Lake Wanaka, New Zealand (10 August 2013) – It was all about Poland today at the FIS Australia New Zealand Continental Cup with Olympian Maciej Kreczmer and world number one ranked Justyna Kowalczyk taking out the men and women’s titles in the Classic event.
A quality field of thirteen men and eight women raced 15km and 10km under cloudy but calm skies with many skiers enjoying the action from the sideline.
Maciej Kreczmer of Poland showed class and traditional classic technique from the start taking out the top spot in 39:32:57. Visually impaired Olympian and Paralympian Brian McKeever of Canada placed second in 40:48:19 using the double pole technique, with fellow team mate Erik Carleton taking third place in 41:36:37.
“I really enjoyed the race today. I felt strong and confident and I’m happy with my performance overall”, said Maciej.
With twenty seven world cups and an Olympic gold medal to her name, Justyna Kowalczyk lived up to expectations taking out the top spot in 29:30:20. Chisa Obayashi and Michiko Kashiwabara of Japan placed second and third in 31:50:82 and 32:10:71.
“This is my first race of the season and it was difficult. It was a tough course and I worked very hard. I am pleased with my race today”, said Justyna.
Andy Pohl of New Zealand placed eighth overall with Sarah Murphy finishing sixth.
The FIS ANC Cup racing continues tomorrow (August 11) with the Freestyle 10km and 5km event kicking off at 09:30am.
Click here for results fom the Men's 15km Classic Start Final
Click here for results fom the Women's 15km Classic Start Final
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Image: Justyna Kowalczyk
Credit: Gary Duncan
11 years ago