Sweden takes control of women’s sprint finals – Norwegian Erik Valnes rules men’s CC sprint finals
Emma Ribom took home a clear victory from women’s cross-country sprint race with a 3:00.78 time. From the beginning Ribom was in a form, that was tough to beat for anyone. She won every stage there was, from the quarter finals to the end.
With a convincing 0,85 second win margin, Ribom showed everyone on the ski tracks, that she had speed that she can keep the whole race.
“Great start to the season, I felt strong the whole day and I am super happy with the victory tonight!” Ribom commented after the race.
Sweden got also another reason to celebrate, as one of the favorites going to the race, Jonna Sundling finished second. These two Swedes were clearly better than others at the final, so it was a great showing for Sweden.
Kristine Stavaas Skistad came third, so she got also good showing for herself. Swedes were tough to beat tonight, but she still got to the podium, being 1,81 seconds behind first place Ribom.
Best Finnish performance from this race was 6th place with Jasmi Joensuu. She was impressive at the quarter finals stage, but the final was too hard this time to get to the podium.
“Feelings are good, I have hunger to perform better but this is a good way to start the weekend.” Joensuu told. She takes part at tomorrows 10km cross-country classic.
Erik Valnes – Norwegian rules men’s cross-country finals
What a start to first day of Ruka Nordic Cup. Erik Valnes was the topic of men’s sprint race, as he took first place easily with a 2:37.96 time.
Big favorite going to the competition was of course Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, who placed third at the finals. Valnes seemed very strong and was very dominant at the climbs. He was in a conditioning, that was tough to beat even for Klaebo.
Valnes was great at every stage, and showed in the final climb of the final race that he couldn’t be beaten tonight. Second place was for frenchman Richard Jouve, who was 0,83 seconds behind Valnes.
“I feel very good, it’s been a really good start of the season for me. The shape is obviously good, and tonight I had a great mindset also, which helps with the sprint.” Valnes told after the victory.
Klaebo was 1,70 seconds behind first place Erik Valnes, so it was not the best showing of him. He had corona virus couple weeks ago, which could still affect his performance.
“I mean it was an okay start, I am pretty satisfied with the third place. Valnes and Jouve were very strong today, so I can be happy with tonights performance. Im feeling well and its getting better after the corona, so that also one of the reasons to be happy with the third place.” Klaebo commented after the race.
Best performance from Finland at the men’s cross-country race was from Lauri Vuorinen, who did not qualify for the final, but was at 7th place.
Text: Laajasalon Opisto / Teemu Kotsalo Photo: Kuusamo Opisto / Mikko Järvenpää, Jenni Rannila-Savola