By Inge Scheve, Madshus
Joergen Brink (SWE) hauled into Mora Sunday after polishing off the 90-kilometer classic course in 4 hours 2 minutes and 59 seconds. But the victory was far from handed to him. Brink beat Vasalopp veteran Daniell Tynell (SWE) in a fierce sprint to the finish, while Stanislav Rezac (CZE) was third in 4:03:02. Brink adds a new name to the list of ringers on the FIS marathon circuit.
– I’m excited to contribute to increase the interest in marathon races, Brink said after his impressive sprint finish.
There was no shortage of drama in the women’s race either. Three of the overall favorites skied together from the start: Madshus racer Susanne Nystroem (SWE), Sandra Hansson (NOR) and Jenny Hansson (SWE). At Oxberg, about 30K from the finish, Sandra Hansson was ahead by 2 minutes. But the home town favorite Nystroem surged and clocked in at 4:33:07, while Hansson finished in 4:33:39. Jenny Hansson fell off the group earlier in the race.
– This is the biggest moment in my career as a ski racer. I was happy and moved at the same time, Nystroem said after her finish.
Nystroem, who uses Madshus skis, boots, and poles, won her second Vasaloppet title for the week. On Saturday, February 27th took her 4th consecutive title in TjejVasan (the 30K women-only event).
On Friday, March 5, Ole Marius Bach (NOR) won the SkateVasa on Madshus skis. Bach finished in 1:51:17, beating Lars Matsson (SWE) by two seconds.
For more information, complete results and features from the 2010 Vasaloppet events, visit www.vasaloppet.se.