The traditional Vasaloppet (SWE) last weekend represented the eighth of the ten races in this year’s FIS Marathon Cup. As at several other popular cross-country marathons this season, the Vasaloppet week set new records in terms of registered, started and finished racers. Altogether there were 50’553 skiers who crossed the finish line during the full week of activities in Mora, 15’901 of whom participated in the 90km main race.
The main race on Sunday was won by Jorgen Brink (SWE) who prevailed for his first ever Vasaloppet win in the last 100 meters of the race over three-time winner and countryman Daniel Tynell. Towards the end a four-man lead group was formed with Brink, Tynell, Jorgen Aukland (NOR) and Stanislav Rezac (CZE). Tynell then took the lead in the final kilometers towards the center of Mora and Brink and Tynell sprinted for the finish. Victory in ladies’ Vasaloppet was captured by Sandra Nyström ahead of Sandra Hansson (both SWE).
In the FMC rankings with just the Engadin Ski Marathon (SUI) and Birkebeinerloppet (NOR) remaining on the schedule, Italian Fabio Santus holds the overall lead with 365 points. Oskar Svaerd of Sweden is in an attacking position just 43 points behind. Both Marco Cattaneo (ITA) in 3rd and Stanislav Rezac (CZE) in 4th, too, still maintain (at least theoretical) chances of the FIS Marathon Cup victory. In the ladies’ rankings, the Swedes have a four-fold lead with Jenny Hansson comfortably sitting in top position ahead of Sandra Hansson and Susanne Nyström who are tied for 2nd (85 points behind). Nina Linzen is currently ranked 4th.
Source: FIS
