VIESSMANN FIS World Cup Cross-Country in Nove Mesto na Morave (Czech Republic), Women 10 km Free Individual, 31.12.2005
Home victory for Neumannova (Czech Republic)
Katerina Neumannova is the winner of the free style Cross-Country World Cup at the Golden Ski Race in Nove Mesto na Morave. The skier from the Czech Republic finished the 2 x 5 km course 26,2 seconds ahead of Julija Tchepalova from Russia. Valentina Shevchenko (Ukraine) took the third place 37,8 seconds behind Neumannova. For Shevchenko it was the first podium place this year.
The athlete from the Czech Republic repeated her victory in the free style race from last year in Nove Mesto. Marit Bjoergen from Norway is still in the lead of the overall World Cup standing with 30 points ahead of the new Distance World Cup leader Julija Tchepalova.
Spectators: 25.000
Weather: cloudy, -7°C
Snow conditions: packed powder
Quotes of the top three athletes:
Katharina Neumannova: ” Of course, I'm very happy about today's race. The conditions were better than in the last years and the spectators along the track were so great. I was really surprised that so many spectators find the way to the World Cup at the 31st of December. For me, the World Cup in Nove Mesto is one of the highlights in the Cross-Country season. Now I will go back to my home, kiss my daughter and celebrate together with my friends the New Year's eve.”
Julija Tchepalova: “For the today's race I had no tactic. I have no experiences with races on the New Year's eve but I works very well. I was not surprised about the clear distance between Katerina and me. I expected a good race from Katerina on her home World Cup. My dither is ill and so I will go home, take care on her and train in Russia. My next World Cup will be in Val di Fiemme.”
Valentina Shevchenko: “I'm in a good shape this season. During the last season I had a lot of health problems with asthma and my knee. But now I'm really happy about my first podium place in this season. For the next time I will try to get better and better that I will be in my best shape for the Olympics.”
Results: www.fis-ski.com
