Back at the World Cup, Sundling and Klæbo setting the pace
Feb 26, 2022·Cross-Country
With the 97th edition of the Lahti Skigames (FIN), the FIS Cross-Country World Cup reported back in action after the Olympic Winter Games. The first day's competition of a Sprint in Free technique had not only high profiles on the start line, but was also energized by the spectators that were allowed back at the Lahti Skigames after two years of restrictions due to Covid.
Women's Sprint
The Swedish Women were once again best of class in the Sprint in free technique and paced already in the qualifications. Jonna Sundling put the hammer down and won the qualification, 6 seconds ahead of Jessie Diggins. The 27 year-old Swede, who claimed the Olympic Gold medal around three weeks ago, was unstoppable. Especially in the finals, Jonna took the lead right from the start line and took off from her contenders. With her victory, Jonna Sundling celebrates her fourth individual World Cup win.
For the second time on the World Cup podium landed Sundling's team colleague Emma Ribom. The 24 year-young manged to ski together with a team colleague all the way from quarter to finals and didn't let go of her favourite position. In a launch, she crossed the finish line in second position, just before Sprint Overall leader Maja Dahlqvist.
Men's Sprint
Back from the Olympic Winter Games and in lower altitude, Lucas Chanavat from France felt like being "back at home" at the World Cup. "It feels good to get some more air into my lungs when skiing and also have not so long and strong uphills, coming directly from the Olympic Games," he stated after hitting the fastest time in qualification. Johannes Høsflot Klæbo must have felt similar feelings as he was on the chase for the time of Chanavat.
The two Sprint experts races side by side from quarterfinals to semifinals and ended up in a photofinish in the final heat. The pace was high as the finals hit the fastest time of the day. Nevertheless, Klæbo raced to the victory, 0.04 seconds before Chanavat and Sindre Bjørnestad Skar, who was the only one approaching the fastest times and thus claiming the third spot on the podium.
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