Kristina Smigun continued her golden week with a 20 second win over a trio of Norwegians in Thursday's Olympic 10K classic race. Sara Renner was extremely strong, leading the first half of the individual start race. Even though she faded towards the end, she still finished 8th. Wendy Wagner was the top US skier in 50th place.
As expected a couple inches of new snow fell overnight. Heavy wet snow continued to fall during the race in the upper elevations, while rain fell below, with temperatures above freezing, making for very trick waxing conditions. The course was very challenging, with a brutal last 3K, including 2 major climbs.
At the 2.6K checkpoint, Sara Renner was flying. She had the lead by 6 seconds over Marit Bjoergen (Norway), Katerina Neumanova (Czech Republic) and Brita Norgren of Sweden. Pre-race favorite Virpi Kuitunen was in 5th. Beckie Scott was 14th, 15 seconds off her teammate's pace.
At 6K, Renner was still in the lead, but the other big names were closing in. Olympic pursuit champion Kristina Smigun was 0.2 seconds back, and Bjoergen was 0.8 seconds back. Kristin Stormer Steira (NOR) also made a big move up to 4th.
Things got more interesting as rain began to mix with snow during the race. Many skiers were slipping as they struggled to get there wax to work.
At 7.7 K, Renner relinquished her lead and fell to fifth place. Smigun took over the top spot but Norwegians Bjoergen and Steira, as well as Nuemannova, were keeping the pressure on, staying within 6 seconds of the Estonian.
