Beitostolen, Norway – The Beitosprinten weekend concludes tomorrow with a 5/10km classic individual start. The field once again includes many of the top World Cup racers. Petter Northug (NOR) winner of today’s 15km freestyle, will try to make it two for two. He will face a stiff challenge from numerous fellow Norwegians, as well as the top Italian and Russian skiers.
Kris Freeman, coming off a strong 5th place today makes his 2009/2010 classic debut. He is joined by Andy Newell, who was 14th in Friday’s sprint. Newell is attempting to move beyond sprint specialist status, and bring his distance racing up to an international level.
133 men are scheduled to race. Start time is 11:10 local.
The women’s field is just as strong. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) turned in a dominating 52 second victory in today’s freestyle race. She takes to the line again, facing significant competition. Last year’s World CUp runner-up, and Sprint Champion, Petra Majdic (SLO), a stronger classic skier will be in the hunt for the victory. She won Friday’s sprint, and was 5th today.
Kikkan Randall (USA) will start her first distance race of the season. Teammate Liz Stephen will attmept to follow up her solid 16th today with another strong performance in tomorrow’s 5km event.
Them women start at 10:10 local time. 81 women are on the start list.
