Toblach, Italy – In a grueling stage-five short distance classic race on Friday, Poland’s Justyna Kowalczyk extended her Tour de Ski lead to more than a minute over Sweden’s Charlotte Kalla and Norway’s Therese Johaug with a huge 15-second margin over the short 3k course.

American Kikkan Randall, of Anchorage, Alaska, moved up one spot to seventh and remained in close striking distance to fourth as the Tour heads into its final two days in Val di Fiemme. She currently sits 33 seconds off the podium.

“I’m pretty happy with today’s result. Classic races can go either way for me. I was happy to feel strong and have good skis today and keep my position in the overall,” Randall said.

Minnesota’s Jessie Diggins, a Tour de Ski rookie, remained in 27^th after finishing 32^nd today. Holly Brooks of Anchorage was 38^th on Friday and stands 34^th, while Vermont’s Liz Stephen was 45^th and dropped one position to 45^th overall.

Russian Alexey Poltoranin took the men’s win over Tour leader Petter Northug of Norway. Andy Newell, of Shaftsbury, Vt., was 44^th, followed by Aspen’s Noah Hoffman in 60^th and Kris Freeman, of Andover, N.H., close behind in 61^st.

The Tour now heads into the heart of the Dolomites to Val di Fiemme for the two final stages including a mass start classic race Saturday and fabled hill climb up Alpe Cermis Sunday.

“I am hoping to feel as strong tomorrow and challenge for some bonus seconds,” Randall concluded. “Five down, two to go!”

OFFICIAL RESULTS
FIS Cross Country World Cup
Tour de Ski – Toblach, Italy – Jan. 4, 2013

Women’s 3km Classic

Men’s 5km Classic