Five competitions have already been held in the Roller Ski World Cup 2009. The three races in Orolavje, Croatia at the end of June were followed by two competitions in Markkleeberg (GER) in mid-July. On both weekends the athletes raced in excellent conditions in various competition formats including sprint, pursuit, uphill competitions and mass start races. Currently the leader of the men’s overall ranking is roller ski veteran Alfio Di Gregorio (ITA) with 295 points. The runner up on the men’s side is Ragnar Bragvin Andresen (NOR), only 36 points behind. For the ladies, Mateja Bogatecfrom (ITA) is leading the overall ranking after five competitions, 35 points ahead of the newcomer Anna Lazareva (RUS). The growing interest in the Roller Ski World Cup is demonstrated by the Nations Cup ranking which is led by Italy, with athletes from a total of 15 nations so far earning World Cup points.
The Roller Ski World Cup will continue from 6th – 9th August in Aure and Kristiansand in Norway where several high class events with TV coverage will also feature top Cross-Country stars like Virpi Kuitunen (FIN), Charlotte Kalla (SWE), Petter Northug (NOR), Sami Jauhojärvi (FIN) and Vincent Vittoz (FRA).
This weekend, an invitational event for Cross-Country skiers will take place in Norway, during the traditional BLINKfestivalen. Free technique distance and sprint roller ski races will be held together with biathlon events in Sandnes (NOR). Numerous World Cup athletes from Scandinavia and Central Europe will compete.
Source: FIS
