Parmakoski times finish to perfection with victory in Falun

(Falun, Sweden) Another day of exciting racing here in Falun, Sweden during the 2018 World Cup finals.  As the ladies' battle heats up for the Overall crystal globe it was Krista Parmakoski of Finland to sprinted her way to victory over Marit Bjoergen (NOR) in the final 100 meters of the 10 km classic mass start competition.  Both ladies' won't win with overall globe but the desire for a single event win is no less strong.  In third place was Norway's Ingvild Flugstad Oestberg who got valuable points in her quest for her first ever overall globe.  Now just 107 points separate her and her teammate Heidi Weng.  Weng finished in 22nd place today and has said that she is tired for several weeks now.

The USA's Jessie Diggins who also has an eye on the overall globe took 8th place today and is still in the hunt. However, with a 41 second deficit to Bjoergen in tomorrow's pursuit start the need 200 bonus points for the overall Tour victory along with recording the fastest time of the day might be just too far out of reach.  Oestberg who will start second tomorrow 36 seconds behind Bjoergen is in the best position for the overall globe as she appears to be finding her top form again.

ATHLETE QUOTES

Krista Parmakoski (FIN)
I started further back today but my body was working great today. I also had amazing skis. I had a very good grip and I passed many girls in the long downhills.

Marit Bjoergen (NOR)
I thought I was probably stronger than Krista. I felt O had a good finish but she was stronger. It’s good for the fight for the World Cup Final victory. We got some seconds on the other girls behind us. I thought I could be stronger in the finish but Krista was great today.

Ingvild Flugstad Østberg (NOR)
Marit was pushing hard, she and Tyril were going really fast. I did not dare to look back to see how many girls there were in the leading group. Then I learned it was just me, Marit and Krista. I was just fighting, fighting, fighting in the last 2.5 km, which was really hard. It’s been a while since my last individual podium so I am very happy for finishing 3rd today.

OFFICIAL RESULTS - Ladies' 10 km C Mst

1. PARMAKOSKI Krista 1990 FIN 26:00.5
2. BJOERGEN Marit 1980 NOR +0.2
3. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad 1990 NOR +5.1
4. ANDERSSON Ebba 1997 SWE +14.5
5. ISHIDA Masako 1980 JPN +14.8

Complete RESULTS

OVERALL WORLD CUP STANDINGS

WENG Heidi NOR 1439 pts
OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR 1332
DIGGINS Jessica USA 1226

Complete

WORLD CUP DISTANCE STANDINGS

1. WENG Heidi NOR 807 pts 
2. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR 737
3. DIGGINS Jessica USA 673

Complete

WORLD CUP FINALS TOUR STANDINGS - After stage two

1. BJOERGEN Marit NOR 28:15.3
2. OESTBERG Ingvild Flugstad NOR +36.6
3. DIGGINS Jessica USA +41.2

Complete