Norweigan Bjoergen skied up from the fourth position to take the victory in the second stage of the Tour de Ski. Bjoergen started 21 seconds behind yesterday's winner, Virpi Kuitunen (FIN) and edged young Swede Charlotte Kalla. Justyna Kowalcyzk (POL) took the third spot behind Kalla.
Kalla posted the fastest time for the day – 25:47.9. Sabina Valbusa (ITA) was just behind, with Bjoergen third.
Said Bjoergen, “this was great, I was fast on my skis. I knew that Kalla was behind me. She had a very good race today and I got good help from her, but I knew that I had very good skis and I knew that I could take her in the end and I did. My goal was to try to reach Virpi during the first lap and I knew that I would get some help from Kalla.”
Kalla was also pleased, “I felt strong all the way and tried to ski calmly but powerful. When I reached Marit Bjorgen and the others I felt that now I just go for it. But I didn’t think that I would win over Marit.”
The women's field was not quite as bunched as the men, but was still extremely tight – with a caonstan stream of finishers.
Bjoergen is now the overall leader, with Kalla and Kowalczyk extremely close behind.
 (Photo Credit: Fischer Skis)</font></center></p>
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