Kowalczyk in pole position with weekend win

The 29-year-old's victory in Saturday's 10 km Classic was doubly sweet, as the showdown, staged in Szklarska Poreba, marked the first time that Poland has hosted a leg of the Cross-Country World Cup.

“The competition here was a storm of emotions that I had not expected,” Kowalczyk revealed in an interview with the Rzeczpospolita daily.

Owing to the poor weather conditions, the Polish ace decided to use a pair of “no wax” skis, which are among her least preferred options.

“It was horribly nerve-racking,” she confided. “I didn't want to eat, I didn't want to sleep - there was only focus on the challenge.” But ultimately, her nerves held. “I only once got a little distracted, when I got to the stadium, but other than that I was on top of the situation,” she affirmed.

Thanks to Saturday's victory, Kowalczyk is now 14 points clear of Norwegian Marit Bjoergen, who has been pushed back to second place. The next round begins on 3 March in Lahti, Finland, but the Polish champion is wary of being too complacent. “Thinking now about the finals in Falun doesn't make any sense, as there is still too much ahead of us,” she concluded (nh).

Photos: Justyna Kowalczyk. PAP/ Grzegorz Momot.