11.1.2015

Pedersen and Smutna win Jizerska 50

Swix Ski Classics continued today with the third event, Jizerska 50 in Czech Republic. Rain yesterday and freezing temperatures over night made the conditions challenging and the course was shortened from 50km to 45km.

Half way through the race Morten Eide Pedersen Team Coop and Petter Eliassen Team Lease Plan Go skied away from the rest of the group and worked hard together. Morten was strongest in the finish sprint and won his first Swix Ski Classics race.

"Amazing to win a Ski Classics race and also my first podium place. It was a tough race but I felt better and better all the time. I know I am pretty good sprinter so I stayed behind in the end and managed to win the sprint," says Morten Eide Pedersen Team Coop.

Katerina Smutna, Masako Ishida Team United Bakeries and Seraina Boner Team Coop skied away early in the women’s race. Getting closer to the finish line Katerina and Masako were alone fighting for the victory and Katerina won just ahead of Masako.

"I was surprised the three of us got away so early but it was really great to win and you will for sure see me in more Ski Classics races this winter," says Katerina Smutna.

Team Coop is still leading the team competition.