“VIESSMANN” FIS World Cup Cross-Country in Borlaenge (Sweden), Sprint F women and men, 07.03.2006
Follis and Thobias Fredriksson took the sprint
Arianna Follis of Italy won the women's World Cup sprint race in Borlaenge (Sweden). The 28-year-old Italian finished just ahead on the current World Cup leader Marit Bjoergen (Norway). Sara Renner took third for Canada as the home favourite Emelie Oehrstig was the first left out of the podium.
For Follis it was her first World Cup victory in her career. The new Sprint World Cup leader is the today's fifth Ella Gjoemle from Norway.
At the men race the Sweden’s Thobias Fredriksson won his first race this year. The second place took Fredriksson's team-mate Peter Larsson just ahead of Devon Kershaw from Canada. The Sprint World Cup leader Bjoern Lind got fourth. For the 23-year old Kershaw it was the first podium place in his young career.
Spectators: 8.000
Weather: clear sky, – 12°C
Snow Conditions: hard
Quotes of the top three athletes:
Arianna Follis, ITA : “I'm very happy about my first victory in a World Cup in my career. I had no special tactic during the race just stay in the lead. During the last heat I felt very good, that I was sure to win the race. I'm still in shape and hope that I will have good World Cup races in the next two weeks.”
Marit Bjoergen, NOR: “I'm very satisfied about my race today because it was a long time ago when I was on the podium in a Sprint competition and the course was not my one's. I will compete in all six last World Cup races and I hope I will win again the overall World Cup trophy.”
Sara Renner, CAN: “I'm a long time on the road now and I'm a little bit homesick. In the Sprint races I'm normally not so strong that's why I'm feel very happy about my today's race. I'm glad that I'm back in shape. The course in Borlaenge I like very much, because he is flat and short.”
Thobias Fredriksson, SWE: “I'm very tired after the Olympics and that's why I'm a little bit surprised about my race. I do my best results normally when I felt pressure. The last time when here in Borlaenge was the World Cup, in the year 2003, I won the competition too. Maybe I would like to do it like Peter (Larsson) in Duesseldorf and win in a row at one place. I like the atmosphere and the course in Borlaenge very much and hope the World Cup will come back in the future to this place.”
Peter Larsson, SWE: I had a stomach sickness in the last week, so I eaten not so much and feel tired in the last days. Because of that, my result was much more than I expected. I'm in form and I will try to get my next victory before the next World Cup in Duesseldorf.”
Devon Kershaw, CAN: “It taken a long time to get into a good shape in this season. I like the World Cup and to being on the road. That makes fun especially when we have the chance to race in such a good atmosphere. I will start tomorrow in the Pursuit race in Falun and try my best to collect more FIS Points.”
