WSOC: Norwegian dominance in Middle race

Anna Ulvensøen and Jørgen Baklid won gold in the Middle race today, a Norwegian double on courses and in conditions that suited fast cross-country skiers. This was Baklid’s third gold of the championships; Magdalena Olsson, Sweden, gold medallist in Sprint and Long, took silver.

Ulvensøen was one of the earliest of the top athletes to start and had a strong race throughout: fast on the tracks, strong on the uphills and technically sound. She then had a long wait to see who might better her time, and both Magdalena Olsson and her compatriot Linda Lindkvist were at times challenging her position. Both made small mistakes, however; in places it was difficult for the athletes to distinguish a small track from a well-used short-cut, and several lost precious seconds because of this. At the end, Ulvensøen had a lead of 47 seconds and Lindkvist was just 4 seconds slower than Olsson to take the bronze.

Baklid, the ‘complete package’ as described by IOF TV commentator Linus Rapp, proved again today that he is superior in skiing ability and in technical skills to everyone else this year. “I was feeling in good shape, and also orienteering well,” he said afterwards. “I started strongly and pushed hard up the hills, and it was great to catch Nicola Müller who started 2 minutes before me.” The decisive leg was the long uphill 12-13 on which he was fastest by a good margin. Müller achieved silver medal position courtesy of an audacious short-cut through the terrain to control 15, a route not taken by any of the other leaders. Bronze medallist was the young Norwegian Teodor Mo Hjelseth, gold medallist in the Junior Middle race last year; a fine result for a first-year Senior. He had a very long wait until his medal position was confirmed.

All photos: Elisabeth Kirchmeier

It was another warm day and because of low snow levels, the organisers were forced to change the courses at the last minute, including setting up a new start. All was finalized and the courses printed at 3 a.m.! The outcome was excellent, with very challenging and interesting courses. Tomorrow is the final day of the championships, the Sprint Relay for teams of two, one woman and one man who each ski 3 short legs – around 7 minutes per leg. Norway’s team seems to be in a good position as defending world champions! Follow all the action on IOF TV; the transmission starts at 12.50.

Leading results – Middle race

Women

1. Anna Ulvensøen NOR 45:14
2. Magdalena Olsson SWE 46:01
3. Linda Lindkvist SWE 46:05
4. Elin Schagerström SWE 47:01
5. Maria Hoskari FIN 48:05
6. Daisy Kudre Schnyder EST 48:11

Men

1. Jørgen Baklid NOR 44:03
2. Nicola Müller SUI 46:04
3. Teodor Mo Hjelseth NOR 46:54
4. Henrik Fredriksen Aas NOR 47:03
5. Eevert Toivonen FIN 47:25
6. Albin Gezelius SWE 47:36

The Junior World and European Youth Championships Middle races were also held today; medal-winners are listed below. The best athletes overall to date are Amanda Yli Futka, Finland (W20) and Lavio Müller, Switzerland (M17), who have both won 2 gold medals. Eight athletes in all have won more than one medal, with Minna Turesson, Sweden, winning three – gold in Sprint plus silver in Long and Middle.

Junior World SkiO Championships – Middle race

W20

1. Amanda Yli Futka FIN 34:13
2. Ella Turesson SWE 34:41
3. Ingeborg Roll Mosland NOR 36:15

M20

1. Pyry Riissanen FIN 36:25
2. Corsin Müller SUI 36:34
3. Marek Sterba CZE 36:45

European Youth SkiO Championships – Middle race

W17

1. Margarita Dienyte LTU 30:50
2. Minna Turesson SWE 31:24
3. Anett Liisa Parts EST 31:39

M17

1. Lavio Müller SUI 25:45
2. Vladimir Srb CZE 27:53
3. Ludvig Eggoy Markhester SWE 28:13