Oslo 2011 Day Eleven: Men's 50K Skate

For the last day of the World Championships in Oslo, the sun was out and a record number of spectators flocked to Holmenkollen to see the 50K Men's race, arguably the most prestigious race in the nordic skiing world. Organizers estimated that more than 100,000 fans came out to the race today! Talk about a lively atmosphere... If I was racing 50K with the fastest athletes in the world, I would depend on that crowd to get me through! 

Petter Northug was the 2009 World Champion and 2010 Olympic Champion in this event and had a target on his back during this race. Not only was he defending his 50K title, he was also defending his actions from Day Nine's relay, when he snowplowed to a stop right before the finish line and waited for rival Marcus Hellner in a teasing gesture that sent hard feelings to many Swedes. Would these antics make life on the race course difficult during the last race of these Championships? It sure didn't seem that way. Northug, as expected and celebrated by Norwegians across the country, skied his way to the top of the podium and secured his title as "King" of the World Championships in Oslo.

Teammate Tord Asle Gjerdalen took bronze the bronze medal. Sjur Roethe, also of Norway, was fourth. Only one man could break up the Norwegian trio: Maxim Vylegzhanin, who took home the silver medal. Even after 49K, Vylegzhanin had some kick left in him and challenged the lead pack on the final climb before entering the stadium. Northug followed, kept pace, and made his move where he has all week. Victory came shortly after.

Noah Hoffman was the big star of the American team today. He stuck with the lead pack a long time, even making his way to second place at one point. I was a bit worried that he was going to blow up completely, considering the distance still to go, but he stayed within striking distance of the leaders well into the race. He finished in 30th. Lars Flora was 39th, and Tad Elliot only three seconds behind in 40th. Billy Demong, an Olympic gold medalist in Nordic combined, stepped up to the starting line after Kris Freeman decided to sit out. Demong finished in 51st place.

Additional Links:
Full Results
Recap of Day Ten: Women's 30K Skate
Inequity on the Course- Why don't the women race 50K?
FasterSkier's report on today's race