VIESSMANN FIS World Cup Cross-Country in Oberstdorf (Germany), Women Pursuit 7,5 km C + 7,5 km F, 21.01.2006
Beckie Scott earned her first World Cup win on European soil today, winning the Women Pursuit 7,5 km C + 7,5 in Oberstdorf, Germany. Sara Renner was 16th. No other North Americans raced.
Third victory for Scott
The 31-year-old Beckie Scott is the winner of the Pursuit Cross-Country World Cup race in Oberstdorf. The athlete from Canada finished the course 6,7 seconds clearly ahead of Claudia Kuenzel from Germany/Oberwiesenthal. The third place was Katerina Neumannova from Czech Republic 15,5 seconds behind Scott.
For Scott it was the third victory this season and total the 5th podium place. Thanks to her excellent finish on the last uphill she was able to hold off the strong German Claudia Kuenzel and Katerina Neumannova. Marit Bjoergen is still in the lead of the World Cup standings clearly ahead of the Russian Julija Tchepalova and Claudia Kuenzel from Germany. Bjoergen didn't compete in the today's race because of the Norwegian National Championships which take place in Kongsberg this weekend.
Spectators: 5.000
Weather: cloudy , +1,5°C
Snow conditions: wet
Quotes of the top three athletes:
Beckie Scott : “I was very tired today. I tried to follow in the first part the top athletes and concentrate me on the finish. This was the right tactic. I had no problems with the choice of my skis for the today's race. Our technician made a fantastic job and had the right choice of the wax. I started into the season in a very good shape and I could conserve it. We will leave on Monday to Pontresina and train there in high altitude. Afterwards we will compete in Davos and than we will go directly to Pragelato. My goal for the Olympic games is to make good races and to be on the podium. I hope I'm at the right time in the right shape.”
Claudia Kuenzel: “Katerina crossed my skis about two kilometres before the finish and felt down. It was not my fault. But I profited from this situation. Now I try make my first victory in February, during the Olympic Games. After the second classical lap I was very tired and try to recover at the first free technique lap. Than I made my focus to the finish and gave my best.”
Katerina Neumannova: “I don't feel that I'm in the best shape today. This morning I wasn't relaxed so I'm a little bit surprised about my today's race. In the last lap I crossed the skis of Claudia and felt down. That was not good for my finish, but I fought. Now I will make a high altitude training in Sestriere next week and maybe I don't compete in Davos. My daughter will come with me and so I could enjoy some days together with her. That makes my happy. I hope I will have a chance to get a medal in a individual distance race in Torino.
Results: http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/1228.html?event_id=17228&cal_suchsector=CC
