Marit Bjorgen won the women’s 5 kilometer classic race at the Norwegian cross country opener at Beitostolen on Sunday November 16. Bjorgen had a good week with two first places and one second in the three-race weekend. She is now clearly among the top favorites for next weekend World Cup races.
Vibeke Skofterud was second -12 seconds out andTina Bay was third, 26 seconds behind. Yesterday’s 10 kilometer skate race winner Hilde G. Pedersen was fourth, 29 seconds out.
Jens Arne Svartedal won the men’s 10 kilometer classic race, 15 seconds ahead of Anders Aukland. Odd- Bjorn Hjelmset was third, 24 seconds behind and Tore Bjonviken was fourth, 36 seconds out.
Yesterday’s skate winner Skjeldal was 6th and Lars Flora, USA was 31st , 1 minute and 45 seconds behind the winner in a field of 102 of Norway’s best skiers.Â
