The second event in Visma Ski Classics Season XI took place today. Also being the second one in Visma Alp Trophy cup combining the alp events. The 38 km race Toblach-Cortina in Italy saw Ermil Vokuev, Russian Winter Team, as the winner after a sprint finish between six skiers.
Vokuev won the race after a strong sprint finish 0,3 seconds ahead of Oskar Kardin, Team Ragde Eiendom, and Emil Persson, Lager 157 Ski Team 3rd 0,5 seconds behind the winner. Morten Eide Pedersen, Team Nordic Athlete, was 4th, just behind. Then, Stian Hoelgaard, Team Koteng and Petter Eliassen, Team Ragde Eiendeom, 4,1 and 7,9 seconds behind.
Vokuev, Eide Pedersen, Kardin, and Emil Persson got a gap when 15 km was left of the race. Vokuev was in front most of the time, showing much strength all day.
Chasing behind was Petter Eliassen, Team Ragde Eiendeom and Stian Hoelgaard, Team Koteng. With 2,2 km left of the race, the duo closed the gap.
Eliassen tried to make a move with 800 meters to the finish, but he couldn’t manage to pass the four in the front.
At the final stretch, Vokuev was clearly the strongest. The victory was his second Visma Ski Classcis win. In season X he won La Venosta.
“The body felt good all the race. Now I will fight hard also in Marcialonga and Jizerska, which are my top goals this season,” says Vokuev.
Oskar Kardin was happy to be second and to continue with the yellow bib.
“I’m satisfied with second place today. Ermil was super strong. He was amazing in the uphills on the last lap. I was on the limit all the way,” says Kardin.
“I will try to keep the yellow bib as long as possible and enjoy every minute of it,” Kardin continues.
Emil Persson was also satisfied to reach the podium with his third place.
“It was a good race. A hard race with high speed from the start. I felt good all the way, but I’m not happy with my last kilometers, I lost it there, but a third-place is good,” says Persson.
Oskar Kardin keeps the lead in the Champion competition and Visma Alp Trophy.
Emil Persson keeps the lead in the Youth competition, and Anders Aukland is still in the lead in the Sprint competition.
Ermil Vokuev takes the lead in the Climb competition.
Team Ramudden tops the Team competition, followed by Lager 157 Ski Team, Russian Winter Team and Team Ragde Eiendom.
Top photo Björn Reichert/Nordic focus.
