The Russian champions saluted to the audience after winning the women's 4x5km cross country skiing relay at the Turin Winter Olympics on Feb. 18, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

    PRAGELATO PLAN, Italy, Feb. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Russia picked up the gold medal in the women's 4x5km relay, the second gold for Russia in cross country skiing at the Turin Olympics on Saturday.

    Russia snatched the title in 54 minutes and 47.7 seconds, 10 seconds ahead of Germany.

    This was Russia's second gold in cross country, following a gold by Eugenia Dementiev in the men's 30km pursuit.

    Host Italy took the bronze, 1 second behind silver medalist Germany.

    Norway, regarded by many as a dominant nation in the sport, finished a fifth place, 34.1 seconds behind Russia.

    Norway has yet won a gold in cross country skiing, only with three silvers and one bronze to its credit. Enditem

Skiers set off their race for the women's 4x5km cross country skiing relay at the Turin Winter Olympics on Feb. 18, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)