo, who is the leader of the Norwegian cup and who has won the this year`s Scandinavian Cup was absolutely fearless in Lahti.
- “I've never been in World Cup competition abroad before, but I felt really good and that’s why I was leading the whole way. I actually didn`t plan to go so fast, but I like to be in the front,” said Tettli Rennemo.
Team Norway II with Simen Oestensen and Roger Aa Djupvik, Sjur Roethe and Kristian Tettli Rennemo beat Norway I (Eldar Roenning, Martin Johnsrud Sundby, Petter Eliassen and Tord Asle Gjerdalen) in the finish sprint by 0,2 seconds. Third place went to Germany with three youngsters around ski veteran Tobias Angerer (Hannes Dotzler, Tobias Angerer, Philipp Marschall and Tim Tscharnke).
Simen Oestensen (NOR)
I was quite nervous in the finish while waiting of my team mate Kristian. He did a great job and took the victory for us. With my performance I am also satisfied. Yesterday I was not so strong and not happy but today I did a good job for the team by finishing my leg as third just behind the leaders. It is amazing that we made a double victory today - Norway II and Norway I.
Tord Asle Gjerdalen (NOR)
The German attacked quite early and we tried to chase him down. We made it but still I couldn't beat Kristian in the finish sprint.
Tobias Angerer (GER)
My young team mates made a really good job. I am not worried about the future in XC in Germany. The podium here with this team is outstanding. I feel now much younger.
The team with Marthe Kristoffersen, Therese Johaug, Kristin Steira and Marit Bjoergen made a great performance and finished in a time of 52:48.9min, just 0,7 seconds ahead of Germany (Nicole Fessel, Kathrin Zeller, Miriam Gössner and Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle). The third and last spot on the podium took Italy (Marianna Longa, Antonella Confortola-Wyatt, Sabina Valbusa and Arianna Folli), 1 second behind the winner.
Marthe Kristoffersen (NOR)
I was really satisfied with my own performance. I could follow all the favourites on this leg and changed as second shortly behind Italy. After some not so perfect races in this season, this result is really good for my confidence. I was a bit nervous in the finish while waiting but it was also exciting to watch the race of the others.
Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle (GER)
I felt not so perfect during the race but I knew I was racing for Germany and my team mates. I give all and at the end I was able to finish second. That is great! It was an interesting experience to go as the last racers into the race.
Sabina Valbusa (ITA)
I am very satisfied with my performance. I felt strong and tried to open a gap as big as possible to the other for Arianna. We are happy with the third place.
Skierpost.com/FIS XC
