FasterSkier’s coverage of the 2013 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy, is brought to you by the generous support of Fischer Sports.
VAL DI FIEMME, Italy — Marit Bjørgen earned her twelfth World Championships gold medal on Saturday with her victory in the 30 k classic. Even with so many titles to her name, it was still an emotional win for the 32-year-old Norwegian star. Our photos from the race.
The last race for the women at World Championships: a mass-start 30 k classic.
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Marit Bjørgen (NOR) and Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) lead on the first lap.
Bjørgen, Therese Johaug (NOR) and Kowalczyk took turns leading for most of the race.
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Up the hill on the second lap.
Bjørgen doing the work.
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Kowalczyk moves up.
The first ski change at the 10 k mark.
Masako Ishida (JPN), the only one not to change skis, takes a pull in the lead.
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Kowalczyk looks to the TV screens to see who’s behind her as the leaders come into the stadium for lap 3.
Nicole Fessel (GER) rides up on Heidi Weng’s (NOR) skis.
Kowalczyk looks for a break from leading.
The lead group of five skis past a row of coaches.
Kerttu Niskanen (FIN) struggles with kick.
Ishida paying for her early move.
Italy’s Virginia De Martin Topranin leads Yulia Tchekaleva (RUS).
Bjørgen glances at the big screen.
Out for the sixth and final lap, Bjørgen at the front.
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Bjørgen’s coach gives her last-minute advice before she leaves for the final 5 k.
Kowalczyk loses the game of chicken and takes the disadvantageous spot in the lead, where she’ll stay for most of the final lap.
In the final meters, Bjørgen slingshots around Kowalcyzk and outsprints her by over three seconds.
An elated Bjørgen.
Kowalczyk taking a moment after Bjørgen shuts her out of gold for the fifth time this week.
Johaug, the bronze-medalist, joins her teammate celebrating on the ground.
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Kowalczyk gets up to congratulate the Norwegians.
Weng takes fourth, 1:38 behind Bjørgen.
Nicole Fessel (GER) is fifth for a career-best at world champs.
Anna Haag sprints for sixth.
Niskanen is seventh in front of Kristin Stoermer Steira (NOR) and Ishida.
Weng greets Haag.
Charlott Kalla takes 11th.
Valentina Shevchenko (UKR) is 12th.
Liz Stephen (USA), 16th.
Stephen and Sofia Bleckur (SWE)
Bjørgen shakes hands with her adoring fans before giving her FIS interview.
Bjørgen on the podium.
Podium after the women’s 30 k classic: Bjørgen smiles after besting Justyna Kowalczyk and Therese Johaug.
