The margins were minimal for the Russians Alena Trapeznikova and Andrey Lamov in the Long Distance race in Imatra, Finland today: they beat their closest Swedish challengers by 2 seconds and 1 second respectively. For Lamov, yet another triumph: his third gold medal in successive days.
Today’s race was a mass start, with loops to split competitors up in the earlier stages, and Trapeznikova followed up her strong performance in the Sprint Relay with a fine race today. But it was so close at the end, with Tove Alexandersson, Sweden just 2 seconds down at the finish. Bronze medal went to the Russian Mariya Kechkina who finished 2.05 down on the winner. Russians and Swedes took the first six places, with the first home finisher being Salla Koskela in 8th place, 6.45 down.
The men’s race was even closer at the end, with Markus Lundholm, Sweden just failing to beat Andrey Lamov in an intense finish. It was again a Russian bronze medal, Kirill Veselov finishing 0.40 down on Lamov. Again here the race was dominated by Russian and Swedish athletes, with the Norwegian Lars Hol Moholdt ending 10th (+4.38) and the Finn Jyri Uusitalo 11th (+ 4.41).
The courses were very technical and covered some very contrasting terrain, with good route choice essential for success in the very undulating terrain; there were many small and sometimes steep hills but no great height difference overall.
The Junior World and European Youth Long Distance races were also held today, with Russia taking three of the gold medals and Finland one. Medalists are listed below.
Tomorrow (Friday) is a rest day, and competition resumes on Saturday with the Middle Distance races starting at 11.00 local time.
Leading results
Women
Alena Trapeznikova RUS 1:24:42
Tove Alexandersson SWE 1:24:44
Mariya Kechkina RUS 1:26:47
Magdalena Olsson SWE 1:29:08
Polina Frolova RUS 1:29:19
Tatyana Oborina RUS 1:30:24
Men
Andrey Lamov RUS 1:26:40
Markus Lundholm SWE 1:26:41
Kirill Veselov RUS 1:27:20
Eduard Khrennikov RUS 1:27:33
Ulrik Nordberg SWE 1:28:42
Erik Rost SWE 1:28:44
Junior World Championships Long race:
Women: G Aleksandra Rusakova RUS, S Liisa Nenonen FIN, B Tuuli Suutari FIN
Men: G Vladislav Kiselev RUS, S Aleksandr Pavlenko RUS, B Vadim Ogorodnikov RUS
European Youth Championships Long race:
Women: G Veronika Kalinina RUS, S Siiri Saalo FIN, B Olesia Riazanova RUS
Men: G Vaino Kotro FIN, S German Sazykin RUS, B Danila Bykov RUS