Andrus Veerpalu wins the 15km race

Czech Republic was expecting a victory of Lukas Bauer, the local and winner of the 2008 World Cup, in the 15km cross-country ski classical style. He had to face the return of the "old" Estonian, Andrus Veerpalu (Olympic champion in 2006).

4km before the finish line, Bauer was still leading but Veerpalu made the difference in the last 2 kms. The 3rd place goes to the Finn Matti Heikkinen.
It was indeed a great day for Estonia since the other outsider Jaak Mäe finished 5th.

The ranking:

1. Andrus Veerpalu (EST) 38:54.4
2. Lukas Bauer (CZE) à 6.3
3. Matti Heikkinen (FIN) 16.4
4. Kris Freeman (USA) 17.7
5. Jaak Mae (EST) 30.7
6. Dario Cologna (SUI) 33.3
7. Eldar Roenning (NOR) 41.2
8. Johan Olsson (SWE) 42.1
9. Tobias Angerer (GER) 50.5
10. Martin Bajcicak (SVK) 57.5