VAL DI FIEMME, Italy -- Thomas Alsgaard won the opening
men's event of the Nordic world championships Wednesday, leading an
all-Norwegian podium finish in the 30-kilometer classical cross
country race.
Anders Aukland was 0.6 seconds back and took the silver. Frode
Estil claimed the bronze medal, 1.1 seconds behind Alsgaard's
winning time of one hour, 12 minutes, 29.3 seconds.
The top American was Justin Freeman in 42nd place, more than
five minutes behind Alsgaard.
The three Norwegians worked together to overcome defending world
champion Andrus Veerpalu of Estonia in the final kilometers.
Veerpalu placed fourth, 1.9 seconds back.
It was the fifth world title for Alsgaard, who recently
recovered from a strained back. He has 14 medals overall, including
the Olympics.
At the Salt Lake City Games last year, Alsgaard won a relay gold
medal and a silver in the combined.
A mass start was used in the 30K for the first time at the
worlds.
The podium sweep boosted Norway's medal total to four following
Bente Skari's dominant performance in the women's 15K classical
race on Tuesday.
The next event in the 12-day championships is the women's 10K
freestyle race on Thursday.