CHANGCHUN, China
CHANGCHUN, China
Anders Högberg became the winner of the 7th Vasaloppet China on Jan 2 2009.
-I am really happy about this victory, it means a lot to me. It was great to also be able to win a long distance race, said Anders after his victory.Before the race, the talk was mostly about if long distance specialist Fredrik Persson would defend his victory from last year or if Anders Högberg would have the power to go in the same pace.
No one had thought of the Chinese skiers coordinated tactics that came to color the race.Fredrik Persson :
-”The Chinese didn’t go in the front to keep up the pace once until there was 7 km left. Then, several Chinese skiers made a big breakout that at least broke me.
But Anders Högberg still had the strength to keep up with the quicker pace.
-I felt fresh during the whole race. So it was just to tag along when the Chinese made their attack, say Anders who then countered with quickening the race speed yet another step for the last kilometer. That was enough for taking home the number one trophy.
Through his Victory of Vasaloppet China today, which also is one stage of the International elite ski competition Tour de Ski China, Anders has already secured the total cup victory with one more stage to go in Shangri-la, Yunnan on Jan 5-6.
Today, the victory podium was filled with Chinese women skiers yet another time. Li Hongxue which has been very strong during the whole contest stood highest up once again. The first non-Chinese woman skier was not to be found until the 10th place represented by Christina Fransson, Sweden.
Results
Cross Country Skiing, Tour de Ski China , Stage 4:Vasaloppet China, 50 km:
1) Anders Högberg, Sverige 2.18.37, 2) Xu Wenlong, Kina 2.18.39, 3) Tang Jinle, Kina 2.18.47,
4) Fredrik Persson, Sverige 2.18.52.
Women: 1) Li Hongxue, China 2.29.54, 2) E Yingcui, China 2.30.18 3) Man Dandan, China 2.33.16
4) Guo Liping 2.37.07
Click here for full results of Tour de Ski