Bjoergen rebounds and Klaebo continues in Ruka

(Ruka, Finland) Marit Bjoergen and Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo both of Norway were the clear winners on day two of the Ruka Tour in the 10 and 15 km interval start classic competition.  Bjoergen rebounded from a disappointing sprint on day one and now sits second in the overall tour standings 2.6 seconds behind Sweden's Charlotte Kalla.  Kalla was second in today's competition.  Day one winner Stina Nilsson slipped to third in the Tour standings and will start +12.4 seconds behind Kalla.  Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg of Norway was third in today's competition just 0.8 seconds behind Kalla and is 4th in the Tour standings.

Klaebo continued his dominance through the first two days winning today by 15.3 seconds and now leads the Tour standings by 38.3 seconds.  Russia's Alexander Bolshunov will start second behind Klaebo tomorrow after moving up the standings with a strong 4th place finish in the men's 15 km.  In second place today was Didrik Toenseth of Norway and in third local favourite Finland's Iivo Niskanen +17.7 behind Klaebo.

The Ruka Triple mini tour will conclude tomorrow with free technique 10 km and 15 km pursuit competitions.

ATHLETE QUOTES

Marit Bjoergen (NOR)
I knew I was in a good shape. For sure today there were difficult conditions but after yesterday we all wanted to show the best today. I am 2 seconds behind Charlotte. I have done some very good competitions here in Ruka. It was tighter today but I am looking forward to tomorrow.

Charlotte Kalla (SWE)
It’s great to compete when you feel good and can keep

Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg (NOR)

The plan was to start carefully and have things under control. It was not easy conditions today. I was hoping I had good skis. I had a very good finish. Marit was very strong. I am especially happy with 2nd place after yesterday.

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo (NOR)
I was surprised myself. My plan was to open hard. When you fight for the World Cup victory, you try to give everything.

Didrik Toenseth (NOR)
It’s unbelievable what Johannes did today, having raced four sprint rounds yesterday.

Iivo Niskanen (FIN)
It was a difficult competition and it was not easy to pick the right skis. Looking at the whole mini-tour 3rd place good. I am still not where I would like to be, there are some good things but also some things I have to improve for the Games.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

LADIES

1. BJOERGEN Marit 1980 NOR 25:07.6
2. KALLA Charlotte 1987 SWE +17.0
3. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad 1990 NOR +17.8
4. WENG Heidi 1991 NOR +34.0
5. STADLOBER Teresa 1993 AUT +36.4

Complete RESULTS

MEN

1. KLAEBO Johannes Hoesflot 1996 NOR 33:38.8
2. TOENSETH Didrik 1991 NOR +15.3
3. NISKANEN Iivo 1992 FIN +17.7
4. BOLSHUNOV Alexander 1996 RUS +19.9
5. POLTORANIN Alexey 1987 KAZ +25.6

Complete RESULTS

OVERALL TOUR STANDINGS - After Day 2

LADIES

1. KALLA Charlotte SWE 28:31.1
2. BJOERGEN Marit NOR +2.6
3. NILSSON Stina SWE +12.4
4. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR +20.0
5. NEPRYAEVA Natalia RUS +23.8

Complete

MEN

1. KLAEBO Johannes Hoesflot NOR 35:55.3
2. BOLSHUNOV Alexander RUS +38.3
3. GOLBERG Paal NOR +44.1
4. HALFVARSSON Calle SWE +47.8
5. NISKANEN Iivo FIN +49.5

Complete