Little-known Estonian's finishing kick prevents Norwegian men from sweeping Tartu Marathon
A Norwegian topped the men's results at the Tartu Marathon, while an Estonian was the fastest woman to finish.
The 63 km classical style ski race was won by Eldar Rønning, with a time of 2:43:40.7.
Countryman Audun Laugaland was 16 seconds off his pace.
Just under 5 minutes later, Martti Himma, a Tartu County native, crossed the finish line. Himma has not been considered a world-class, but has surprised before, as in last year's roller ski championships.
Himma prevented Norwegian men from sweeping the podium places with powerful double-poling on the final straightaway. A third Norwegian finished just two second behind Himma.
The fastest women were Tatjana Mannima, a 35-year-odl former Olympian from northeastern Estonia (3:10:01), Italian Antonella Confortola was second with a time of 3:14:50 and Estonian Triin Ojaste was third (3:17:39).
Editor: K. Rikken