Kowalczyk makes podium in Kuusamo
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
03.12.2012 12:29
Cross-country skier Justyna Kowalczyk won a place on the World Cup podium for the first time this season on Sunday, coming second in the Ruka Triple in Kuusamo, Finland.
Kowalczyk celebrates her podium place: photo - EPA/Kimmo Brandt
Poland's Olympic champion started in fourth place on Sunday in the 10 km Classic Pursuit, the final event in the Ruka Triple, trailing three Norwegians.
However, heavy snow and intense cold were not going to stand in the way, and about 2 km from the finishing line, Kowalczyk struck, blitzing ahead of Therese Johaug and Heidi Weng.
Marit Bjoergen managed to win the event, holding on to her overall lead in the World Cup standings, while Kowalczyk is now in third place behind Johaug.
“I am very satisfied today,” Kowalczyk enthused after crossing the finishing line.
“After last week when I finished 27th in Gallivare it's good to be back.”
“I am usually tired at the beginning of the season after hard summer training. I must rest a little bit and my shape will get step by step better.”
In the overall World Cup standings, Bjoergen has a comfortable lead with 450 points, while Johaug and Kowalczyk are virtually neck and neck with 273 and 260 points respectively. (nh)