Tchepalova Burns Off Bjoergen In World Championship Pursuit; Beckie Scott Fourth

The women's double pursuit race, which took place today at the Oberstdorf World Championships, was dominated by Julija Tchepalova of Russia who managed to ski clear of the overall World Cup leader, Marit Bjoergen of Norway. Conditions were excellent with sunny weather and 30 to 32-degree temperatures. About 30,000 spectators came to watch the fastest cross-country skiers in the world compete in the exciting head-to-head pursuit format.

Things were going beautifully for Bjoergen during the earlier part of the 15km race, which began with a mass-start and 7.5km of classic skiing. Bjoergen stayed roughly within 1 second of the lead for the first few kilometers before taking the lead herself and stringing out the bunched-up pack with an accelerated pace.