CROSS-COUNTRY:

Norway wins relay, Bjoergen registers 4th gold of worlds

March 3, 2011 — The Canadian Press 

OSLO, Norway — Marit Bjoergen earned her fourth gold medal as Norway easily won the women's cross-country relay at the nordic skiing World Championships on Thursday.

Norway took control on the second leg and Bjoergen had more than a 30-second lead when she set out on the anchor leg. She had plenty of time to grab a Norwegian flag to wave on the final straight before crossing the line in 53 minutes, 30.0 seconds.

Sweden took silver after Charlotte Kalla powered clear of Finland's Krista Lahteenmaki to finish 36.1 behind.

Finland was 59.8 seconds back in third.

Therese Johaug gave Norway an 8.7-second lead after the second leg of the classical-style portion, and Kristin Stoermer Steira pulled away further on the first freestyle leg. Vibeke Skofterud skied the first leg for Norway.