Relays Remain Russian Domain

Larissa Lazutina collected her third gold medal of the Nagano Olympics and Olga Danilova gained her second as the Russians left their Norwegian rivals trailing to win the women’s 20-kilometer cross-country relay.

Winner of the 5K classical and the 10K pursuit last week, Lazutina took a 22.8-second lead from Elena Vaelbe going into the final leg and crossed the finish line in 55 minutes, 13.5 seconds.

The result Monday means that Russia, with Nina Gavryliouk in the first leg, has won all four women’s cross-country titles in Nagano with the 30K to come on Friday. Lazutina has three golds and a silver and Danilova has two golds and a silver.

Vaelbe, thought to be sidelined for the relay because of a chest illness that has plagued her since the start of the Games, effectively won the gold for the Russians by overturning a slim Norwegian lead halfway through and opening up a huge lead for Lazutina, who waved a big Russian flag as she crossed the finish line, after picking it from a fan 80 yards from home.

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Medalists

Cross-country Skiing

Women’s 5K-Relay

Gold: Russia

Silver: Norway

Bronze: Italy