Scott 3rd, Renner 8th in WC Sprint

Thursday, December 19, 2002, Linz, Austria
 
It was an exciting day for the Canadian National Cross Country Ski Team as Beckie Scott added a third World Cup bronze medal to her collection and Sara Renner raced to a personal best 8th in the World Cup skating sprint event held this evening in Linz, Austria. 
 
Scott, an established power-house sprinter with two other bronze medals in this event, is continuing to produce consistent top-10 results in almost every race this World Cup season.  Coming off a few days of illness, Scott is more than pleased with today's result.
 
“I had no expectations for today, really,” explained Scott.  “I just needed to get some intensity workouts in for the weekend race, but the day ended up a lot better than anticipated.”
 
Renner, who placed 9th in the sprint event at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, is quickly joining Scott among the world's best cross-country ski racers. 
 
“I am really excited to be back up there,” commented Renner.  “It's nice to be getting back into the top ranks again.”
 
Coach Dave Wood was thrilled with his athletes' results.  “It was a really good day for us, which is good for getting the motivation and enthusiasm up for Saturday's race.”
 
The Women's sprint was won by Finnish sprinting sensation Pirjo Manninen, followed by Norway's Hilde Pedersen in a dramatic photo finish.  Scott was only inches behind, followed by Italy's Karin Moroder.  In the B-final, German youngster Evi Sachenbacher won. Norwegian Marit Bjoergen and Russian Alena Sidko came in just behind, with Renner close in the chase.  Other Canadian Team member Milaine Theriault did not start.
 
On the Men's side, Sweden dominated with Mikael Oestberg and Tobias Frederiksson grabbing the top two medals.  Italian speedster Christian Zorzi settled for bronze, followed by Germany's Rene Sommerfeldt.  There were no North American men competing today.
 
The last pre-Christmas World Cup event will take place Saturday with a pursuit race in Ramsau, Austria.