Liz Stephen, Ammar Tie For 7th in JWC Pursuit

FIS Junior World Ski Championships in Kranj-Medvode (SLO)

Pursuit 5km C + 5km F women and 10km C + 10km F men, 03.02.2006

Victory for Kalla and Northug

The Swedes Charlotte Kalla won her first Junior World Champion title. With 9,6 seconds behind, Betty-Ann Bjerkreim Nilsen from Norway took the second place clearly ahead of the Czech Eva Nyvltova. She finished her race 26,6 seconds behind the winner. For the Kalla it was the second podium place at this Championships in Medvode after her 3 place in the 5 km classical race.

Liz Stephen had the highest US finish of the week so far with her 7th place effort. Right next to her was Amanda Ammar of Canada.

7-T. Liz Stephen USA
7-T. Amanda Ammar CAN
28. Brittany Webster CAN
33. Tazlina Mannix USA
34. Alexa Turzian USA
60. Morgan Arritola USA
66. Kate Brennan CAN
69. Hannah Perry CAN

Petter Northug could celebrate today his third victory at the Junior World Championships in Medvode. The athlete from Norway finished the competition ahead of the 19-year-old Ilia Chernousov from Russia, who was 5,3 seconds behind. The Czech Martin Jaks took the third place 11,5 seconds behind the winner, it was his second podium place after his second place in the 10 km classic race. With this victory Northug won his 5th Junior World Champion title. That is a new record, no athlete won before more gold medals at a FIS Junior World Championship.

17. Alex Harvey CAN
30. Christopher Butler CAN
37. Glenn Randall USA
44. Matt Gelso USA
47. Max Treinen USA
55. Haakon James Lenes CAN
59. Mike Hinckley USA
62. Brent McMurtry CAN

Weather: cloudy, – 1°C

Quotes:

Charlotte Kalla, SWE: “It's wonderful, at the moment unbelievable for me. The conditions on the course were very good and I really had a great feeling being out there. At the classic race I didn't do everything I could, but at the skating I went faster and managed to win. I crossed the finish line turned backwards because I felt I have to do something special.”

Betty-Ann Bjerkreim Nilsen, NOR: “It is a very tough course, especially the skating part of it. But somehow we all managed to finish it. It is very hard for me among all the great Norwegians, that is why I am very happy I am in second place. Last year we won the relay race and I think we can repeat it this year.”

Eva Nyvltova, CZE: “I am very happy. This is my second medal here and I feel great. My race on this course was good today and I knew I can win a medal.”

Petter Northug, NOR: “The course is in great condition, especially the part for the classic. I was a little bit tired after the first two races, but I tried to do my best. My tactics were to run in the group for the first part of the race and go faster in the last lap. I hope this is not my last gold here in Medvode, we can win the relay race on Sunday.”

Ilia Chernousov, RUS: ” This race was very hard for me and I am happy with the second place, although I hoped I will win. ”

Martin Jaks, CZE: “I didn't expect to be among first three, therefore I am very happy. I think we can get a medal in relay race but probably not gold. The favorites are in my oppinion Russia, Norway and Finland.”

Results: http://www.fis-ski.com/uk/604/610.html?sector=CC&raceid=9082