It is gold medals for both Ida Haapala, Finland and Veronika Kalinina, Russia in the Long distance race, following a jury meeting yesterday and the absence of any further protest by the deadline. The back-up timing system recorded the same time, 53:46, for both athletes. Grace Molloy, Great Britain takes the bronze medal, her second of the championships.
Ida Haapala, Finland on her way to joint victory Photo: Malin Fuhr
The race developed steadily and a fast time was posted half-way through by Russian Veronika Kalinina, one which was eventually chased down by Haapala in a thrilling finish. Kalinina’s SIAC card failed during the race and did not record at the finish; she did the right thing in hand-punching the remaining controls after the failure.
Today is a rest day, and competition resumes tomorrow with the Middle Qualification.
Leading results
Women
1= Ida Haapala FIN and Veronika Kalinina RUS 53:46
- Grace Molloy GBR 54:17
- Anine Lorne NOR 55:07
- Eliane Deininger SUI 55:19
- Tereza Janosikova CZE 55:59