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Eldar Roenning (NOR) and Tatjana Mannima (EST) win Tartu Maraton 2015

Already pretty early, it was clear that this race will be a Norwegian thing – Eldar Roenning and Audun Laugaland both skied together most of the time, showing that the victory would only go over them. However, until about 15km before the finish, they were still six men fighting for the places. But Roenning and Laugaland could their chance at one of the intermediate sprints (15km until finish) and never let the gap which they had opened up at this instance close again thereafter. In the end, Martti Himma (EST) could show his strength in front of his home crowd and secured himself the third place behind the two Norwegians and in front of two of his team mates.

On the women’s side, it was a clean sweep for Tatjana Mannima (EST). After her victory in La Transju’Classic (FRA) last week, she also showed her strength in front of her home crowd by winning the 63km CT long Tartu Maraton in front of Antonella Confortola (ITA) and her country companian Triin Ojaste (EST).

Almost 5000 racers took the start in the biggest long distance cross country ski race in Estonia this morning, whereas 1400 skied the short distance of 31km.

Novak (CZE) still leader of the overall FIS Marathon Cup on the men’s side with 280 points, Mannima (EST) new leader on the women’s side with 267 points!

With all close contestants for the overall FIS Marathon Cup ranking on the men’s side absent at Tartu Maraton there are no changes in the classification: Petr Novak continues to lead with 280 points in front of Benoit Chauvet (FRA, 195 points) and Toni Livers (SUI, 150 points). However, with her second victory in a row, Tatjana Mannima (EST) takes over the lead in the overall FIS Marathon Cup ranking on the women’s side. She now leads with 267 points in front of Holly Brooks (USA, 260 points) and Aurelie Dabudyk (FRA, 214 points).

The complete result list from today’s race & the actual overall FIS Marathon Cup standing:

https://www.worldloppet.com/fmcresults.php

The statements of the best 3

1^st Eldar Roenning (NOR):

It was a really nice race with a perfect track. The atmosphere was great and the race really well organised. I even could say it may be better than Vasaloppet. I definitely recommend to everyone in Norway to come to Tartu Maraton. Today, I had great grip and perfect skis. I just felt good already at the start and it’s wonderful to have been able to win here today! I took the Sprint price and together with Audun we saw that we had a 10s gap to the others. We quickly talked and decided to give it a go, to just push on and work together until the end. That worked out perfectly and I am really happy!

2^nd Audun Laugaland (NOR):

I am very happy with this second place. Together with Eldar we made good speed after we opened up a gap after the sprint price. We decided to work together and to give it a try to just push on. It worked out great. In the end, he was just a bit stronger then me today.

3^rd Martti Himma (EST):

For me, this third place is like a victory! I am really happy to be once again on the podium of Tartu Maraton after 20006.

1^st Tatjana Mannima (EST):

It was critical to choose the correct skis today. I have to thank my waxtechs a lot who helped me to make the right choice. Besides winning here on home furf today, it’s great to be back on top of the FIS Marathon Cup ranking! Winning the overall Cup is definitely my main goal this year!

2^nd Antonella Confortola (ITA):

I really enjoyed the race today. The track was fantastic. I am more of a runner now than a skier, so being on the podium here is really great! I have very fond memories of Estonia from the time I skied here in Otepää during the Cross Country World Cup.

3^rd Triin Ojaste (EST):

t was my first ever marathon. It was very nice. I also just found out that I am going to Falun to the World Ski Championships to ski in the relay so it is really a fantastic day for me.