Follis, who was 7th in the qualification captured victory in the ladies' 0.9 km free technique sprint just ahead of the American Kikkan Randall.
On third place finished like in the past year Vesna Fabjan. As well in the final skied Celine Brun-Lie (NOR, 4th place), Hanna Falk (SWE, 5th place) and Hanna Brodin (SWE, 6th place). 33-year-old Follis was never before in the individual sprint in Düsseldorf on the podium but like the flat sprint course. The World Champion from Liberec 2009 claimed her third World Cup victory in her career and made her second podium in this season.
In the sprint World Cup ranking, Follis is now leading with 130 points while Kikkan Randall moved on the second spot with 80 points. Leader of the overall World Cup ranking is still Marit Bjoergen (NOR), who is skipping the races in Düsseldorf, ahead of Charlotte Kalla (SWE) and Justyna Kowalczyk (POL).
Quotes
Arianna Follis (ITA)
I’am really happy today. For the first time I won in Düsseldorf. The atmosphere is very nice in Düsseldorf. It is always nice when there are many spectators along the course. The course here is very specific. It is a good one but you have to keep pushing all the time. Tomorrow there is another day and I hope we will be fast again in the team sprint.
Kikkan Randall (USA)
I had a lot of fun out there. Atmosphere was great along the course and it was fun to race today. Every course has its challenge. Some have big uphills some are more flat. Im looking forward to next races in Davos and La Clusaz, I hope to carry on the momentum. I felt strong and knew I could make it.
Vesna Fabjan (SLO)
I finished on the same place as last year. I came sick from Kuusamo and actually even today I am on antibiotics and I did not know if I would race today. Now I am here and it is a nice surprise for me. I do not know if I will ski tomorrow the team sprint as I am still sick. We will make the decision later today
