Emil Joensson had a great day today as he romped to sprint victory in Lahti and defended the title from last year. Joensson was fighting hard with compatriot Teodor Peterson who came second. Russia's Nikita Kriukov grabbed third place.
Emil Joensson (SWE) defended sprint victory in Lahti from 2011 as he powered to the first sprint World Cup victory for Emil Joensson this season. There were many falls in the men's race. Local hero Matias Strandvall went down after collision with Alexander Panzhinskiy.
Emil Joensson and Nikita Kriukov were fighting hard in the last curve before the downhill to the stadium but they stayed on skis. Peterson went in the lead but could not keep the advantage to the finish lime. Teodor Peterson claimed sixth podium this season at World Cup level.
Teodor Peterson built up the gap on Nikolay Morilov in the Sprint World Cup standing to 114 points.
Emil Joensson (SWE)
I am speechless. I had so many difficulties in the past weeks and today I am back on the top, I did not believe that this is possible. I had a really good prologue and also the heats were good. My further goal is now to have fun with racing and trying to help Teodor to win the overall sprint World Cup.
Teodor Peterson (SWE)
I had a good day from the prologue to the final. In the final heat I tried for the first time another tactic then in the previous races this season and pushed hard already in the uphill and not stay behind. I am satisfied about my second place and as well happy for Emil who had so much difficulties so far. It was an important race for me also with the view on the overall sprint World Cup and I hope I can continue on this.
Nikita Kriukov (RUS)
The final heat was tough. I had good speed and was fast but the Swedish did a bit a team tactic so we had some difficulties in the curve in the downhill. At the end I took the third place and be happy to be on the podium. I am currently not good enough in skating sprint but I hope I can get back my reputation in the classical sprint. I am ready for Drammen.
