Norway wins gold in women's cross-country relay

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-02-26 08:52

WHISTLER: Norway claimed the gold medal in the women's cross-country relay on Thursday after Marit Bjoergen pulled away on the final leg to win her third gold of the Vancouver Olympics.

Norway wins gold in women's cross-country relay

Norway's Vibeke Skofterud, Therese Johaug, Kristin Stoermer Steira and Marit Bjoergen (L-R) celebrate their victory during a flower ceremony in women's 4x5 kilometres relay classic/free cross-country skiing final event at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, British Columbia, February 25, 2010. [Agencies]

Bjoergen, who has won the individual sprint classic and the pursuit events, went out at the final exchange together with Italy's Sabina Valbusa, but the Norwegian quickly broke away from her only remaining rival and skied alone for the rest of the race.

The Norwegian team of Vibeke Skofterud, Therese Johaug, Kristin Stoermer Steira and Bjoergen finished the 4x5-kilometer race in 55 minutes and 19.5 seconds.

Germany finished second and Finland took the bronze, by 24.6 and 30.4 seconds respectively.