Sodergren captures second cross-country win

Posted: Sunday 15th February 2009 | 20:03

SWEDEN'S Anders Sodergren and Poland's Justyna Kowalczyk have claimed cross-country skiing World Cup victories in Valdidentro, Italy.

Sodergren crossed the finishing line in 37:58 minutes, holding off a late challenge from Norway's Jens Arne Svartedal, who finished in 37:59.9m.

Sodergren's fellow Swede Johan Olsson took third place with 38:00.2m.

RELATED: Angerer ends wait for cross-country victory

The achievement was all the more impressive as the Swedish skier had missed the start of the season with a suspected tumour which was eventually found to be benign.

But with that scare behind him, he has resumed competition in style - claiming his second win of the season.

World Cup overall leader Dario Cologna of Switzerland retained his place at the top of the standings despite only finishing 19th

Kowalczyk left it late but stormed home to take first place in 29:37.4m, moving her into third place in the World Cup standings.

Italy's Marianna Longa was second with a time of 29:49.8m. The winner of Friday's sprint, Petra Majdic of Slovenia, was third with a time of 30:07.7m.

The winner of the men's sprint on Friday was Norway's Ola Vigen Hattestad.