FasterSkier’s coverage of the 2013 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy, is brought to you by the generous support of Fischer Sports.
VAL DI FIEMME, Italy — Marit Bjørgen earned her twelfth World Championships gold medal on Saturday with her victory in the 30 k classic. Even with so many titles to her name, it was still an emotional win for the 32-year-old Norwegian star. Our photos from the race.
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The last race for the women at World Championships: a mass-start 30 k classic.
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Marit Bjørgen (NOR) and Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) lead on the first lap.
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Bjørgen, Therese Johaug (NOR) and Kowalczyk took turns leading for most of the race.
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Up the hill on the second lap.
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Bjørgen doing the work.
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Kowalczyk moves up.
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The first ski change at the 10 k mark.
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Masako Ishida (JPN), the only one not to change skis, takes a pull in the lead.
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Kowalczyk looks to the TV screens to see who's behind her as the leaders come into the stadium for lap 3.
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Nicole Fessel (GER) rides up on Heidi Weng's (NOR) skis.
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Kowalczyk looks for a break from leading.
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The lead group of five skis past a row of coaches.
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Kerttu Niskanen (FIN) struggles with kick.
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Ishida paying for her early move.
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Italy's Virginia De Martin Topranin leads Yulia Tchekaleva (RUS).
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Bjørgen glances at the big screen.
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Out for the sixth and final lap, Bjørgen at the front.
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Bjørgen's coach gives her last-minute advice before she leaves for the final 5 k.
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Kowalczyk loses the game of chicken and takes the disadvantageous spot in the lead, where she'll stay for most of the final lap.
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In the final meters, Bjørgen slingshots around Kowalcyzk and outsprints her by over three seconds.
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An elated Bjørgen.
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Kowalczyk taking a moment after Bjørgen shuts her out of gold for the fifth time this week.
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Johaug, the bronze-medalist, joins her teammate celebrating on the ground.
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Bjørgen
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Johaug
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Kowalczyk gets up to congratulate the Norwegians.
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Weng takes fourth, 1:38 behind Bjørgen.
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Nicole Fessel (GER) is fifth for a career-best at world champs.
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Anna Haag sprints for sixth.
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Niskanen is seventh in front of Kristin Stoermer Steira (NOR) and Ishida.
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Weng greets Haag.
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Charlott Kalla takes 11th.
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Valentina Shevchenko (UKR) is 12th.
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Liz Stephen (USA), 16th.
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Stephen and Sofia Bleckur (SWE)
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Bjørgen shakes hands with her adoring fans before giving her FIS interview.
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Bjørgen on the podium.
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Podium after the women's 30 k classic: Bjørgen smiles after besting Justyna Kowalczyk and Therese Johaug.










































































































































































































































