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Didn't give her competition a chance: Therese Johaug
Photo: GIAN EHRENZELLER / EPA
Therese Johaug crowned herself the World Cup Queen of Oberstdorf with a historic performance and secured her fourth cross-country gold at her fourth start in the Nordic championships in the Allgäu.
The 32-year-old Norwegian won the 30-kilometer classic “marathon” in the last women's decision on Saturday and won her 14th world title.
Only Marit Björgen (also Norway / 18) achieved more.
Johaug's lead of 2: 34.2 minutes over her compatriot Heidi Weng after a running time of 1: 24: 56.3 hours was the largest in the history of the World Championship in a women's race.
In 1964 the Soviet squadron won 2:06.8 minutes ahead of Sweden.
Bronze on Saturday went to Swede Frida Karlsson (+2: 34.8), who was hospitalized after a fall.
In great weather, Johaug pulled away on the demanding route after less than four kilometers and had a lead of one minute after a third of the distance.
Nevertheless, the top favorite picked up the pace until the end and demonstrated her power.
After 15 kilometers, Hennig had to tear down
The German ski hope Katharina Hennig, only disappointed 29th in the skiathlon, ran a strong race at the beginning and repeatedly led the small chasing group behind Johaug, but then had to let go at halftime.
National coach Peter Schlickenrieder hoped that his hopefuls would get a second breath - after a fall in the final phase, Hennig was physically and morally exhausted.
So Hennig only came in 18th place. Local hero Laura Gimmler was a brilliant tenth.
"Katha is not doing so well at the moment, she has a circulatory system," said Gimmler of her colleague who, after crossing the finish line, lay in the snow for a long time, shaken by cramps.
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mjm / sid / dpa